Choosing the Products
Now that you have thought more about burial or cremation for your loved one, you will need to choose the products such as caskets, cremation containers, personalization pieces and memorialization products. Below is a general idea of what can be available from the funeral home.
Casket Selections
We have a number of caskets that you can choose from. Choose from cloth caskets, wood caskets and metal caskets. we can customize many of the caskets to pay a fitting tribute to your loved one.
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Cremation Vaults
If you have chose cremation, a traditional-style casket is not required, although a cremation container to hold and transport the body of your loved one is necessary. If you choose to have a viewing or have the deceased present at the funeral prior to cremation, we offer viewing and rental caskets.
Vault Selections
Outer Burial Vaults
Outer burial vaults are used primarily for two specific reasons:
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To support the grave: we have all walked in cemeteries and have found the ground to be very uneven in many areas. The use of a vault eliminates the settling of the grave. Many cemeteries prefer the use of burial vaults for obvious maintenance reasons.
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To protect the casket and remains: for many families this is extremely important and for some families it is not. This is a very personal choice and should be considered carefully.
The outer burial vaults we offer are made of fibreglass and are guaranteed by the manufacturer to withstand the pressures experienced underground. Although most cemeteries in our service region do not require any type of outer container, there are a few that have regulations as to what they expect to be used. We can advise you on any regulations pertaining to your preferred cemetery.
Urn Selections
When cremation occurs generally the cremated remains are placed in a permanent urn. The urn may be present for services, used for the final interment or kept in a special place in the home. Urns are made of numerous materials generally in categories of hardwood, metal, ceramic or stone. Many families have appreciated the option of personalized engraving. We also offer a smaller selection of miniature urns also called "keepsakes" which will hold a token portion of the cremated remains, a lock of hair or earth from the gravesite.
The value of an urn is determined by the material from which is it made and the craftsmanship involved in its production. A wide range is offered providing choices in all price ranges.
Personalization Options
As you begin to think about personalizing the funeral, turn your thoughts to your memories of the person who died. Think about his or her qualities and what he or she meant to others. Consider his or her passions, hobbies, pastimes, likes, dislikes.
You might try making a list of the following:
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Attributes or passions of the person who died
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Special memories to share
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Achievements of the person who died
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Important people to include somehow
Personalize the elements of ceremony
Once you've given thought to the unique life and personality of the person who died, it's time to incorporate those memories into the funeral plan. Be creative as you, together with your family, friends, funeral director and the person who will lead the service, consider how to remember and honour this special person.
A good way to personalize the funeral is to personalize the common elements of funeral ceremonies. Please remember that it is important to include the officiant in these plans as he or she may have suggestions or requirements based on church and/or denominational traditions. These are some elements of the service that you may be able to personalize:
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The visitation
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The eulogy
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The music
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The readings
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The committal service
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The gathering or reception
Memorialization Products
There are a number of ways to memorialize your loved one and ensure he or she is remembered and honoured. Choose from a line of personalized stationary to send those attending the service home with a keepsake, or honour the life lived with a DVD tribute video. There are many memorialization options that can help you say your final goodbyes and remember a life well lived.
If you have questions or would like to explore your options, please contact us.