Funeral services include the actual memorial ceremony that celebrates a deceased person's life. However, they also encompass other things, like body preparation services. Funeral homes can take care of all of these needs. Funeral home employees can help you plan and execute a memorial service for your loved one. Here are some of the things that you can do when you contact a funeral home like Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home Inc:

1. Receive assistance in person or via phone or email.

Many people have never planned a funeral before, which means they may not know where to begin. Funeral homes are staffed by funeral home directors who can provide much-needed assistance to families who are struggling to narrow down their options. A funeral home director can guide you through the process of planning a funeral, helping you figure out which services you need. You can contact a funeral home director by phone or email, but if you prefer in-person assistance, you can also visit the funeral home during its open hours.

2. Schedule embalming services.

Embalming is a process that allows morticians to preserve bodies. Bodies are typically embalmed before memorial services. If a family chooses to have an open-casket funeral, morticians will perform cosmetic services as part of the embalming process. Embalming is compatible with cremation, which means you can choose to have your loved one cremated following a viewing ceremony, even if they have been embalmed.

3. Take advantage of cremation services.

Some people prefer to be cremated after they die. Cremation allows people to bypass the decomposition that naturally affects cadavers, which may be desirable to some. If you choose cremation for your loved one, you will have several options to choose from. You can opt for direct cremation, which will allow you to avoid the expense of embalming services. You can also choose to delay cremation until after a viewing ceremony has taken place. Family members can choose to be present for cremation if they desire. Some people find that attending the process brings them a sense of peace.

4. Organize a memorial service.

Memorial services are an important way for people to say goodbye to the loved ones they have lost. You can hold a memorial service anywhere that is meaningful to you. Some people choose to have their memorial services in a church, while others choose to take advantage of the chapels found in funeral homes. A funeral home director can help you organize a beautiful memorial service.