Our list of the most frequently-asked questions will certainly shed light on the topic of memorial services. Still, it may not have the answer to your specific question. If that is the case, give us a call at 713.682.3663.
| What is a memorial service? |
| A memorial service, as opposed to a funeral, is a remembrance ceremony which is guided by a celebrant or master of ceremonies instead of a clergy member. It provides an opportunity for all who attend to participate, rather than simply observe and reflect. |
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| How does it differ from a celebration-of-life or funeral? |
| Each memorial service is unique but, in general, memorial services can be thought of as a middle ground between traditionally formal funeral services and more informal celebration-of-life ceremonies. The details depend heavily on the deceased, their wishes, and the wishes of the surviving family. |
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| Which type of service format is right for me and my family? |
| There’s no right or wrong answer, here, but your funeral director will be able to show a spectrum of possibilities and answer questions to help you arrive at the best decision. |
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| How much will it cost? |
| When you sit down for your arrangement conference, a General Price List will be provided which details basic service costs as well as a range of ancillary products and services you may choose from. It’s impossible to quote a price outright, as each service is different. |
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| What "extra" fees or charges will I need to pay? |
| You’ll need to plan for purchases made from outside vendors through the funeral home, as well as considerations like newspaper obituary fees, clergy or musician’s fees, floral arrangements, food and beverage costs, and facility rental. |
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| What are "cash advance items"? |
| Cash advance items are products and services purchased from third party vendors such as those described above, which you’ll be asked to pay for at the time of the arrangement conference. Your funeral director will furnish a detailed invoice of all cash advance items. |
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| How and when should I pay? |
| Generally, you can expect to pay at the signing of the service contract. |
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| What's involved in planning a memorial service? |
| Beyond the basics such as location, date, and time, planning a memorial means figuring out the details of the service itself; meaningful readings, musical selections, food and beverages, and any other celebratory or remembrance activities you’d like to take place during the service. |
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| How much will I have to be involved? |
| In short, as much as you’d like to be. Once the basics are established, your funeral director and his or her staff can handle as much of the process as necessary, but your involvement is always welcome. |
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| What items will I need to bring to the funeral home? |
| In addition to the documents and information required for the death certificate and obituary, you may wish to bring photographs or other items to be used in making a tribute video or decorating the service location. |
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| What is a civil celebrant? How can he or she help? |
| Think of a civil celebrant as a professional storyteller and emcee who, in place of a clergy member, works closely with the bereaved to craft a ceremony honoring the values, beliefs, culture, and accomplishments of the deceased. |
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| Will I, or another family member, need to write the obituary? |
| While the funeral director with whom you meet during the arrangement conference will typically write the obituary, you’ll need to provide the necessary documents, records, and other important details to help them do so. |
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| What's the meaning of the phrase "in lieu of flowers"? |
| “In lieu of flowers” suggests that mourners make a memorial donation in place of a floral arrangement. |
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| Do I have to ask for memorial donations in the obituary? |
| No; however, many choose to use memorial donations as a way to “do good” in the name of the deceased. |
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