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PLAN A FUNERAL

A Loved One Has Passed Away

First, please let us express our deepest sympathy for your loss. If you'd rather just skip ahead and call us immediately for instructions, feel free to call right away.

Services

Memorial Services

For closure, a memorial service offers mourners a chance to come together in remembrance of the recently deceased.
Many who are grieving find comfort through a gathering in a supportive environment where they can begin to find closure, say goodbye, and begin to come to terms with what has happened.

 

A memorial is a time to connect, share memories, support, and honor a loved one as a community of friends and family.

No matter the setting, style, or direction you choose, Buklad-Merlino is honored to assist you in creating a service that reflects your loved one's unique life journey.

Cremation Services

Cremation is an increasingly popular option for many people, serving as an alternative to burial. Reasons for preferring cremation vary. Some religions request it, while other people consider it more environmentally conscious. Some may simply prefer the idea of cremation. During cremation, the remains are placed in a special furnace and reduced to resemble coarse sand.  Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative to burials or other forms of disposition.

Burial Services

Traditionally, a burial service involves a visitation followed by a funeral service.  There are several types of interment. Deciding which is the best fit for your loved one and you requires a few decisions. We have listed some options below for you to consider.

The first things to decide are,

  • whether embalming is desired or not

  • whether cremation is desired or not

  • what kind of casket or urn to use.

  • whether to have an open or closed casket.

  • what cemetery to use

  • what kind of grave marker to use, and what the inscription should say.

 

Below are some resources to help you make your decision.

Monumental cemetery

A monumental cemetery is the most traditional style of burial ground, where headstones and other monuments made of marble and granite rise vertically above the ground.  There are countless different types of designs for headstones, ranging from small and simple, to large and complex.

Lawn cemetery

A lawn cemetery is where each grave is marked with a small commemorative plaque that is placed horizontally at the head of the grave, at ground-level.  Families can still be involved in the design and in choosing the information contained on the plaque, but in most cases, the plaques are a standard design. 

Mausoleum

A mausoleum is an external, free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person or people.  

Columbarium

Columbarium walls are generally reserved for cremated remains.  While cremated remains can be kept at home by families, or scattered somewhere significant to the deceased, a columbarium provides friends and family a place to come to visit. Columbarium walls do not take up a lot of space and they serve as an affordable alternative to a burial plot.

Natural cemeteries

Natural cemeteries, also known as eco-cemeteries or green cemeteries, are a new style of cemetery set aside for natural burials.  Natural burials are motivated by the desire to be environmentally conscious.  While natural burials can be performed at any type of cemetery, they are usually done in a natural woodland area. Conventional markings, such as headstones, are generally replaced with a tree, bush, or the placement of a natural stone.

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Below, we have included several sets of instructions to help you navigate the steps ahead.  There are a few very important things that must be done immediately to ensure a smooth process of transition. 

 

As always, we're here for you every step of the way. When you call us at 609-695-1868, you will reach the funeral director or staff member and not a call center. 

Live Streamed Services

Accessibility is not just about the accommodations we make for family and guests when attending a service in person. We can arrange for live streaming of services so that loved ones can pay their respects and be with you virtually, even if they are unable to attend in person.

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ACCESSIBLE FUNERALS

If a loved one has just died...

Give us a call at 609-695-1868. We're here to help you.

You can also review our "Immediate Steps" online guide to get instant support.

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