Too Much Information!

Why is a funeral like a wedding?

Have you ever walked into a bookstore or shopped on Amazon.com and noticed all of the various wedding planning guides available?  Every store, large or small, has a wedding gift registry where the happy couple can list all of the items that they want for their new home.  Most of this can also be found online.  And for many couples - and especially for their parents - the services of an experienced wedding planner are essential.  The wedding planner knows how to create and complete the wedding checklist and, just as important, knows the people, such as florists and caterers, who can bring quality service to the wonderful event.

The same planning goes into a funeral, your final life event.  Here in Dallas, I provide every couple their own Personal Planning Guide, courtesy of Dignity Memorial.  In this Guide, we detail vital statistics, veterans information and financial data so that the survivors can begin to close your estate.  We also begin to list family members and key contacts so that they can be contacted at the time of death.

And then we record the decisions made regarding your funeral and final disposition.  Say you choose a maple wood casket and want to be buried at Sparkman Hillcrest Cemetery.  We would list the specific casket, outer burial container (required by the cemetery) and the location of your plot.  Then we would write down where your service and visitation, if desired, will take place.  We can list your pallbearers and even  your preference of flowers. 

Are you getting the picture?  Since there are just so many decisions to make at the time of death, it is much better to make these decisions now, sparing your loved ones the pain and agony on the worst day of their lives, a day when you will not be there to answer the one question that they must have answered: What would you want?

Finally, if you live in the Dallas area, please consider me the equivalent of your wedding planner.  Allow me to be your final event coordinator.  By using a trained, licensed Family Service Director, you and your family will realize the finest service possible, today and when it is needed most.  Just contact me and we'll begin to set a time to work on your Personal Planning Guide.

Remember: Always walk on the bright side of life.

Jordan Parr
Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home
Dallas, TX
214.734.0204
jordan.parr@dignitymemorial.com