Q: What’s the best advice you would give someone about funerals?
A: Very simply: be prepared. I don’t mean merely to expect to have a funeral or mention your final wishes to your spouse, but to plan everything in advance—and in detail—with the help of a professional. If I could give a single piece of advice, this is what I would recommend to anyone. The most difficult thing we see is families who are not prepared for the loss of a loved one. The surviving family members are forced to create a plan while they mourn, which can make an emotional situation worse. There are over a hundred questions that need to be answered before a funeral can take place. That’s a lot to think about when you should be focused on coming together as a family. A plan can help your loved ones to better cope with the loss, allowing them to focus on what’s most important. And, you can feel comfortable in knowing that your personal wishes are known.
Q: Is it really possible to plan my own life’s celebration?
A: Yes! By making your arrangements in advance, you can plan a service or memorial of your choosing.
And whether that means special music and flowers or a grandiose catered event with a string quartet, it’s all up to you. We help individuals create celebrations that truly reflect their personalities and passions. The result is a beautiful and memorable event that allows family and friends to say good-bye in a unique way and know that they have carried out their loved one’s wishes.
Q: Do you have any advice about talking to my family about funeral planning?
A: One way to make the discussion less difficult is to approach the topic as a means of everyone being
prepared in advance. Set aside a time when your family can gather in a comfortable setting, and allow your loved ones to share their thoughts about your plans. To help ease the discussion with your family, our funeral home offers a free Personal Planning Guide, a valuable planning tool where you can record and organize your final wishes. In it, you’ll find many questions that you and your family may not have considered and that can help to prompt a real conversation about your options. You can contact us to get your Personal Planning Guide today.
By making your arrangements in advance, you can plan a service or memorial of your choosing.
This information is brought to you by Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery and the eight other Dignity Memorial® providers in the Denver area. As part of the largest network of funeral homes, cemeteries and cremation facilities in North America, your Dignity Memorial professionals are dedicated to providing the greater Denver community and families nationwide with compassionate, professional and personal service. For more information or to find the provider nearest you, please visit www.DignityDenverFuneralHomes.com.
