While many families believe it’s just respectful to have a traditional funeral, others think it’s more appropriate to gather for a celebration of life. When deciding whether you want a traditional funeral vs. celebration of life in Brooklyn, the first step is to investigate what the deceased’s wishes were.
Maybe they left notes or told someone close what they preferred. If no instructions are apparent, then discuss plans with the rest of the family and take note of some of the main differences:
- A traditional funeral is a more stoic, religious affair often with clergy conducting the service that follows a set format as the denomination dictates.
- A traditional funeral service might have religious songs, readings from religious books and certain rites performed.
- A celebration of life is usually a more casual get-together, meant to share happy memories and celebrate the deceased.
- A celebration of life is more likely to have more than one person involved, often many who speak of their relationship and the meaningful experiences they had with the loved one being honored.
Whichever you decide on, Harmony Funeral Home offers the finest services in New York City. And if you can’t decide between a traditional funeral vs. celebration of life in Brooklyn, speak to one of our funeral directors. They can answer any questions you may have and help you find an option that best fits your needs.
You might even decide that you don’t want to make a choice between a traditional funeral vs. celebration of life in Brooklyn — but that a combination of the two styles might be the best way to truly reflect your loved one’s many facets.
What Should I Know About a Traditional Funeral?
A traditional funeral is a somber ceremony to honor someone who died. If the deceased were an especially religious person, they’d probably prefer a more staid, conservative funeral, as would the rest of the family. Directed by a leader in their religion, it would include standard songs and readings particular to a funeral of that religion. A traditional funeral may:
- Take place close to when the death occurred as is the case typically for Jewish and Muslim funerals.
- Focus on ceremonial rites and sacred text readings, often done by family members or the religious leaders like you find at Catholic funerals.
- Be in a religious edifice or the beautiful rooms at Harmony Funeral Home, common for Christian funeral services.
Although friends and family may give eulogies or tell stories, a traditional funeral is usually a sacred and serious ceremony. But individuals have different ideas about funerals now, and though you may think your friend or family member would choose a traditional funeral, many actually are trying out aspects of a less structured celebration of life.
How Do I Organize a Celebration of Life?
A celebration of life is more relaxed than a funeral and can be done at any time. This is helpful to be able to let as many guests as possible attend. Normally, a close friend or relative takes the reigns, since they know the person being honored best.
The deceased may have expressed a desire for more good memories to be shared, not focusing completely on the mourning. You may even be aware of certain aspects that the deceased had planned ahead in a diary or even in their last will and testament. Some items to consider for your loved one may include:
- Music they appreciated
- Readings they liked
- Pictures from various friends and family
- An urn or other memorial memorabilia
You often can take as much time as you need; sometimes they’re done months after someone has passed away. The timing is completely arbitrary. The main point is to create an intimate, special celebration of your loved one, perhaps in a place that they loved or held dear.
Where Can I Hold a Celebration of Life?
You can choose from an infinite number of locations in which to hold a beautiful celebration of life. It depends on what was important to the deceased. If they loved the ocean, for example, you could have it on a beach. Perhaps they were a gourmand, guiding you to hold the festivities at their favorite restaurant. Other options to host a celebration include:
- Park or backyard
- Family home
- Community center
- Church fellowship hall
- School
Mainly, you want the space to be large enough to accommodate the guests, but small enough to be intimate. If you have music or people speaking, you want them to be heard and may need an audio system or other equipment. An outdoor venue also relies on the weather to cooperate, so be sure to have an alternate plan.
What’s the Focus of a Traditional Funeral vs. Celebration of Life in Brooklyn?
A classic funeral is for saying good-bye, reminiscing and bringing closure. Many of the same traits turn out to be the focus of a celebration of life — both are designed to honor the person who died in a manner they would appreciate. A funeral may be more formal and structured, but can be lightened up to be more like a celebration with things like:
- Memories shared in a eulogy and friends asked to speak or recite a favorite verse or prayer.
- The traditional script of a funeral may be altered to allow more sharing and flexibility.
- A conventional funeral can also be held in not-so-traditional places that were special to the deceased, just like a celebration of life.
Then again, you can absolutely have both. It’s nice to have ample amount of time that a celebration of life allows to create a meaningful tribute. You have the time to find a suitable venue and invite the people you want to attend. If you don’t have a traditional funeral or if it’s just immediate family, some things can be added to a celebration of life to give closure to the guests such as:
- Scripture reading from appropriate religion
- Hymn or religious song
- Prayers from friends and family
Having it at a time after the funeral gives the family time to grieve and work through their loss, so that they’re able to celebrate their loved one. If you want a traditional funeral vs. celebration of life in Brooklyn — or a combination of the various aspects — contact Harmony Funeral Home. We’re here to help when you need us most.
Harmony Funeral Home2200 Clarendon Rd.
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 469-6666