If you are like most people who are planning a funeral ceremony for a close friend or family member, you want to make sure that the experience is memorable for everyone involved. There are a few important things to consider while planning such a ceremony to ensure that speakers and guests are comfortable throughout. Here are some things to think about when planning a funeral engagement for a loved one.

Closed Casket, Open Casket, or No Casket at All?

This is a big question that should be answered with the input of family most importantly, but also friends. It should also be answered based on the condition of the deceased. If the body is not presentable, it could distress people who attend the funeral ceremony, even if they are just distant friends — let alone close friends or family members.

If you are planning a ceremony without the consent or contribution of the deceased family members, it's probably best to plan the ceremony with no casket at all. You could present a centerpiece that features a large photo of the deceased and some flowers that pay contribution to the occasion instead.

Environmental Décor and Memorabilia

It is also important to think about the environment of the funeral ceremony and how it will impact all the guests. Uplifting photos and colorful flowers will help people feel more positive about the idea of celebrating your loved one's life as opposed to feeling down and out. Consider asking each guest to bring a photo or piece of memorabilia to share at the ceremony and dedicate a table for everyone to put their items on. This should help everyone feel at ease and ensure that they all feel like they are making an important contribution to the memorial.

The Aftermath

You should also think about whether to host a get-together after the funeral where everyone can share food, stories of the deceased, and condolences. Consider whether to host a potluck get-together or whether to reserve a room at a restaurant where everyone can order what they want and pay their own fair, or you can have a buffet set up and everyone can pay a set price. This is an opportunity for people to give speeches when they couldn't at the funeral, and for people to more easily bond through the mourning process overall.

A service provider at the funeral home you decide to work with should be able to help you plan the ceremony and make sure that everyone is comfortable with the end results. For more information on funeral ceremonies, contact a professional near you.