Designing Your Funeral
Designing a funeral service involves two key aspects. The first is deciding how you want to celebrate and honor the life of your loved one. Once those important details are determined, we focus on how to care for the physical remains in a way that reflects those wishes.

Honoring a Life
A funeral or memorial service is a time for family and friends to come together and grieve, offering support and comfort. It’s a deeply human practice that helps us heal and move forward. Whether you choose a traditional service or something more contemporary, the goal is to create an experience that feels personal and meaningful.
The options for the service are endless—you can select the location, date, and time that best suit you and your family. You can choose the music, prayers, and readings, or even have a favorite song or special tribute played. Additionally, we can arrange for symbolic acts like releasing doves, butterflies, or balloons at the end of the ceremony. Keepsake gifts such as wildflower seeds or tree seedlings are another way to provide guests with something meaningful to remember the occasion. We’re here to assist in planning a service that truly honors the life of your loved one.

Burial vs. Cremation
One of the next key decisions is whether to choose burial or cremation. Many people have a clear preference, often shared by their loved one. However, when these wishes are unclear, it can be a difficult choice for the family. If you’re unsure, we’re here to help guide you through the process and make the best decision for your family and your loved one.
If burial is selected, we will help with selecting a casket, vault, and cemetery. If cremation is preferred, the next step is to decide where the remains will be placed—whether in a mausoleum niche, scattered, or buried in a cemetery.
For those who are interested in an environmentally-conscious option, many communities now offer “green burials.” If your loved one would prefer this, we can guide you to the right choice.
Moving Forward
Now that you have an idea of the basic decisions involved, take some time to reflect on what feels right for your family. If possible, gather your family to discuss their thoughts and wishes. This can help clarify the path forward and ensure that everyone’s needs and desires are considered.
If you're still unsure or would like additional guidance, speaking with a professional funeral planner can be a helpful next step. Feel free to reach out to us at (973) 674-6100 to discuss how we can help make this process as smooth and meaningful as possible.