A Review of the Book "Creating Meaningful Funeral Experiences" by Allan D Wolfelt

Title: Creating Meaningful Funeral Experiences

Author: Alan D Wolfelt

Publisher: Companion Press

Year: 2011

94 pages

Ever read one of those books that you wish you had read a long time ago? That's what this one is for me. Creating Meaningful Funeral Experiences is a neat little handbook for anyone who wants to learn how to work with families as they create a funeral for their loved ones, something that's worth keeping close at hand for reference.

In the first two parts, Wolfelt discusses why funerals appear to have become a thing of the past and why people need to be reminded of the important purpose of funerals, regardless of at a church, chapel, funeral home, or any other location.

The third section is really the meat of the book. In this section Wolfelt talks about the importance of creating a meaningful funeral experience. He tells us that funerals should attempt to hit all our senses as it is the sense that brings up memories.

The last two sections gives ideas on how to bring meaning to the funeral, the practicalities of doing the work Wolfelt insists needs to be done in the third section. These sections are definitely more geared towards funeral home directors as there are a lot of things that clergy can't control, but it would apply for funerals in churches and it gives clergy ways of speaking with families when discussing funeral plans.

Wolfelt's book is an excellent, well-written piece of reference material. I recommend it for lay persons, clergy, and anyone else involved in doing funerals.