When the time comes to make funeral arrangements for a loved one who has passed away, it can be surprising to learn that any arrangements should not include an actual funeral. This is not particularly common, but some people simply don't want the end of their life to be marked by a traditional funeral, perhaps wishing to just slip away without ceremony. This is not always the best course of action for grieving friends and family, but what can you do to honour your loved one's final wishes?
A Burial or Cremation Will Still Be Needed
Funeral homes are still a requirement even when there will not be a traditional funeral. They are necessary to facilitate the ultimate fate of your loved one's remains, whether this is via burial or cremation. Given that your loved one specifically requested that there should not be a funeral, it might be up to you to decide what to do with their remains.
The Cost of a Farewell Without a Funeral
Generally speaking, cremation is a cheaper option than burial, but given that you will be forgoing most of the standard aspects of farewelling a loved one (the service, the chapel, flowers, and, indeed, anything ceremonial), you will find that your costs will be far less than a traditional funeral anyway. Talk to your chosen funeral director and tell them what's needed.
An Acknowledgement of the Loss
Since the funeral director will not need to arrange a service, it's up to you to decide whether any sort of commemoration is going to be necessary or appropriate. Yes, your loved one expressly forbade a traditional service, but an acknowledgement of their passing can be a necessary part of the grieving process for many mourners. Consider having an informal get-together after your loved one has been buried or cremated. This can be a small, lowkey affair where friends and family simply come together to share memories and raise a glass to their departed loved one. It's not a traditional funeral service, so your loved one's final wishes have been respected, and yet it serves more-or-less the same purpose, allowing those left behind to come to terms with the loss.
Some form of commemoration will often be helpful for those left behind, although it's wise to clearly inform everyone that your loved one didn't want a traditional funeral, just in case someone thinks they were not invited.
Contact a funeral home in your area for more information.