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A: The timing of the funeral depends on the arrangements you have made. If your loved one is embalmed and will be buried, we recommend holding the funeral within two to three days following death. This timing allows for family to gather, for a visitation to be held, and for a service and graveside to occur in a timely manner.

If your loved one is cremated, you can hold the service at any time, unrelated to the timing of the death. This flexibility is often helpful for families who have relatives living far away, as it allows time for travel arrangements to be made.

A: We will work with you to select a receptacle of your choice. An urn is generally chosen, though some families use boxes or similar containers. We have a wide array of options and can help you select the one that’s right for you. If your loved one has chosen to pre-plan their arrangements, this receptacle will already have been selected and purchased as part of the arrangement process.

Placement of the ashes is a personal choice. Many families choose to bury the urn, often in a grave that can accommodate two containers so a husband and wife may be buried together. You may also choose to place the cremains in a columbarium niche, customized with your loved one’s name and dates. Some families keep the cremains in a place of honor in the home, or scatter the ashes at a well-loved location. There is no right or wrong answer—simply what works best for you.