Memorial Service & Bereavement Information Center

During the United States’ grim economic times, families have had to pinch pennies in many areas of their lives, especially when it comes to remembering a loved one that has passed. Funerals, like many other highlights in a person’s life, can cost families thousands of dollars. In reality, one does not need to spend a lot of money to memorialize and remember a loved one who is no longer with us. There are many options families can choose from to memorialize one who has passed that require little or no money.

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Traditional obituaries are usually short, solemn articles meant to let a community know about the passing of one of their own. Most obituaries contain few, if any, interesting or fun elements in them. Name, place of birth, occupation, family — these are all fairly common to include in an obituary. But lately many people are looking for alternative ways to write an obituary, ways that still honor and respect the deceased, but also have a bit of flair, fun and panache to them. Let’s take a look at what these so-called “creative obituaries” are, how they differ from traditional obituaries, and how you can go about creating one.

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The death of a loved one places many difficult, painful responsibilities on the bereaved. From funeral arrangements to wrapping up financial loose ends, the burden of losing a friend or family member can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, creating and sending out funeral notices and obituaries doesn’t need to be an added stress factor. Understanding what these documents are, what is typically included in them, and why they are important helps cut out one more potentially trying aspect of planning a funeral or memorial service.

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A long, drawn out death can be very draining on the family of the loved one passing away. All parties involved can and probably will feel both emotionally and physically exhausted by the time the person has passed. But being aware of your own impending death does have a benefit –being able to pre-plan the funeral or memorial process. Planning a funeral takes a lot of time, focus, and attention, and trying to plan one immediately after the death will only add unnecessary stress to an already difficult time. Pre-planning your own funeral may seem grim and upsetting, but it is far easier for your friends and family than trying to make arrangements when the grief of your passing has just set in.

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It isn’t fun to plan a memorial service or funeral. After all, attendees of the event are likely to confront powerful emotions as they say their final farewells, recall fond memories, and see others who will sorely miss the deceased. One doesn’t have to be an enthusiastic organizer to see the benefits of a well-planned ceremony, however.

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