Designing Your Ceremony

We believe in creating healing and meaningful ceremonies that tell the unique story of each person we serve.

We offer both traditional and modern ceremony options and actively look for ways to personalize and tailor your ceremony to your family and community’s needs.

Our funeral arrangers listen closely to your story and situation to help you find the ceremony that best honors your loved one. They will also help you select special photographs and find ways to incorporate significant memories, favorite items, and symbolic elements into the ceremony.

We know it can be difficult trying to think of everything when your heart is broken and that is why we will be there with you every step of the way, guiding you, and ensuring that your loved one has the perfect goodbye, whatever type of ceremony you decide on.

Many families these days prefer to plan a funeral or memorial service focused on remembering the deceased as he or she was in life, a service focused on the deceased’s body/remains, or a combination of both. Therefore, you should imagine and plan the funeral or memorial service that you and/or the person who died consider the most meaningful way to say goodbye—something that captures the unique qualities of the deceased; reflects his or her and/or your personal, religious or spiritual beliefs; and provides a memorable, meaningful opportunity for mourners to express their grief while comforting and supporting each other.

You should also consider the following when envisioning your funeral or memorial service to personalize it, as applicable:

• Officiant(s) who will lead the service, such as a clergy member, celebrant, funeral director, etc.
• Readings, such as poems, prayers, religious or secular passages, etc., and who will deliver them
• Eulogist(s), who will write and deliver a eulogy about the deceased
• Music, whether contemporary, religious hymns or both
• Food/beverages, whether professionally catered, provided “potluck” by attendees, or arranged by the funeral home or provider
• Pallbearers, if the final disposition involves a graveside service
• Webcasting the funeral, or making a recording of the service available later
• Personal touches, such as a memory board, memorial video, personal memorabilia, etc.

Think of all the things in life that made them special

• Hobbies
• Sports
• Volunteer
• Known for?
• Favourite colour

The Importance of a Ceremony

Each life is unique and has meaning, that’s why we offer ceremonies that reflect the life lived and begin the healing process for families. This is the one time in our lives whereby having the support of family, friends, and community will help us get through the most overwhelming time of our lives. 

Holding a funeral or memorial service for your loved one is a positive first step in the grieving process. In the days, weeks and months ahead, people continue to need others to lean on for understanding, encouragement, and guidance.

The Connelly-McKinley Experience – Personalization Options

Our website offers the ability to create a permanent online memorial for your loved one. You can post their life’s story, share photos and service information via email or social media.

View Current Obituaries

 

 

Our online flower shop makes sending flowers personal and simple. We guarantee that our flowers will be fresh, beautiful, and delivered on-time. Our Flower Shop is right at our downtown location and online.

Simply choose the style you want, add your personal preferences, and our skilled floral designers will create the perfect arrangement for you.

Send Flowers