An end-of-life or death doula is someone who companions the dying and their loved ones. This person provides information, comfort and support around the end-of-life journey.

In today’s society, funerals can take many forms so there is no one standard answer for this question.  The scenarios given below are usually what might happen at a funeral home or a church.

Very simply put, embalming is preservation of a human remains by replacing blood with an embalming fluid.  Embalming may also serve as a way to sanitize the remains. In some instances, embalming is not required by law.  However, if you want specific sorts of services for example a service with a public viewing, you may have to select embalming.  Your state may also have timelines for when embalming has to occur, especially if no refrigeration is available.

Often, it is hard for one person to make a decision for a funeral, and even harder for a group decision to be reached.  Your family may find it helpful to have some brief discussions about what you want in a funeral:  viewing, no viewing; type of casket; burial or cremation; services at church or funeral home.  Armed with these decisions, you may be able to move forward more easily.  It makes sense to have the big decisions made before you go to the funeral home, so you are not there arguing about what needs to be done.

A celebrant is an individual trained to create and officiate at ceremonies marking major life transitions, such as funerals and memorial services. These ceremonies then reflect the values and beliefs of the individuals they’re honoring and the families they’re serving.