Losing those we dearly love is hard to bear. This time of grief is often compounded by the challenge of organizing just the right celebration on to suit a unique individual who suddenly is no longer in our lives.
Advance planning can ease the process. Eileen Bailey, the founder and president of A Fitting Farewell, helps others plan memorable ceremonies to mark the passing of loved ones.
She often works with individuals who seek to take the burden off family members by planning their own funeral or memorial in advance.
Services include:
- Initial meeting to discuss options for obituary and service
- Accompanying family members to the mortuary
- Helping write and edit the obituary, and placing it in area newspapers
- Recommending and securing an appropriate venue
- Securing a minister/rabbi/emcee, and speakers
- Advising on the eulogy, music, spiritual verses, poetry, video/photos, etc.
- Arranging for catering services, rentals, staff, etc.
- Designing and producing a beautiful program
- Coordinating the service/reception: set-up, sound, seating, timing, music, speakers
Fees
Consultation:
An initial meeting to discuss the client’s desires, and determine the style and spirit of the celebration to be planned. $100
Obituary Services:
Interviews/research, writing, proofing, editing and—if desired–arranging for placement in local publications, alumni publications, and hometown newspapers. $360-$480
Funeral/Memorial Services:
Helping design, organize and execute each aspect of the ceremony: help family develop plan; research and secure venue; work with family on speakers; secure speakers; suggest music options; working with musician(s) including song selection, contract, sound check, rehearsal; engaging the services of minister or emcee; suggest flow of the program; offering suggestions for readings, Bible verses, poetry, video/photo show; help family consider options, then develop and write the custom program and have it printed; coordinate and supervise details at the service including family and other seating, greeters/ushers, sound system, lighting, AC/heat, prelude and photos; prelude music, payment to professionals, valet parking, and other issues of the service. $560-$800
Eulogy:
Interview family and friends, research, write and edit eulogy, and provide script for appropriate friend or family member. $200
Reception:
Offer options for suitable reception site; valet parking, caterer, menu, beverage, music, rentals, staff, and other details such as photo display, flower placement, special seating, and reception line if desired. $400-600
Additional Services as Needed:
Working with mortuary; newspaper coverage in addition to the obituary; extra printing; custom invitations and/or thank-you cards; airport pickup and accommodations for family/friends; arranging next-day gathering for close friends. Fees to be agreed upon prior to commencing work.
The above fees are for time-of-need services. For advance planning, there is a discount of ten percent if work is completed within one month. Thank you.
A FITTING FAREWELL 