Tips For Making A Support Card Book To Present To The Family At A Funeral

When a loved one dies, it can be overwhelming in so many ways for those who have been left behind. When it's a spouse, parent, sibling, or other very close family member, the pain can seem unbearable, and even kind things that people do can seem overwhelming. If a lot of people send condolence cards in the mail, even those nice gestures can be hard.

Do the mourners a favor and take control of this tradition that happens in the aftermath of a death. Instead of having everyone send condolence cards in the mail, offer to gather them before the funeral and put them in a support card book. That way, all the condolence letters are together and organized for when the person feels strong enough to look at them. Also, having them all together in a book allows the person to keep them forever without having them all strewn about and presenting a new problem. Follow these tips to make a great support card book for a funeral or cremation service provided by a funeral home like Parsippany Funeral Home Inc.

Tip #1: Mention the Cards as Early as Possible

When you take on the task of putting together a support card book, the key to successfully executing a plan for a great book is to give people as much notice as possible. A lot of people get nervous writing in cards and struggle for just the right words. Therefore, you want to give them as much time as possible.

Since you want as many cards as possible in the support card book, make it easy on people. If you're sending email requests, you may even suggest a bulleted list of things that people may choose to say in the card. Offer to pick up the cards at least one day before the funeral so you have more time to work on putting the book together prior to the memorial service where you will be presenting the book.

Tip #2: Include Your Own Card in the Book

Some people feel funny about placing their own support card in the book that they are creating, but it is important for you to do so. In fact, you may even place yours first. Although you are putting the work into creating the book, rest assured that your loved one will still appreciate receiving even your direct support in the form of kind words and a card.

Tip #3: Finish the Book with an Offer

Make sure the book isn't only a book with expressions of love, care, and sympathy. It should also offer an active way of helping the bereaved. At the end of the book, place all your contact information, and also offer 4 to 10 things that you are willing to do for the mourner at any point during the grieving process. By making active offers and providing multiple ways the person can contact you, you are making it easier for them to ask for help that they may desperately need.

Finally, keep in mind that a support card book can mean a lot to family members who are deeply entrenched in grief. Seeing the outpouring of love and support in written form on loving cards can lift their spirits many times throughout the grieving process. Condolences can be even more powerful when presented in the beautiful and considerate form of a support card book.