Tips for Preparing the Eulogy

Going through the loss of a loved one is something that is harrowing and that can leave you struggling with grief. To help you with getting closure and healing, it can be important to think about giving a eulogy at the service. This can make it possible for you to say goodbye to the person and to get started coming to terms with the loss. If you want to prepare and give a eulogy, there are some things that providers of cremation services in Gilford, NH want you to remember.

Take the time to consider the personality of your loved one. This should impact the kind of eulogy you want to write. If the person was someone who loved telling funny stories, it may not seem right to write a very serious eulogy. You want to be able to incorporate a bit of who they were in the eulogy itself and that is something that can make a difference in the tone you choose.

You also want to have a clear idea of how long a eulogy should be. Most eulogies are about five to ten minutes long, but you want to remember that the closer you get to ten minutes, the more distracted people will be. This is something that can make a difference. If you know there will be many people speaking, you may also want to take that into consideration so that everyone has a chance to say what they want to say.

It is also important that you practice the eulogy. On the day of the service, you will be going through many emotions and you do not want to have to worry about nerves on top of that. By practicing, you can get a better sense of what it will be like on the day of the service. You want to consider practicing in front of someone you trust, as well. This can give you a good sense of what it will be like during the service.

You should also take the time to read or listen to examples of eulogies. This can make it easier for you to get a clear idea of the kind of structures that it can have and much more that you want to know. Look online for examples, or ask a provider of funerary services for help.

These are some of the things that you want to remember when getting ready to write the eulogy for a loved one. There are all manner of things you need to consider, including the tone that you want the eulogy to have and how long it should be. If you want to know more about how to write one, you can reach out to a Gilford, NH cremation services provider like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are ready to help you with all of the questions and concerns you may have. Stop by our location right now or give us a call to speak with one of our experts.

Misconceptions about Funeral Services

When you start planning the kind of funerary services you want for a loved one, something you need to remember is that there are misconceptions out there. This is especially true about funerals. You may not be sure what you can do with a funeral service or even when you can plan one, so it can make a difference to learn about this. Here are some common misconceptions that directors of funeral homes in Gilford, NH want you to know and consider as you start planning the service.

One misconception people have about funeral services is that you cannot choose to have one if the person you lost was cremated. That is not true. If you want the casket present, you can choose to have the service before the cremation, while if you do not want the casket there, you can wait until the cremation is done and have the urn present. You should not feel limited in what you plan for a loved one, so keep that in mind.

Another misconception you want to know about is that you have to have the service right after the death. This is only the case if you want to have the casket present. If you do not, you can choose to have the funeral service whenever you prefer. This can be important for people who are worried about having to rush to make arrangements after the death of the person and while they are still having a hard time with grief. There is no reason for you to have to rush if you do not want to.

You may also have heard that embalming is required. That is not the case. You can choose not to embalm the person if that is what you prefer. The only time that you do have to choose embalming is if you want to have a viewing or if you want to have an open casket. This can be important to remember if you have a limited budget or if you are worried about chemicals seeping into the ground.

It is also important to know about the misconceptions people have about caskets and coffins. People tend to think they are the same thing, but that is not the case. A casket has four sides and is what is used the most in this country, while a coffin has six sides and is mostly used overseas.

When you start planning the funeral service for a loved one, you want to be sure that you keep these misconceptions in mind. You want to know as much as possible about the options that you have so that you are not struggling to find the best options. If you want to get started planning the funeral service for a loved one, you can reach out to a Gilford, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Our team is here to help you with all of the arrangements you need to make. You can give us a call today or you can visit us right now.

Writing a Letter of Sympathy

It is never easy to know what to say to someone who has lost a loved one, but it can be a good idea to write them a letter of sympathy. This letter can allow you to tell them how much you are thinking of them and that you are there if they need you. If you have not written this kind of letter before, you may not know how to write it, however. Here are some tips that providers of cremation services in Laconia, NH want you to keep in mind.

When you start the process, one of the best things that you can do is read examples so that you can get a good sense of what you can say and add. You can also see the kind of structure that the letter should have and what you can include in it. There are lots of sites online that can allow you to read examples.

It is important to get a good sense of what you want to say. Many people try to let the person know that they, too, have gone through a difficult time and that they have struggled with death, but that is not something that you should focus on. It can make the person feel like their grief is not as important. Instead, focus on acknowledging what they are going through and offering your condolences. Avoid mentions of what you are feeling about the death, but mention that you feel for the family.

Another thing to remember is that you want to offer help. The kind of help that you want to offer should be specific so that the person takes you up on it. People who are dealing with a death tend not to accept help very easily because they do not want to bother anyone, so offering specific help is important. One of the things that you can do is offer the person a gift certificate for a place that delivers meals. This can make it easier for them to eat correctly and not struggle to have to cook meals.

You also want to be sure to include an apology in the letter if you were unable to attend the service of the person who died. You do not have to give an excuse, so just focus on the apology. You can also offer to visit the person whenever they are available.

These are all tips that can help you write the kind of sympathy letter that you want for your loved one. Be sure to focus on what they are going through and on offering specific help so that they will take you up on it. If you want to know more about how to write a sympathy letter, you can reach out to a Laconia, NH cremation service provider like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are ready to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today to know more.

Dos and Do Nots of Finding a Funeral Home

After a death, you want to be able to depend on the right providers for the funerary services you want for the person. This is essential and it can have a huge impact on the quality of services that you get for the person. To be sure that you choose the best provider, there are some dos and do nots that you want to remember when you decide on the right funeral home in Laconia, NH.

Do ask for recommendations. You likely know someone who had to make this decision recently, too, so it can help to ask people for recommendations. You can narrow choices down by asking for this, since you will have a better idea of what you can expect from the provider.

Do not skip reading up on the company’s history. You have to be able to trust that they will be able to offer the quality options you need and that can only happen if they have been in the industry for a long time and have the right experience. Take the time to ask if they have a website, since this can tell you a lot about the company. You will want to check how long they have been working in the area, as well.

Do ask for a list of services from the company. You need to be sure that they can offer exactly what you want for your loved one. If you want to give them a traditional burial or a direct cremation, this is not as crucial, but if you are looking for a service that is less common, like bio cremation, it can make a big difference to ask about this before making a choice.

Do not forget to ask about rates. Many times, people do not do this and it can mean paying more than you need to for the services you want. You want to be sure that the provider is charging standard rates and that you will not have to pay more than is normal for the services you want for your loved one.

Do visit the location. You want to be sure that the provider has quality facilities and that the people who work there are the right ones for you and for your family to deal with. It is not enough to see pictures online or to speak over the phone with people in charge. You want to be certain that you visit, as well.

These dos and do nots can make it much easier for you to choose the right kind of funeral home for your loved one. Look for someone who has lots of experience as well as the right kind of services. You can learn more about choosing a funeral home or you can get started making arrangements by reaching out to a Laconia, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We have years of experience and we can offer the services you need. Give us a call right now or stop by our location today.

Offering a Loved One a Memorial

It can be very helpful to the process of healing to be able to offer a loved one the kind of memorial that they deserve. This can be a tribute to who the person was and what they meant to you and there are lots of options that you can turn to. If you are wondering about the different kinds of ways you can memorialize a loved one, there are some things that providers of cremation services in Meredith, NH want you to know about.

You can choose to put together a memory book. The memory book can be a great way of honoring the person and it can help you involve the entire family. It can be a good project for families with children, too. You can add things like song lyrics, poems that the person enjoyed, recipes they loved, pictures, and anything else that reminds you of the person. You can put the book together yourself or you can choose to have a company make it in a professional manner.

Another option you have is to name a star after a loved one. This can be something that can be very moving, especially if your loved one was interested in the stars or in space. It can also be a comfort for children, since it allows them to know that there is a start out there named after their loved one. There are a few companies that can offer this option, so be sure to consider that.

You can put together a memorial garden, as well. If your loved one was someone who loved being outside, then this can be a beautiful way of honoring them. You can use plants that your loved one preferred and you can have a plaque or some other kind of memorial with their name on it. Not only will you be honoring the person, but you will also be getting the benefits of working outside with plants.

Yet another thing you can do is make a donation in their name to a cause that they cared about. You can also set up a scholarship to help others follow their passions. You will be honoring your loved one and doing something good for other people in their name.

When deciding on how to memorialize a loved one, you want to take these things into consideration. It can be crucial to consider the budget that you have and whether you want something that can involve the entire family. If you do, then you can turn to setting up a memorial garden or a memory book. If you want to plan a way to memorialize your loved one, you want to take some time to reach out to a Meredith, NH cremation service provider like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Our team is dedicated to helping people find the options they want for their loved ones. You can give us a call right now or you can stop by our location.

Should Your Child go to a Funeral?

Children can be affected by a death just as much as an adult, and many times, this can leave the parents wondering what they can do to help. For some parents, one of the questions that can be crucial is whether the child should go to a service or not. Every child is different so what may be the best option for one may not be the right one for another. Here are some things that directors of funeral homes in Meredith, NH want you to keep in mind as you decide whether they should attend or not.

How Close Was Your Child to the Person?

If the person was very close to your child, it can be beneficial for the child to attend. You want them to get the kind of closure they need so that they can start healing, and a memorial or funeral service can help with this. You can see just how much the person meant by how they react to the news of the person’s death. It can give you’re a good indication if your child will benefit from attending.

Do They Want to Go?

A child who does not want to go to a funeral service will usually let you know that, but some children may not be sure. You want to ask them and to give them a choice. If the child wants to go, you definitely should allow them to do so, but if they do not, you never want to force them to attend. That can cause more harm than good. On the day of the service, you will want to ask once again, to make sure they have not changed their minds. Lots of children do change their minds and are hesitant to let the adults know, so asking them can help.

Do They Understand What a Service is?

A child that does not really grasp the concept of death will not benefit from attending a funeral service. That is something that can be important to keep in mind. When you let your child know what has happened, you want to gauge their understanding. Very small children will not usually be able to understand and can only get more confused by a service.

All of these tips can make it easier for you to decide on whether or not your child can benefit from going to a funeral service. Attending can definitely offer the kind of closure your child needs, but if they are too young, they may not be able to understand what the service means. Be sure to ask them and to give them the option of going or not. You never want to push a child into this. If you want to know more about attending a service, you want to consider reaching out to a Meredith, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have. Stop by our location right now.

The Many Benefits of Cremation Services

Deciding on the funerary services you want for a loved one is something that can be tough, especially if your loved one left no hint of their wishes. If you are thinking about cremation services but are not entirely sure yet, it can make a difference to know about the benefits that cremation can offer. Here are the ones that providers of cremation services in Gilford, NH want you to keep in mind to be able to make the best choice.

Perhaps the benefit that most people think about with cremation is affordability. Of all of the funerary services available, direct cremation can provide the kind of price ranges that may suit you best. With direct cremation, you do not have to worry about paying for embalming fees, buying a casket, or even purchasing an urn if you do not want to. This can be essential for people who are dealing with a limited budget.

Another benefit that cremation can offer is the chance to lay your loved one to rest wherever they wanted. That is not possible with a burial, since you have to bury the person in a cemetery, but with cremation, you can do as you like with the cremated remains. You can place them in a niche, scatter them, rake them, and even give them a water burial. That can be essential for many people.

You can also share the remains with others in the family. With cremation, you can give parts of the cremated remains to loved ones who live far away or who want to have other kinds of services for the person. It can be especially helpful for family that practice different religions and want different ceremonies.

Another benefit you can expect is to be able to keep your loved one near you at all times. Lots of people choose to place their loved one in keepsake urns, where they can store them in the house. Some keepsake urns are even jewelry, which can hold a bit of the remains and that you can wear. You also want to consider making the remains into diamonds, which is another excellent option that more people are choosing.

Cremation services can be exactly the right option for lots of family members. You want to keep in mind that cremation tends to be the least expensive options and that it can offer the kind of options that your loved one might have wanted. You can also have the chance of giving parts of the cremated remains to other family members if they want them. All of this can make a difference when deciding on the options you have. If you want to know more about cremation, you can reach out to a Gilford, NH cremation service provider like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We have years of experience and we can help you decide on the right options for the person you lost. Stop by our location today or give us a call to learn more.

What to Know About Virtual Services

Attending a virtual service can be a great way of coming to terms with the death of a loved one and it can offer the chance to say goodbye. Many people have never been to one of these services, so it can be tough to know what to expect. This can be something that can worry you. If you want to know more about attending a virtual service, here are some things that directors of funeral homes in Gilford, NH want you to keep in mind before attending.

A virtual service requires you to get dressed up just as much as a regular service. This is not something that people sometimes consider. Even though you are not leaving your home to attend, you still need to dress appropriately. Wear somber colors and nothing that is too casual or too revealing. You do not want to offend anyone with what you choose to wear.

You want to also remember to get there on time. Sometimes people think that just because they are attending a virtual service, it does not matter whether they get there on time or not, but that is not the case. It can still be really distracting to have people arriving late, even on screen. If you are worried about forgetting about the service, you can set up an alarm to remind you.

Download or install the platform on which the service will take place at least a day before the service. This will give you the chance to see how it works and get a sense of what the program is like. You do not want to leave this to the last minute, since it can mean not being able to access the service when it starts.

You also want to mute your microphone. It can be disruptive to have all manner of noises during the service and that can happen when many cameras’ mikes are on. Unless you are planning on giving a eulogy or doing some kind of reading, you do not want to have to worry about this, so mute the mike before the service starts. You may not know how to do this, but you can always ask a friend or family member for assistance.

All of these things can help you prepare to attend a virtual service. You want to remember to dress as you would for a regular service and to be sure to turn your mike off. You want to download the program on which the service will happen to get a good sense of how to use it. All of this can make a difference when attending a virtual service. If you have more questions, you can ask a Gilford, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are here to help you with all of your funerary needs. You can give us a call today or you can stop by our location to ask about the services you want.

Why Choose a Virtual Service

When you start thinking about the arrangements you want for a loved one, you have to take into consideration the difficult moment in time in which we find ourselves. Making plans for social gatherings of any sort can be tough, and it is no different for funerals or memorials. One great option, however, is to turn to a virtual service. If you are thinking about this option but are not entirely sure yet, there are some things that providers of cremation services in Laconia, NH want you to know about virtual services.

Virtual services are something that most, if not all, providers of funerary services offer these days. That is something that you definitely want to remember. Many people do not know how to put the logistics together for a virtual service, so hiring an expert can be a great way of ensuring everything is done correctly. You want to consider the different providers in your area and see which one can help you the most.

Virtual services allow people to get the closure they need and to say goodbye to a loved one no matter where they are. Traveling is difficult these days and people will not be able to attend the service, so by having a virtual one, you are giving them a chance of coming to terms with the death. This can be important for your loved ones.

Another benefit that virtual services offer is safety. During a pandemic, you do not want to have lots of people congregating and this can mean that the safest thing you can do is have services at a distance. You are keeping yourself and everyone else safe while still allowing everyone to participate in the process of mourning and then healing.

You can also get the kind of music that you want for the service. You can choose musicians anywhere to play for the service, which can offer a lot of freedom of choices. You can also have the same kind of service that you would have in person, with eulogies, readings, and many other things. Keep that in mind, because it can allow you to plan the exact kind of service that you want for your loved one.

All of these things are important to consider when deciding if you want to give your loved one a virtual service. It is an option that has become very practical lately and that more and more people are turning to. It can allow you to say your goodbyes and to have a service where you can honor the person without fear or worry about safety. If this is something that you want to plan or if you want to learn more about the options, be sure to reach out to a Laconia, NH cremation service provider like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Our team of experts is here to help you make the arrangements that you want for your loved one. Stop by our location today to get started.

What to Expect from Veteran Benefits

As a member of the armed forces, people are entitled to veteran benefits when they die. If you have a loved one who has died recently and who is a veteran, the best thing you can do before making any arrangements is to learn about the options that the VA has. Here are some things that directors of funeral homes in Laconia, NH want you to keep in mind about veteran benefits.

The first thing you have to do is make sure that the person is eligible for the benefits. They had to be a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guards, and they had to have received a general discharge. They could not have received a dishonorable one. That is important. If your loved one was also a member of the National Guard and they died while on duty, they are also eligible for benefits. Dependent children and spouses can also receive benefits. Sometimes, even parents may be able to get these benefits, as well, so it can be a good idea to speak about this to the VA.

You then want to remember what the benefits include. You can have your loved one buried in a national cemetery at no cost to you. This includes the opening and closing of the gravesite, as well as perpetual care, a grave marker, and some other tributes. Keep in mind that you cannot reserve a space in a cemetery in advance when the VA is the one making the arrangements, so they may not be able to bury your loved one where you prefer. There are state cemeteries that can also offer these services, so do consider that as you choose.

Do remember that the VA will not pay for the costs of the actual funeral or cremation service. They will not pay for the casket, the flowers, the rental of the space, or the transportation of the casket to its resting place. You may be able to get reimbursed for these things, however, so do keep that in mind as you decide on the kind of funeral or memorial service you want to have for the person.

These are all crucial things you want to know when making funerary arrangements for a loved one who has passed away and who was a veteran. There are lots of options that can make a difference and you want to always be sure that you keep these things in mind. The VA can help you make the best choice for your loved one, so do reach out to them before making any kind of decision. You can learn more about all of these options by reaching out to a Laconia, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are ready to help you and to guide you through all of the funerary arrangements you want to make. Give us a call right now or stop by our location today to learn more.