Funeral Planning In The New Normal (post-pandemic)

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, making funeral arrangements was challenging. Now that we are recovering and emerging from the events of that year, our usual funeral options are back. Following the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing a mask in most indoor settings (funerals included) is no longer required for fully vaccinated individuals, except when on public transportation, in healthcare facilities, and at congregate events. Even if the COVID-19 pandemic is slowly fading away, the risk of getting infected remains. This means that funerals should still be conducted carefully to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. Follow these tips and suggestions on planning a funeral during the “new normal.”

1. Pre-Plan the Funeral

Whether death is imminent or still far from happening, pre-planning your own or your loved one’s funeral helps lessen your family's stress and financial burden. It also ensures that things go according to the deceased’s last wishes.

2. Stay Updated About CDC Announcements and Guidelines

The CDC would know if your area is currently at high risk of COVID-19 infection. Check first for CDC updates before holding a memorial service.

3. Live Stream the Memorial Service

Set up live streaming for the funeral service. This is convenient for those who live far away and can also lessen footfall in the venue.

4. Consider Modern Alternatives to Traditional Burials

Modern alternatives to traditional funeral ceremonies have increasingly become popular. These arrangements are simpler and less expensive than usual burials and don’t involve a lot of people. Here are some modern funerals to consider.

• Direct Cremation

This is probably the simplest and most affordable way to bury a deceased individual. Shortly after passing, the crematorium will collect the remains and cremate them immediately, with no ceremonial service. The ashes will be returned to the deceased’s family, allowing them to arrange the memorial service they want.

• Cremation with Service

This is similar to direct cremation, but with the deceased’s loved ones holding a ceremony as they watch the cremation process

• Celebration of Life

This one may not seem like a funeral — it looks more like a party! People gather to celebrate the deceased’s life after the remains have been cremated or buried. This gives you more flexibility as you can choose a non-traditional location instead of being restricted to a funeral home.

The new normal has enabled more flexibility in terms of funeral options. Contact Direct Cremation Services of Virginia if you need a funeral service in Virginia. We offer affordable funeral arrangement options that suit the “new normal.”