You may want a traditional funeral service with visitation and a member of the clergy conducting services at a church or a funeral home. Would you want an open or closed casket? Maybe you want a special friend to do the eulogy or family members to read scripture passages or poetry. Any favorite hymns?

If you would rather have a memorial service, express that wish. That means a service in the funeral home or a church where the body is not present. A common misconception is that when the body is cremated you don't hold a funeral. You can hold a funeral before cremation.