The Different Types of Memorial Services Available

As you go through the estate planning process, you will eventually need to determine what sort of funeral and memorial plans you want to arrange for yourself. This is not always the easiest subject to approach for people, as it can seem rather morbid. However, the more you are able to arrange before your death, the easier it will be on your loved ones at a time when they will already be grieving.

Below are a few of the most common types of memorial services. Some people choose all of these options, with others going for just one or two.

• Wake: A wake is a formal gathering at which people celebrate and remember your life. There are both moments of joy and sadness. It is an opportunity for family members to come together, share memories and grieve together. It can be an important part of moving on and providing each other with much-needed comfort.
• Viewing: This is a gathering that gives family and friends the opportunity to view or be in the presence of your body. It is most commonly held at a mortuary or funeral home, but you are able to choose another location.
• Funeral: Funerals are the most traditional form of memorial ceremony, typically held in churches or funeral homes. The body is usually either in an open or closed casket at the ceremony. There are no real requirements for funerals. Religious people tend to have church services such as a mass, prayer service or blessing. Military veterans might have military funerals.
• Other memorial ceremonies: These less-formal ceremonies are usually held some time after the burial, and may take place anywhere. Like a wake, these are gatherings that give people the chance to come together and share memories and commemorate the life of their loved one.

For more information on your memorial service options as part of your estate plan, meet with a knowledgeable Tampa attorney at BaumannKangas Estate Law.