“I want a Cremation” is Just the Starting Point
Several times a week I am given the opportunity to assist families who have had a loss. Part of my responsibility is to see that the service they want and expect is carried out. The only way to uncover their needs is to ask. So often, when I ask what type of service they want, the answer I get is cremation.
Unfortunately, cremation is not an answer, but rather the building block; the foundation of where their service begins. In technical terms, cremation is just a form of final disposition.
As cremation becomes more popular, Flanner and Buchanan is becoming more flexible to meet the needs of their clientele. Rather than a “funeral,” perhaps you lean toward something more celebratory; we can accommodate that. Rather than a “visitation,” you might prefer more of an open house feeling; we can do that as well.
Many of our facilities have spaces that are evolving into event suites, complete with catering and bar service. If a traditional/formal service is not your style, please know that we are ever changing to meet the needs of the people we serve.
Author - Jerry Roberts is a funeral director and the manager of Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers - Carmel. He has led many of the company’s cremation service initiatives during his 28-year tenure with Flanner and Buchanan.
