In today’s world, family members are often spread out across the country and, sometimes, even the globe. In this environment, people often strive for jobs and schools that take them far away from their starting point in life, leaving behind family members they may have spent time with every day. While this constant growth that our society has strived for over the decades has many positive aspects, it also can make it difficult to celebrate our loved ones’ lives in a traditional way.

The way families gather during this time isn’t always in person. With the advancement of technology, connecting virtually is becoming common place and has carried over to almost every industry, including funeral homes.

A traditional funeral would expect that friends and family all be physically present to move through the steps of the service. Virtual funerals allow attendees to log onto computer software that connects them to the funeral planner and the other invited members.

Using this platform still allows attendees to view each other and, if appropriate, their deceased loved one. Friends and family members can share stories, listen to one another, and remember the memories left behind – all while being separated geographically.

If you are planning a funeral, most all of the details can be planned online as well. Speaking with the Dignity Memorial team over the phone or by email is convenient and sometimes can help make the planning process easier.

From their state-of-the-art website, which offers numerous resources for planning an immediate need or pre-planning, to their dedicated staff, who care for each person who comes through their doors like their own family, remotely connecting is made simple. The team at Dignity knows that each person and family is unique and has different needs, so they always remind their clients that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to making funeral preparations.

Some families might not find a virtual funeral to be the best way to honor their loved one and, as always, Dignity Memorial will continue to offer traditional funeral planning and services with in-person visitations.

Friends and family members who plan a loved one’s funeral are most often grieving at the same time they are making funeral arrangements. Oftentimes, this stress can make it difficult for some family members to feel emotionally available to others during the funeral.

Many people feel overwhelmed by the intense emotions and planned gatherings during difficult times – even when they truly want to be emotionally present. Virtual funerals allow for the anxiety some feel when gathering in groups to melt away, as they have more control over their surroundings, but still can feel part of the group.

Additionally, virtual funerals are often recorded and can be watched at a later time. This allows for loved ones to process their emotions after the initial event and gives them the flexibility to watch the funeral service at a time that’s right for them.

Dignity Memorial strives to offer only the best support and services for each of their clients – virtually or in-person. We all want to celebrate the lives that mean so much to us, and Dignity’s virtual options offer new opportunities to do so. Whether near or far, let the team at Dignity Memorial help you every step of the way.  
 
Michael Higgins is Sales Manager for Dignity Memorial®, which cares for more than 300,000 families each year through its network of more than 2,000 providers throughout North America. Learn more at www.dignitymemorial.com or call Greenlawn Memorial Park, Oleander Memorial Gardens and Coble Funeral and Cremation Services at Greenlawn Memorial Park, (910) 799-1686.