Making Funerals a More Positive Occasion

Funerals certainly aren’t a laughing matter. And it may be very difficult to find anything to be happy about after losing someone you’ve loved. That said, many families are increasingly trying to use funerals to celebrate the life of a loved one in a more positive fashion. There is certainly nothing wrong with that. If you or someone you know is looking for funeral homes in or near Clayton, IN, you should know that there are multiple options when it comes to the kind of service you decide to hold. Not all funerals are equal. They don’t have to look and feel the same way. And while we generally want to set a somewhat dignified tone, that doesn’t mean everything should seem as somber as it possibly can. There should be a welcome balance between acknowledging the grief that many may be experiencing and assuring that the deceased is remembered in a more positive fashion. 

The first place to start is consulting the last wishes of the deceased. He or she may well have spoken to the kind of tone that should characterize a funeral service or memorial service. If there was intent with respect to this kind of issue, that should be fully taken into consideration. If last wishes or other written instructions don’t speak to this kind of thing, the next step is to think about the individual’s personality and general preferences. When planning funerals for people who were particularly upbeat and positive, it makes sense to plan a funeral that reflects those kind of virtues. While you should avoid any arrangements that seem to trivialize one’s loss, there is nothing wrong with emphasizing all the good things about his or her life. 

How do we do this? Much hinges upon the kind of music and readings that you may select for the funeral. Are they depressing and focused on loss? Or do they instead emphasize all the good things one might associate with the deceased and the life they lived? Remember that you can always focus on the happier moments of their life—the accomplishments, friendships, memories, and legacy. Those are important things. Many of us wish to be remembered accordingly. There is certainly a place for grieving. But there is also a place for celebration. For some families, that is an incredibly vital distinction. 

You can always ask those who speak at a funeral to emphasize these kinds of things and put a more positive spin on whatever they wish to share. You can encourage guests to ditch the black attire and wear something more cheery. You can also think about more casual environments in which the service itself may be held. There are ultimately a lot of ways to make an otherwise sad and difficult occasion feel more positive. 

If you are interested in funeral homes in the Clayton, IN, area, consider reaching out to Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. We know that every funeral is different, and we are prepared to work with your family on getting the tone just right. You can visit us at 39 E High St, Mooresville, IN 46158 or place a phone call to (317) 831-2080.