Funerals are important. But they aren’t absolutely necessary for every family. There are some alternatives, and of course it is also possible to do nothing at all. The crucial thing is that you think about your options in advance and discuss them with a funeral home that can help. If you or someone you know is looking for funeral homes in or near Indianapolis, IN, you should know there is a solution in your area that can work with you when it comes to any number of options. That kind of flexibility is key, and it is exactly what you deserve in a world where your family is sure to be unique. 

O’Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory understands that your needs and interests aren’t the same as everyone else’s. We are strongly committed to listening and hearing you out entirely, carrying on an honest conversation about what you want and what best fits your preferences. That kind of responsiveness is really essential, and we take great pride in the kind of care and professionalism that we deliver to our clients. Don’t hesitate to speak up and explain what you need. We are here for you, and we endeavor to make your specific wishes a reality—whether that means a traditional funeral or something else. 

You should never feel pressured into having a funeral. But you should also know why they’re important to the average family. Funerals provide friends and families with an opportunity to continue the healing process and sometimes find some sense of closure. They have long been the means by which we say goodbye and pay our respects to our loved ones. They’re often ceremonial and somewhat formal, but they certainly don’t have to be. The important thing is that there is some kind of event that allows people to grieve and share in the experience of having done so. Put simply, funerals aren’t useless. There is a point. But there is also some flexibility in terms of what you wish to plan, or whether you wish to plan anything at all. 

Memorial services are often held weeks or months after losing a loved one, creating additional time for planning and making arrangements—especially ideal for out-of-town guests. They are often a bit less formal than funerals, but they accomplish many of the same objectives. Many will continue to grieve for some time, so a memorial service isn’t necessarily too late to do so. And when it comes to paying respects, there really isn’t much of a difference between a funeral and memorial service. You can also explore options like a celebration of life, which is essentially a more positive spin on the funeral itself. 

Of course, some families prefer to avoid an especially formal funeral, preferring instead to host a very small and casual gathering. There is nothing wrong with that. You don’t necessarily need an elaborate ceremony in order to say goodbye. Whatever ends up making the most sense for your family, a funeral home can help. The logistical support and other help can really be instrumental no matter what you settle on. 



If you are interested in funeral homes in the Indianapolis, IN area, consider reaching out to O’Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. We understand that you aren’t like everyone else, and we know we must do our parts when it comes to planning the right kind of service or event. Give us a call and discuss your preferences. We are here to help.