Winter is here. While no one wishes for it, death comes knocking at this season all the same, as with all the others. If you’ve lost a loved one and would like to arrange their final services during winter, Robbinsville, NJ, funeral homes have these tips for you.

1. Speak with a Funeral Professional

As with other types of funeral planning, the first thing to get on your side is a funeral director. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime event for you but funeral homes happen to handle caring for deceased loved ones and their family all year round.

They will put you through what needs to be done and how to adjust for the winter and still have a meaningful service.

2. Prioritize Warmth

If there is one thing you can count on during winter, it’s the freezing cold. While this doesn’t have to deter you from honoring your late loved one in a timely manner, you would do well to incorporate elements that make the weather more bearable for attendees.

Optimize everything from the dress code to food and beverages served at the event for warmth. Heating elements, such as a fireplace for indoor services or a bonfire for outdoor ones, are not uncommon. You may discuss ways to personalize these even further with your funeral professional.

3. Consider Alternatives To Traditional Burial

Although burial during winter is not impossible, you should bear in mind that you have other options that may go more seamlessly with the times.

Cremation, for one, does not require you to treat the ashes immediately. Even if you’d like to bury the cremated remains, it doesn’t have to be right away.

Another option, if you are not a fan of cremation, is temporary storage at a mortuary, or even a mausoleum, until the weather conditions improve.

4. Work With The Daytime

If keeping warm is a priority of yours, then you will do well to take advantage of the daytime. Depending on your schedule, of course, as well as that of the majority of your invitees, it might be better to target somewhere around the late morning to early afternoon when the sun is likely to be out.

Remember to plan for other heating elements, as you cannot always count on the weather to stay warm, even during the day.

5. Keep Outdoor Services Short

Suppose you are holding a funeral service in the thick of winter. In that case, it goes without saying not to expose attendees and yourself to harsh elements longer than necessary.

If you are having a graveside service, for example, remember to keep the proceedings concise and straight to the point. Unless the conditions are favorable, any elements that need to be drawn out can hold indoors after concluding the outdoor aspects.

6. Have A Winter Memorial

You may wish to decorate the deceased’s resting place or have a memorial in their honor. If it’s more challenging or dangerous to do these things immediately, consider alternative options that go in the meantime.

You can do anything in memory of the deceased, as long as they are meaningful to you and those who mourn them. This can include hanging trinkets in their name, including their urn in your holiday plans, or even planting a memorial flower that the winter allows.

Our funeral home in Robbinsville, NJ, is committed to creating meaningful final farewell experiences for families we work with, regardless of the season. Call us today or visit us to plan the service you desire.