Though end-of-life celebrations have evolved over the years, one constant remains: they continue to play a prominent role in the grieving process.
Funeral and memorial services are often thought of to only honor the deceased. And while that’s absolutely a component of end-of-life services, funerals are also equally as important for the living, giving grievers a safe place to gather and embrace the reality of a loss.
When planning services for a loved one, we sometimes come across families who say the deceased didn’t want a funeral or memorial service. It might be because their loved one didn’t want “the attention on them” or perhaps they thought it could save their surviving family money. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that when you pass, a funeral is an important time for your surviving family to come together to grieve comfortably and honor your unique life lived.
If you’re considering documenting your own final wishes, we explore four reasons why funerals are essential for survivors experiencing a loss.
1. Funerals allow your loved ones to say goodbye.
Funerals offer survivors the chance to reflect on their loved one’s life and segue into the grieving process with a sense of closure. Funerals also offer a sense of comfort for survivors and a chance to say goodbye in a meaningful and memorable way.
Having the chance to say goodbye is also a vital part of the grieving process, allowing survivors to find peace in their loved one’s passing and begin moving forward.
2. Funerals are a part of the healing process.
There’s no greater challenge than to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, and funerals give survivors the opportunity to process these emotions in a safe, comforting environment.
Preparing for a funeral also allows survivors to reflect on beloved memories, acknowledge and accept their loss, and begin a healthy grieving period.
3. Funerals allow your loved ones to celebrate your life.
While funerals are often associated with sadness and loss, they don’t always have to be. Many survivors take this opportunity to personalize a funeral or memorial service to celebrate their loved one’s life—whether that includes playing a favorite song, choosing a meaningful flower arrangement or incorporating memorabilia from their loved one’s favorite hobby.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
We all have a unique answer to this question. Some of us want to be remembered by our accomplishments or our involvement with our family. Regardless of how you want to be remembered, these narratives can be carried out throughout your final arrangements with personalization.
4. Funerals create a support system.
Funerals often give survivors the opportunity to connect, share unique stories about their loved one and feel supported during one of the most difficult times of their lives. In some instances, families will gather to create photo boards or video compilations of their loved one to share at an end-of-life celebration—an act that can resurface happy memories and bring comfort during a difficult time.
Funeral also offer a sense of community, letting survivors know that they’re not alone in their grief. Without a funeral, the opportunity for survivors to gather and reflect on a loved one’s life is lost.
Preplan Your Funeral as a Final Act of Love
Organizing and sharing your final wishes may not be at the top of your priority list—we understand most people don’t want to think about their own passing.
But as you look to get your final affairs to help your surviving loved ones, it’s important to decide if you’d like your family to hold a celebrate of life for you, and what elements you’d prefer are included.
To begin this process, feel free to contact one of our funeral directors who will walk you through final arrangement considerations from final disposition, to final gathering preferences, to how you want to be remembered.