When you think of funerals, what comes to mind? A traditional service followed by interment at the cemetery? A memorial followed by the spreading of cremated ashes at a special location? If you want to individualize a funeral service, then you have to think beyond the traditional options.

Planning a funeral is often the final act of compassion we can show a departed loved one. Are you aware of options for individualizing a service to honor someone you've lost in the Vancouver area?

If you’re interested in knowing more about personalized funeral services, then invest 20 minutes for this edition of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services in Vancouver about interesting options.

A traditional funeral service might be all that some people want. But for others, it only seems fitting to have something that reflects their individual spirit. This interview is a chance to learn how to memorialize a departed loved one with a service to send them out in style.

Am I Obligated to Hold a Traditional Funeral Service?

This episode kicks off with Valerie explaining why you are not obligated to hold a traditional funeral service, and why this is important if your loved one was not a traditional person.

Next Valerie shares why it is important to let the funeral reflect the distinct traits of the person being honored. Even twins with identical DNA have unique traits that make them distinct individuals.

If you aren't sure where to begin when it comes to planning a funeral for a departed loved one, then you could be missing out on non-traditional ways to honor them at the service or burial.

Where Do I Start if I Want to Personalize a Funeral Service?

Then Valerie segues into requests she's heard for personalized funeral services. During the podcasts she also answers these and other questions:

- What is the first step in planning a funeral service?
- Do I have to plan a standard burial service as well?
- How can I learn more about my options for planning?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Do you want to honor your departed loved ones with a personalized funeral? Would you like to know more about how to do that? If you answered “Yes” to either of these questions, then it’s time to contact your local Vancouver funeral home.

Where Besides a Funeral Chapel Can I Hold a Service?

The conversation next turns to the location for your Vancouver funeral or memorial service, and the unique locations that could add a personal touch to how you honor the passing of a loved one.

Valerie explains some of the reasons why you might decide to hold a service somewhere other than a funeral chapel or a church, and shares personal stories to help you see you're not alone.

Adding personal touches to a service for a departed loved one can help you find closure as you grieve. Why haven't you discussed options for personalizing a funeral service with a director of a funeral home in the metro Vancouver area?

The episode wraps up with Valerie giving some final tips for making sure your deceased loved one is honored with a personal service that is as unique as their own DNA.

How Do You Want Your Family to Personalize Your Funeral?

Do you want to know more about personalized funeral services? Are you ready to start planning your funeral to save your family from making the tough choices for you after you're gone? Please share your questions and comments below so we can talk about them together.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1