As you and your family move into the funeral planning process, you may find that you have a lot of questions. We’ve tried to answer some of the most common inquiries below.

• Why do I need to plan a funeral for my loved-one? Ultimately, a funeral service is intended to be a meaningful thing for those who gather for it—a way to channel sorrow and mourning, and to unite families and friends in a spirit of mutual support and empathy. Additionally, a funeral that is planned to be meaningful and respectful provides a fitting way to pay tribute to the deceased. 
• What makes a funeral meaningful? The answer to this will be different for different people; meaningful funerals usually incorporate traditions from different faiths and cultures in a way that is authentic to the deceased and to the gathering family members. Everything from the music to the artwork has an impact, and we strive to ensure that every element is, indeed, meaningful. For some, this means finding a service that is stately, dignified, and elegant. For others, it may mean wearing someone's favorite bright colors to the service, and signing messages of love on the casket with a sharpie marker. What's right for you is what we strive for, and we can help you discover creative ways to honor someone's life and memory.
• What kind of funeral should I have? There is no right or wrong answer here, except to say that a funeral should be fitting to the deceased and to the gathering family members. Beyond that, there are many traditional and non-traditional options to choose from, and all of them, in the appropriate context, can be meaningful.
• How can a funeral be made to feel more personal? There are many ways to personalize a funeral, including writing a personalized obituary, letting guests record favorite memories in a guest book, displaying personal items or hobbies from the deceased, or showing a DVD or slideshow of the deceased’s life.
• What will happen to the body? In some, but not all instances, we will recommend the body be embalmed as a way to preserve your loved one's dignity in the lead-up to the date of services. For those who chose not to embalm, other options may be available to you. Some wish for their bodies to be buried, and others prefer cremation. This is simply a matter of following the wishes of the deceased and deciding what's right for your family.
• Is cremation the right choice to make? Many families prefer cremation, and the flexibility that comes with planning a service either before or after the cremation takes place. At Bradshaw-Carter, we have our own crematory on-site, in our funeral home on West Alabama Street. This lets us control every element of the process, and your loved-one never has to leave our care. We are able to carry out every step of the cremation process with dignity and careful attention.
• Is it appropriate to include children in the funeral service? This is largely dependent on the maturity levels of the children in question. Death can be a difficult thing to cope with, even among grown-ups. However, children mourn and experience loss just like adults do, and having a chance to express that sadness can be a healing opportunity. Children can participate by sharing favorite memories of the deceased, by offering up drawings and mementos, and—when parents deem it appropriate—by coming to view the body. If you have questions, our staff can help you make an informed decision.

If you have further questions, or if you desire help planning a funeral service, please contact Bradshaw-Carter at your earliest convenience.