Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home is proud to serve families throughout the Albany, Clifton park, and Troy, NY area. One of the primary services we offer is funeral pre-planning. If you have begun the process of pre-planning your funeral, there are some important things to keep in mind as you
make your arrangements.
What Type of Service Do You Want? There are several types of services you could choose, including:
• Funeral service followed by
burial or
cremation
• Funeral service followed by a
graveside service or a service at the crematory, followed by burial or cremation
• Graveside or crematory service only, followed by burial or cremation
• Burial or cremation, followed by a memorial service
Do You Want Any Other Funeral Events? There are several types of supplemental funeral events you can include as part of your funeral pre-planning.
• Viewing: A viewing is an unstructured gathering of family and friends where visitors can pay their respects to the deceased. Our funeral home can offer this whether you’ve chosen burial or cremation.
• Wake: A wake is extremely similar in structure to a viewing; in some traditions, a wake also includes a short ceremony.
• Visitation: A visitation is an event that gives family, friends, and associates the opportunity to express sympathy to the immediate family of the deceased.
• Reception or Gathering: These events typically occur after a funeral or memorial service; they give attendees the opportunity to connect in a more informal environment, and gives mourners the chance to express support, share stories, and continue to celebrate your life.
What Personal Touches Do You Want? This is your opportunity to make specific requests regarding how you would like your funeral or memorial service to go. These funeral pre-planning details make it even easier for your loved ones to make arrangements. Considerations you can specify include:
• Location of your funeral or memorial service, including a second choice if your first choice is unavailable
• Chosen officiant
• Preferred pallbearers
• Preferred speakers or readers
• Which readings would you like delivered?
• Any pieces of music you would like to be played
• Any individuals, groups, organizations, or clubs you would like to be notified of and invited to the funeral home or memorial service
• Any organizations or charities you would like mourners to honor through donations
If you have any other questions about what you should include in your funeral plans, our funeral home serving Albany, Clifton Park, and Troy, NY is here to help. Please
feel free to reach out to our professionals.