The passing of a loved one is a difficult time in anyone's life. Whether their passing was imminent, or it came as a surprise, there’s no doubt that the following days and weeks can be heartbreaking.

During these difficult times, the right funeral home in North Park, Chicago can assist you with making the necessary arrangements. However, because organizing a memorial service is a personal process, many people choose to oversee the planning themselves.

It’s important that the funeral planning process does not become a source of stress or contention for your family members. To help with the matter, this funeral home in North Park, Chicago is going to provide a brief guide that you can follow when planning a meaningful memorial service for a loved one.

Step 1: What is your budget?

The funeral or memorial service depends upon the family's budget. If you can spend a significant amount, you can have all elements involved in the service. But if you're on a budget, a simple one will do.

The most important part of a service is celebrating the life of the deceased and making peace with the reality that a loved one is gone.

Step 2: What kind of disposition to hold?

The first thing that needs to be done when someone passes away is to decide on the body's final disposition.

Traditional burial is the most common form in North Park, Chicago. But there is also cremation that can be considered. Other choices include natural burial and alkaline hydrolysis, which are relatively new options for body disposition.

Whatever your choice is, the deceased's wishes, family values, and traditions will have a significant impact on your decision.

Step 3: Where and when will it be held?

Once you have decided the form of disposition for the deceased's body, setting the date and the venue for the service comes next.

The service can be held almost anywhere. You can choose to have it in your home, church, a funeral home in North Park, Chicago, or wherever you want. But do consider what the venue means for the deceased and significant factors like fees, transportation, and venue capacity.

If you plan on having a funeral service, you need to remember that it is typically done one to two weeks after the death, and the body should be present during the service. However, a memorial service can be done months after passing. And the body does not have to be present.

Step 4: What should be included in the service?

Numerous elements can be included in a funeral or memorial service. Some of these include:

· Participants such as the officiant or clergy, readers of passages or prayers, and eulogists

· Musicians

· Food and refreshments

· Flowers

· Personal tributes such as a video presentation or a memory board.

You can choose to have all these and more at the service or opt for a simpler, more intimate gathering.

Step 5: What do you prefer as a token of condolences?

It is customary for visitors offering their last respect to the deceased to give flowers to express their sympathy and support.

However, in recent years, the families left behind prefer to receive donations instead of or in addition to flowers. You can specify this request in obituaries, so people who come to the service or send their condolences are informed.

Looking for the Right Funeral Home in North Park, Chicago?

If you are organizing a memorial service for a loved one, it’s important that you find the right funeral home whose staff can carry out the service exactly as you’ve planned it. If you are looking for the most trusted funeral home in North Park, Chicago, look no further than Cooney Funeral Home. We are here to assist you in any way possible. Contact us anytime at 773-588-5850.