Believe it or not, we have heard from some Midland and Big Spring families who believe they can, and should, plan a memorial service for their loved one themselves. Whether it’s because they believe it will save them money, or because they want to have the ultimate say in how the arrangements unfold, we have seen time and again why trying to plan a memorial service yourself is not the best choice for you, your family, or your departed loved one.

1.) You need expert guidance to learn about all of the options available to you

When you plan a funeral service and final disposition, there are literally dozens of decisions you’ll have to make. There are obvious choices – such as between traditional burial or cremation. But once you make that determination, there are still many individual options you’ll need to choose from. For cremation: Do you want to keep your loved one in your possession, bury them at Trinity Memorial Park, or scatter their remains in a meaningful location? Perhaps a combination? With traditional burial: Would your loved one preferred to not be embalmed? What kind of casket is the best choice? Will you personalize it? Will the casket be open or closed during the visitation? During a time of heightened emotion, the options available to you can seem daunting. But our caring team has the experience and knowledge needed to walk you through all of your options and help make a complicated process seem simple. And as long as your desires fall within what laws and regulations allow, you and your family always have the final say.

2.) Relieving pressure from you and your family

Some people don’t realize the kind of emotional strain they will be under after losing a loved one. It may be the most difficult time of your life. In addition to the choices you’ll have to make above, when you choose to hold a remembrance, there are details to be attended to and logistics to strategize and execute. People will probably be flying in from all over the country, maybe even the world, to pay their last respects. They will need information on transportation and lodging, and they will, undoubtedly, be stopping by your home to give you their love and express their sympathy. This is a time when you should be focusing on your own healing and receiving the support being offered to you from the people who love you. Not orchestrating the details of a funeral service on your own. And it’s unfair for you to expect your close family members to help, as they’re dealing with their own grief.

At Nalley-Pickle & Welch, we can also help you arrange for a complete funeral reception either before or after the service at either the Welch Reception Center or The Branch at NPW. This gives you an opportunity to express your appreciation for the people who have come to the service. Since we handle every detail from top to bottom, you can focus on remembering your loved one, instead of booking a reservation for a large group at a restaurant or trying to arrange something in your own home. And it’s probably more affordable than you would think.

3.) We can help you paint the story of your loved one’s life

For most families, more than anything, they want their loved one’s visitation and funeral service to tell the story of their life and be an expression of their personality, interests, and accomplishments. But where to begin? What are the different ways you can do this? Our expert team knows the right questions to ask and the options available at Nalley-Pickle & Welch. We will take the time needed with you to really get a good picture of who your loved one was, so every part of the service is infused with their memory. Whether it’s helping you put together a video tribute, or arrange a memory table, the service will be remembered for years to come.

So, when the moment comes, or you would like to preplan, come to us – our family is ready to help.