We have witnessed the shift firsthand. More and more families are moving away from final services that are dark and gloomy. They are in search of personalized services. Ones that provide more of a celebration of life for the life of the departed and the lives of those who remain. The resiliency of the human spirit is evident, even in times of deepest grief. In spite of this grief, families are acknowledging the need to recognize their loved one in an uplifting, positive way.
Like most changes, this less traditional shift started slowly. A loved one would, sometimes unknown to others, place something personal in a casket. Families began posting photos on poster boards displayed on easels. Emotional video tributes became more commonplace, many featuring contemporary music soundtracks and fun photos of happier times. These celebrations became less restrained as the years passed and as more and more people made their final wishes known with preplanning.
We have been a part of funeral services that included elements of a loved-ones passion for one of our Cincinnati sports teams. We have seen their lifelong hobbies and skills celebrated. Some may consider these celebrations “over the top”, but they provide much needed closure.
One of more uplifting ways families are celebrating life is with a reception style memorial service. While specifics change on a family to family basis, the foundation of a reception style service allows friends and family to gather in a less formal, social reception. These receptions are often punctuated with loud laughter and smiles as friends remember and recognize the life of the person who passed. These are often people who have lost touch through the years. They recall insightful stories that otherwise may have been lost. They can be a lasting reminder of a life well-lived and serve as a powerful healing agent for all who attend. They can provide a comforting benchmark that it is time to move forward. Often, following such a reception, we’ll hear people say “Now, THAT’s what I would like for a final service.”
At Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes and Crematory, we have always been a progressive leader in our industry. We have Greater Cincinnati’s only privately owned crematorium. We have an on-site banquet facility with catering available from simple hors d’ oeuvres’ to full dinners. It is the perfect place to celebrate life with a reception style memorial service.
When pre-planning your own service, take the time to consider all of your options. From traditional funeral and burial services to cremations and contemporary celebrations of life, you can count on the professionals at Fares J. Radel. We have been proud to serve families in the Greater Cincinnati area for over 130 years and would be honored to serve you.
