After a less than good experience with my father-in-law's funeral 02-01, my mother-in-law's funeral provided additional bad experiences through the same funeral service provider.
02-01, the guest book was not provided for the visitation, and a last minute "oh my" obtained a few attendees at the graveside service. The "folders" this is the announcement with your loved ones info was not generated. At the graveside services, a funeral home employee passed out -thank you - cards to the attendees.
This was so embarrassing.
When the announcements were finally received 3 weeks later, the deceased name was misspelled on every 3rd card. (how does this happen) Not realizing this misspelling until later, many family memebers received rememberances with the loved one's name misspelled.
One might think this is enough for one family, but within 10 months we must deal with another funeral and during the holidays on top of that.
After being comfortably reassured that the same mistakes would not happen as did in February we confidently proceeded with the plans... The obituary was printed in the morning addition of the newspaper on the same day of the service. (short notice to the public, not to the newspapaer). The newspaper received the obiyuary info on 12-22-07.
The casket spray chosen was red gladiolas and white mums, we arrived to view PINK CARNATIONS and two pine cones on the day of the service. The casket spray was the most upsetting experience, it was not even a near resemblance of what we paid many hundreds dollars for. All was planned around a holiday oriented spray to comfort us. WE RECEIVED PINK!!! In December.
Many people called with appologies for not attending the service because of the late newspaper notification.
We sincerely hope that this experiences will assist those planning a funeral. During your time of sorrow, as was ours, you expect a professional establishment to be one of trust.
You should know, based on our experiences, you need a written check list and check it twice. AND WHAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR CHECK LIST??? Although you may receive all your choices in writing don't expect it to be right.
Last words, it you cherish your loved-one's last day you may have to do all the work yourself or expect disappointments and down right screw-ups from the funeral home. And their will be a price for their screw-ups.
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