Though it is not a favorite topic of most, death is a very personal event. When the time comes to leave this world behind, a majority of people have a general idea of how they would like to be remembered. If you’re not the type who finds meaning or comfort in the traditional funeral arrangement, you may wish to do some exploration and find a service that is more fitting for your personality. Since you won’t be around to make sure things go the way you’d prefer, researching alternatives is a task you must take on as early as possible.
Keep It Close to Home
A wake is a traditional ceremony in a number of cultures. In America, for example, a wake is typically held before the burial at a location like a funeral home. If you find the idea of having your body displayed in such an environment off-putting, then a home wake may be more appealing to you. It is not unusual for families to request a wake to take place at the home of the deceased. Instead of friends and family traveling to an impersonal and rather dull location, they will convene in a place that was important to you.
Jump Into Virtual Options
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, group gatherings became forever redefined. Though funerals and wakes have been conducted with limited capacities and rules for social distancing, you may wish to forego a physical gathering entirely. If you’re concerned about the future and don’t want the people closest to you gathering and putting themselves at risk, a virtual service can be a wonderful option. With a digital wake, everyone who matters to you will be able to attend the service regardless of geographical distance.
It can also be useful to work a virtual wake into your funeral requests as a conditional clause. Since social distancing could easily be a thing of the past by the time you pass away, you don’t want your family and friends to feel stuck with this idea. Place the clause in your wishes as a suggestion for times when meeting physically is not wise or is outright restricted.
Consider a Memorial Gathering
A wake offers a chance for friends and family to come together and discuss the life of the departed. Unlike the funeral, which is typically a somber affair, the wake can sometimes be a bit less heavy in mood. If you want your own services to have more life to them, request a memorial gathering instead of a specific wake. A memorial held in an outside place like a park on a beautiful day is an ideal opportunity for the people you love to celebrate your life.
If you are opting for cremation, you may also request your ashes be scattered at the location where the memorial is held. Ask for a ceremony that feels fitting of the life you’ve led, and the rest will fall into place for those planning it for you.
Make the Event Meaningful
Unfortunately, death is not an event with a specific date. You may be blessed with a long life where you have lots of time to plan. Sadly, you could also see it end faster than you’d thought. This means you shouldn’t drag your feet when it comes to making funeral plans. It may feel macabre, but working out your last wishes takes a burden off of the shoulders of the loved ones you leave behind. If you’re at a loss for specific ideas, you can make the general request of keeping the services as meaningful to your life as possible.
Though death may not be a topic you’d like to dwell on for long, a bit of preparation can go a long way. Consider how you’d like to be remembered and work out a plan to help your loved ones remember you in a befitting manner.