Four Primary Parts of a Traditional Funeral that Idaho Funeral Homes Can Help You Plan
Planning a funeral, particularly when under emotional stress, can be tough but funeral homes in Idaho can support you by shouldering this burden. The death of a loved one can make you feel lost so it is tough to know exactly where to start in arranging some type of service or tribute. If the deceased did not really share any preferences for their death care, it is important to talk with family members before meeting with one of the Idaho funeral homes. This step can help you better gather your thoughts before meeting with a funeral director about the details.
There are many styles of funerals these days as our society is more technologically advanced and transient, with family and friends spread across the globe. Cremation is an option as funeral homes in Idaho will explain, especially if cost and simplicity is a factor. However, many people still feel that a traditional funeral with all of its parts would be the best send-off for a loved one. It is important that while a traditional funeral service has several parts, these parts can be personalized to tailor your specific requests.
Idaho Funeral Homes Can Help Plan the Wake or Visitation
One part of a traditional funeral service is visiting the deceased prior to the actual funeral event. Referred to as a wake, visitation or viewing, this is a time for family, friends and others that cared for the deceased to come together to visit the departed one last time. Funeral homes in Idaho can assist in the planning details such as whether to have a closed or open casket during the wake as well as casket selection. You can also choose the clothing, jewelry and other personal items that you want the deceased to wear for the viewing.
Final disposition of the deceased is also covered by Idaho funeral homes during the planning. There is a common misconception that by choosing cremation, you cannot have a traditional service. Two primary choices are available as to final disposition or what to do with the body. Funeral homes in Idaho will explain that your preference of a burial or cremation can dictate timing of the traditional funeral service but does not eliminate this option.
Of course, timing may also require that embalming becomes necessary too. Idaho state regulations dictate that after the first 24 hours of death, embalming or refrigeration of the body becomes necessary. If a wake or visitation is planned, Idaho funeral homes will likely require embalming to maintain the integrity of the deceased's appearance.
The Funeral Homes in Idaho Role in Planning the Honor Ceremony
After the wake or visitation comes the more formal part of a traditional funeral service - the honor ceremony. This part typically comes a day or two afterward. It is during this time that family, friends and other people pay tribute to the deceased. Sometimes, a clergyman may say a few words or a few people special to the deceased may do a eulogy. Bible passages, poetry or speeches may take place in addition to music. Idaho funeral homes can manage the sequence of events for this honor ceremony. They can also coordinate flower and plant deliveries that arrive in honor of the deceased. If any donations are sent in lieu of flowers, the funeral director or personnel can ensure they are directed to the appropriate places. Sometimes, close family may request donations made to a special nonprofit group or organization that was close to the deceased's heart.
Procession and Interment is Coordinated by Funeral Homes in Idaho
The procession occurs after the funeral service is completed. Idaho funeral homes typically have a hearse that transports the deceased to their final resting place. close family and friends will follow the hearse in their own vehicles for the last stage in the funeral process - interment.
Interment is the final step in the funeral process and this is when final disposition of the deceased occurs. If you choose a casket burial, this may be at a cemetery with a final committal service at graveside. Funeral homes in Idaho will tell you that an ash-filled urn after cremation may also be buried at a cemetery or even placed within a columbarium. Another post-cremation option is the scattering of the ashes after the funeral service. Additional words of comfort or even special music can be played at the interment. It is all a matter of what you decide as the next of kin arranging the details.
Optional Addition that Idaho Funeral Homes May Suggest
It doesn't happen with every funeral but the custom of a reception after the traditional funeral service is popular. It is a time where those who could not attend the actual service or interment can still pay their respects to the deceased's family. Funeral homes in Idaho will tell you that this option can be a great comfort to you as well as a way to remember the deceased and share memories of them.
While there are no rules or regulations in the state that requires you to hire a funeral professional, it can be a great help to you during a difficult time. The expert counseling of Idaho funeral homes can make the planning process a lot smoother - and with less stress.
I found Heritage Cremation when I was calling funeral homes in the area to make cremation arrangements for my brother. The cremation cost was a big concern for me and compared to the other funeral homes I found Heritage Cremations had the best price and the most compassionate staff. I was a bit worried because the cremation services price at Heritage Cremation was so much less than the other cremation services I was quoted, but I have to say the cremation service was beautiful. Visitors actually complimented me on the cremation service, and the kindness of the staff at Heritage Cremation. 
