Few things are as difficult to face as the death of a loved one. Sadness, shock, and a profound sense of loss leave bereaved family and friends ill equipped to deal with the many preparations for a fitting funeral or memorial service. But such preparations are necessary, not only as a tribute to the deceased, but also to help survivors express their grief and celebrate the life that was lived. Funeral director Geoffrey C. Carnell knows that arranging a funeral or memorial service and finalizing details for a burial or cremation are painful and confusing tasks for many. Now, Carnell has called upon his considerable experience to create an indispensable reference book for families and friends to use when arranging a funeral. THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO FUNERAL PLANNING covers every aspect of the funeral preparations-whether for burial or cremation--and much more. No one likes to think about funeral arrangements while the business of living occupies our minds. But, as Carnell's experiences suggest, funeral preparations are much easier when the bereaved have at least considered what they and the deceased may want for an appropriate last rite. THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO FUNERAL PLANNING gives readers a glimpse at the questions that must be answered eventually, and such foresight may ease the pain of loss a little when the time for difficult decisions is at hand.