Understanding Your Options
At A. Barrett Funeral Services, we believe in empowering families with information to make informed decisions about funeral and memorial services. We offer a variety of options to honor your loved one in a way that reflects their life and values.
Each person's life is unique, and their final tribute should be just as special. We're here to guide you through the available options and help you create a meaningful service that celebrates the life lived and provides comfort to family and friends.
Traditional Funeral Services
A traditional funeral service typically includes a viewing or visitation, a formal funeral service at our funeral home or a place of worship, and a committal service at the cemetery.
Components of a Traditional Service:
- Visitation: An opportunity for family and friends to gather, offer condolences, and pay respects.
- Funeral Service: A formal ceremony that can be religious or secular, held at our chapel or a place of worship.
- Procession: A formal procession from the service location to the cemetery.
- Committal Service: A brief service at the graveside where final words are spoken before burial.
- Reception: A gathering after the services where family and friends can share memories and support one another.
Traditional services can be personalized with music, readings, displays of photographs, and other elements that reflect the personality and life of your loved one.
Cremation Services
Cremation is an increasingly popular choice that offers flexibility in how you choose to honor and remember your loved one. We offer various cremation options that can be combined with traditional or contemporary memorial services.
Cremation Options:
- Direct Cremation: Cremation without a formal viewing or ceremony beforehand.
- Cremation with Viewing: Includes a viewing or visitation before cremation.
- Cremation with Memorial Service: A memorial service held after cremation has taken place.
- Cremation with Celebration of Life: A more personalized and less formal gathering to celebrate the life lived.
Final Disposition Options:
- Placement in a columbarium niche
- Burial in a cemetery plot
- Scattering in a meaningful location
- Keeping in an urn at home
- Division among family members in keepsake urns
Memorial Services
A memorial service is similar to a funeral service but is typically held without the deceased present or after cremation has taken place. This option provides flexibility in timing and location, allowing families to plan a service that best meets their needs.
Memorial Service Options:
- Traditional Memorial Service: A formal service held at our funeral home or a place of worship.
- Celebration of Life: A more personalized and often less formal gathering focused on celebrating the life lived.
- Graveside Service: A service held at the cemetery, often following burial or inurnment.
- Scattering Ceremony: A ceremony held when cremated remains are scattered in a meaningful location.
Memorial services can be personalized with music, readings, video tributes, memory displays, and other elements that reflect the personality and life of your loved one.
Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind
Pre-planning your funeral arrangements is a thoughtful way to ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. Our staff can help you explore options and create a plan that reflects your wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about funeral and cremation options. If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
The main difference is that a funeral service typically has the body present, while a memorial service does not. Funeral services are usually held within a few days after death, while memorial services can be held weeks or even months later, providing more flexibility for planning and attendance.
Yes, you can have a viewing or visitation before cremation. This option allows family and friends to pay their respects and say goodbye. We can arrange for a casket rental for the viewing if you prefer not to purchase a casket.
There are many options for cremated remains, including:
- Placement in a columbarium niche at a cemetery
- Burial in a cemetery plot
- Scattering in a meaningful location (subject to local regulations)
- Keeping in an urn at home
- Division among family members in keepsake urns
- Incorporation into memorial jewelry or other keepsakes
There are countless ways to personalize a service, including:
- Selecting meaningful music, readings, and prayers
- Creating photo displays or video tributes
- Incorporating hobbies, interests, or achievements into the service
- Having family and friends share memories
- Using personal items for display
- Choosing specific flowers or colors
- Creating custom printed materials
Our staff can help you explore personalization options that reflect your loved one's unique life.
Pre-planning offers several benefits:
- Ensures your wishes are known and followed
- Relieves your family of making difficult decisions during a time of grief
- Allows you to make thoughtful, unhurried choices
- Provides an opportunity to discuss your preferences with loved ones
- Can lock in current prices if you choose to pre-fund your arrangements
- Gives you and your family peace of mind
Have Questions About Your Options?
Our compassionate staff is here to help you understand all available options and guide you through the decision-making process. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation.