Funeral Services
We Celebrate Life
Boulger Funeral Homes excels at helping families create unique experiences for memorializing a loved one. Whether in addition to a traditional service or as a standalone service, we can create something that distinctly celebrates the life and interests of a person.
A unique life celebration can involve video tribute options, luncheon options, live streaming options, photo boards, secular music, live performances, poetry readings, homemade food, or anything else you can imagine.
The presence of a loved one’s interests and even personal items can make these services extremely powerful and uplifting. It can be as simple as having items from a hobby or interest present, or can involve an activity like sharing recipes or writing and collecting memories to share with everyone.
Overview of Funeral Services
It is imperative to take the time to acknowledge the uniqueness of the deceased: the individuality of their personality, and the importance of their life’s path. Regardless of your needs, we promise to help arrange a truly meaningful celebration of your loved one’s life.
Gathering Visitation and Viewing
A gathering of family and friends is often referred to as a viewing or visitation. Traditionally the casket is present, either open or closed. These gatherings can be held at the funeral home, church or place of worship, or other acceptable venues allowing friends and family to come together and pay their final respects to the person who has died. It is also a time for closure, when those left behind can say goodbye.
Explore Your Options
Here are some common examples of funeral services chosen most often by the families we serve. These services can be held over multiple days or can be accomplished on the same day if desired. We can tailor any of these options to meet your individual needs.
- Viewing or visitation followed by funeral service at a church or in funeral home chapel
- Viewing or visitation followed by graveside service
- Closed casket with visitation, funeral services, and/or graveside services
- Viewing or visitation followed by cremation
Service Venues
Church Ceremony
The church has meant so much to your family and your community. Perhaps you were dedicated there as an infant, baptized there as a child or celebrated your marriage there surrounded by family and friends. It only makes sense to involve your church family in your final life event of a funeral.
We believe in supporting the church as much as you do.
Chapel Service
Chapel Services are popular with families whose loved one was not affiliated with a church at the time of their passing, families who are located outside of our area or those who may not be able to attend a lengthy church service.
When you choose to hold a service in our chapel, it eliminates the need to convert a visitation room for a funeral (like many of the other funeral homes in our area). This dedicated room features seating for over 250 guests, the latest in audio and video equipment and a welcoming décor.
Our beautiful, inviting chapel provides the perfect setting for services of any type.
Graveside Ceremony
You may also choose to only have a service at the graveside. Family and friends would simply gather at the cemetery for the committal service of the casket.
Clergy, friends or loved ones may take an active part in the graveside ceremony. Recounting memories, sharing poems, and singing songs are great ways to create a meaningful experience.
Memorial Services and Life Celebrations
Many families are forgoing traditional services for more contemporary ones. A memorial service or life celebration service may be the perfect option to share memories of that special loved one. Typically, the casket is not present for these services and the service is held before or after the deceased is buried or entombed.
These services can be performed at a local restaurant, reception center, country club, hotel banquet facility, a family member’s home or even in a park. The possibilities are endless.
On and off-site reception services are becoming increasingly popular with the families we serve.
Personalizing Your Experience
Memory Tables and Memory Collages
Picture Tribute Videos
Service Livestreaming and Recording
Personalized Music
Certified Celebrant
Bagpiper
Pallbearers
Military Honors
Receptions
We can coordinate and arrange an off-site reception at any venue of your choosing. Whether it be a restaurant, banquet center or golf club, this gives your family and friends an opportunity to gather and reminisce after your loved one’s service.
Choosing a Cemetery
A green burial can take place in nearly any cemetery that allows eco-friendly methods of burial. Our firm offers several options that can help you ensure that your final resting place is both environmentally-friendly and honorable. Typically, cemeteries offering green burials follow these guidelines:
- Offer exclusive green burial sections
- Prohibit the use of grave liners or burial vaults
- Dig graves by hand rather than using heavy equipment
- Often plant trees or shrubs in lieu of headstones
FAQ's
What is a Green Burial?
Green burial is an alternative burial practice that emphasizes simplicity and environmental sustainability. The body is not prepared with chemicals such as embalming fluid. It is simply placed in a biodegradable casket, shroud or a favorite blanket and is interred without a concrete burial vault. The gravesite is allowed to return to nature as quickly as possible.
Why Choose Green Burial?
In keeping with your personal values, a natural burial site promotes growth of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, in turn bringing birds and other wildlife to the area. Water is not wasted, nor are pesticides and herbicides used in attempts to control nature. Green burials actually promote the growth of natural foliage, bringing forth new life. That means the end of your life beautifully gives way to the beginning of another.
Resources
Below are resources that can help you make informed decisions about earth-friendly services. Please call one of our directors or email us for more information anytime.
