What belongs in the first note
A first note gives your family a place to say what you are considering. Direct Funeral Service and Cremation Memorial Chapel arranges a non-denominational funeral or cremation. A gathering can come first, and wishes can be written ahead. Those are the starting points to choose from when you begin.
You can write plainly. Name the service you have in mind, describe any wishes you want to share, and put your questions beside them. This guide takes those parts one at a time, then brings them together in a short example.
Name the service you are considering
Begin with the part you can already put into words. You might write that your family is considering a funeral, or that you are asking about cremation. If you are writing wishes ahead, say that you are thinking about the future. That opening gives the rest of the note its subject.
Keep the distinction between a wish and a question clear. “We would like a funeral” describes a wish. “We are considering cremation and want to ask about a gathering first” describes both a possible service and a question. Use whichever wording fits what you mean.
Say whether a gathering should come first
A gathering can come before cremation. If being together beforehand is part of your wishes, include it in the same note. The request can describe both parts: a gathering first, followed by cremation.
You can give this its own sentence so it does not disappear among other details. For example: “We would like to gather before the cremation.” If you are still considering that choice, write it as a question instead. The note can show what you want to discuss as well as what you already want.
Describe the words, music and customs that fit
Non-denominational means the service does not belong to one faith. Your family can choose the words and music, and bring the customs that fit. If you have wishes about those parts of the gathering, put them into the note.
A useful way to write this is to separate the wish from any question about it. You might name music you have in mind, then add a question about including it. You do not need to turn the note into the wording of the whole service; begin with the choices you want to share.
Include a family introduction
If another family introduced you to Direct Funeral Service and Cremation Memorial Chapel, write that family name in the note. This is how the family introduction is identified for the trusted family introduction program.
Give the name a clear place alongside your request. A sentence such as “Another family introduced us” keeps it separate from your wishes about the service. Follow that sentence with the name of the family who introduced you.
Bring the parts together
An opening might read: “Our family is considering cremation. We would like a gathering beforehand. We have wishes about the words and music and questions about the gathering.” Change those sentences to describe your own request.
Before using your note, read it once for meaning. Does it name the service you are considering? Does it mention a gathering if you want one? Are your questions easy to find? If another family introduced you, is their family name included? Those checks help keep your note about what your family wants to say.
Begin with the part you know
A note is how a family starts. Use the contact page to put your service, wishes and questions together in your own words. You can begin with a few sentences and keep each one about something you want to share.
Write your note