Last updated 6 days ago
Attending a funeral can be an emotional and sometimes even uncomfortable experience. During this time of bereavement and celebration of the life of a deceased loved one, it’s important to maintain proper standards of etiquette during memorial services. Here is what to do when you attend a funeral.
Arrive Early
Unless an obituary clearly states that it is a private service, you can assume that your presence and support are welcome at a funeral. When you decide to attend, be sure to leave enough time to park, walk to the service, find a seat, and sign the registry or guest book. If the family is greeting people, keep your interaction brief so the services can begin on time.
Be Respectful
Funeral services range from conservative, religious affairs to extremely informal events. Always remain respectful, and never chat with those around you or eat or drink during the services. Unless you have an emergency, do not use your cell phone. If you have small children who are creating a distraction, excuse yourself from the service until they have calmed down.
Dress Appropriately
While many people still opt for black, others feel more comfortable in dark or neutral colors. Because funeral standards have generally relaxed, you can usually feel free to wear conservative clothing in subdued shades such as navy, gray, or brown. Avoid selecting revealing clothing or overtly bold or bright colors.
Express Emotion
A funeral is a time for both celebrating life and grieving the passing, and mourners express emotion in different ways. During a funeral, don’t feel guilty about causing someone else to cry or crying yourself. Remember, the focus is on the family of the deceased. If you find that you become overwhelmed or are weeping, politely excuse yourself.
At St. Louis Cremation, our funeral home will work with you to create a memorial service that properly honors your recently passed loved one. Our attentive and compassionate staff can handle the cremation and funeral so you can focus on the healing process. Call our St. Charles office today at (314) 332-2783 to learn more about our services.
Last updated 13 days ago
Why do humans commemorate their loved ones with funeral services? Whether you choose cremation or burial, a funeral is a symbolic ritual. This important ceremony helps survivors take an important step towards moving forward with their grief and allows close friends and family to celebrate and honor the life of a deceased loved one. As you search for meaning after the death of a close friend or family member, funeral services allow you to embrace others and seek comfort. Finally, a funeral reminds survivors that they have lasting support networks, and gives those who were fortunate enough to know the deceased an opportunity to pay their respects.
St. Louis Cremation is Missouri’s oldest and largest provider of cremation services, and our compassionate, professional staff is committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible. To learn more about our funeral services, call our downtown St. Louis funeral home today at (314) 332-2783.
Last updated 20 days ago
Losing a friend or family member is bound to be a difficult time. While many people find solace in services that commemorate their loved one and celebrate their time together, grief is a natural part of the mourning and healing process. Here is a closer look at the five stages of grief.
Denial
After a loved one passes away, many people understandably deny that such a situation is even possible. Experts usually cite this tendency as the first stage of grief, and friends and family members may isolate themselves from others as they struggle to cope with their loss.
Anger
If you feel angry after the death of a friend, you are not alone. People who are struggling with a sea of emotions may lash out at others or even feel angry with themselves. If your loved one is grieving, it is important to remain non-judgmental and understand that anger is a completely natural part of the grieving process.
Bargaining
As you struggle to come to terms with your pain, you may offer to bargain with a higher power. You may promise to be a better person or live a more fulfilling life if only your suffering will end.
Depression
Of course, bargaining does not offer a sustainable solution, and many individuals who are grieving slip into bouts of darkness and depression. At this point, you may be overcome with sadness and despair. Remember, even this sadness is an important and valuable part of mourning.
Acceptance
In the final stage of mourning, you will accept that your loved one is no longer physically with you. At this point, many people begin to truly cherish their time with their loved one and his or her lasting presence.
If your loved one has recently passed, you deserve to work with a compassionate and professional funeral home. St. Louis Cremation’s funeral and cremation services seek to celebrate and honor the life of your friend or family member, and our experienced staff will take over the detailed planning so you have the time and space you need to properly grieve. To learn more call us today at (314) 332-2783.
Last updated 27 days ago
Are you planning a funeral service? As you will learn in this video, selecting a favorite flower or color of the deceased is a beautiful way to commemorate his or her life. Many people opt for classic white flowers such as Asiatic lilies or fresh roses to symbolize purity, honor, and respect. The traditional standing wreath may be placed on its own; if you select cremation, the ring of flowers may be placed around the urn to accord it a special dignity.
You can depend on the most trusted funeral home in St. Louis for dignified funeral and cremation services. St. Louis Cremation offers an assortment of affordable commemorative services for your loved one. For more information, call us today at (314) 332-2783.
Last updated 1 month ago
If you have recently lost a close friend or family member, you know how important it is to honor their life in a meaningful, loving funeral service. But the decision to choose between burial and cremation can be a bit more complex, and the choice is often very personal. Here is why cremation is a respectful way for many people to memorialize their loved one.
Simpler Service
Whether you are planning your own services to alleviate your family from the burden or you are yourself planning a family member’s funeral, cremation is often chosen for its simplicity. As religious restrictions increasingly diminish and ties to traditions become weaker, cremation allows many people to move on and focus on celebrating their loved one’s life.
Affordable Option
If you are like most Americans, financial concerns have a significant impact on your choice of how to best lay your loved one to rest. In fact, 30% of all people cite economic concerns as the primary reason for selecting cremation. By alleviating the financial burden on friends and family members, cremation can permit those who survive the deceased to commemorate a lost life in their own special ways.
Spiritual Preference
Religions have different guidelines for proper funeral services, and some people prefer the spiritual fulfillment of having their loved one’s remains nearby or scattering their ashes over an especially meaningful area. If you prefer to celebrate your loved one’s life in an alternative setting, cremation can allow for greater flexibility in funeral services.
Environmental Commitment
As environmental considerations become more important, many individuals prefer not to take up additional land for a burial. Some are also concerned about cemeteries’ potentially adverse effects on the planet from an environmental standpoint.
St. Louis Cremation is proud to offer compassionate and comprehensive funeral services to the St. Louis and St. Charles metropolitan areas. To explore your options for commemorating your loved one with dignity and honor, call our family-owned funeral home today at (314) 332-2783 and ask about our burial and cremation services.
