The life of a loved one can be celebrated in a variety of ways. 
In the earliest recorded times, societies honored the dead through ceremonies. According to beliefs at that time, the purpose of the ritual was to properly send the decedent on the journey into the next life. Today, however, psychologists and other experts agree that the benefits of the funeral are for those left behind; those who must reconstruct their lives following their loss. They must face, openly and realistically, the fact that death has indeed occurred. The funeral provides the opportunity to do exactly that.

By providing a special tribute to a unique life, a funeral brings together relatives and friends who can lend support and comfort when it is most needed.  The Funeral Service is a way of saying good-bye and letting the healing process begin.

The American funeral has changed more in the past few years than in the prior fifty years. It used to be that the "Traditional Funeral" was pretty much the same. A wake or visitation period, which lasted anywhere from one to three days, followed by a church service and burial in the cemetery. Yet today, there is no such thing as a "Traditional Funeral". People are choosing funeral services that are more reflective of the person and fit the lifestyle of the family.

Many people are involved in a Church community, and will choose to have the service there. Others may prefer to use a funeral home’s chapel, or have the services at some other special place, such as the family home, a park or a community hall or facility.   Conducting a ceremony in a place special to your loved one is another way to make the tribute meaningful and unique.  Also consider altering the route of the processional to drive by a special landmark or significance to your loved one.

The numbers of mourners expected to attend is often an important consideration when choosing a venue for a funeral. 

Clergy, a civil celebrant or even a family member or friend, can conduct services.