The Changing Face Of Funerals

TRENDS The Changing Face Of Funerals @ (NAPSA)—Beside the casket stood a bouquet of yellow flowers, a red and white memorial wreath —and a shiny black motorcycle. The funeral was for an avid biker and his wife felt it only appropriate to have his “weekend companion”at his side. Funeral and cemetery services— long-steeped in tradition—have becomeincreasingly personalized. “Families today see this as an opportunity to honor and celebrate a life that has been lived,” said Greg Easley, president of the International Cemetery and Funeral Association. “They want the personality of the deceased to come through asa part of the service.” Among the ways funeral homes and cemeteries make services more personal: *Memory displays—Many funeral homes will set up tables with photos, videos and other memorabilia to tell the story of a person’s life. Displays can be arranged around themes, such as golfing or gardening. Caskets and urns—Manycaskets now feature designs depicting hobbies, nature scenes and other themes. Some cremation urns can be personalized as well. *Monuments and markers— Today’s monuments and markers include more than just names and dates. Families can add elements such as artwork and photographs to their permanent memorials. More information on funeral and cemetery arrangements can be found in the “Consumer Resources” guide at www.icfa.org.