Whether due to family wishes or more recent societal events, private funeral ceremonies have become much more popular recently. While some funerals are held for large groups of family, friends and even acquaintances of the departed, other families choose to hold smaller, private funerals or celebrations of life for various reasons.
At McDougal Funeral Homes, we’re happy to assist you with planning a funeral service in in Kearns, UT and arrangements for any funeral type you and your family desire, including private events for only close family and friends. Avoid making mistakes and follow these general tips we can offer on how to prudently and politely limit your guest list, plus other planning themes when it comes to private funerals being held for any reason.
Departed Wishes
First and foremost, any family wishes for privacy should also respect the wishes of the departed. In some cases, this individual will have listed specific preferences on who should attend their funeral service – these should be respected to as great a degree as possible.
If such wishes have not been specifically left, family members should still consider their best idea of what the departed would have wanted. Even a private family funeral, for instance, likely has room for a lifelong best friend you know the departed would have wanted in attendance. Use your best judgement here while also keeping the wishes of your loved on in mind.
Attendance Restrictions
Once you’ve taken the time to decide on who will be asked to attend a private funeral, include any such restrictions in the announcement for the departed. In some cases you will be able to keep certain events private while others are open to the public – maybe the actual funeral service and burial will be limited in attendance, but then you hold a public reception elsewhere, for instance.
Make sure these details are clear in any announcements. It’s both awkward and frustrating if individuals who were not supposed to be present show up at a private funeral.
Obituary Timing
If you’re worried about over-attendance at a private funeral, one prudent tip here is releasing the obituary until after the funeral takes place. This is not considered rude or improper at all, but rather helps you limit funeral attendance to only those the family wants present. Once the funeral is completed, a caring obituary can be released for all to read.
Venue Themes
Ensure the venue you choose for a private funeral has the facilities and capability to cater to any privacy or special requests your family may have. At McDougal Funeral Homes, we’re happy to make additional arrangements beyond our standard funeral programs to ensure privacy during any of our funeral services.
If you want to consider preplanning or wanted to know more about holding private funerals, and our mortuary services, speak to the staff at McDougal Funeral Homes today.
