One of the more common parts of a memorial service is the reading of favorite Bible verses or poetry that you and your family choose. As far as funeral planning goes, this isn’t the most difficult decision you’ll make, and there is no “wrong” way to choose a funeral verse, but it is good to take some time choosing what will be read and who will be responsible for the reading. That’s because in addition to honoring the deceased, there can be great healing to be found in the wisdom of others.
Archive for April, 2011
Popular Funeral Verses
Friday, April 29th, 2011How to Help Children Express Grief
Thursday, April 28th, 2011
One of the more difficult aspects of funeral planning—whether you’re doing it in the stages leading up to death or after the fact—is orienting children toward the proper methods of grief. Like adults, children grieve in different ways from one another, especially when you take into consideration different ages and the relationship each child had with the deceased.
Also similar to adults, children grieve through a series of steps, each one building on the last as they process their emotions and the sudden change in their world. Although the following is meant to be a guideline for these stages, please note that the advice offered here is never a substitute for professional therapy. When it comes to our kids, it can be very beneficial to seek guidance so that they not only mourn their loss properly, but also learn how to cope with future losses in their lives.
“Green” Memorials
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a green funeral throughout every detail of the service, or if you’d simply like to incorporate a few eco-friendly burial arrangements as you go—funeral planning with an eye to saving the planet is a very popular choice right now. Not only is there the possibility of saving tens of thousands of dollars on funeral costs, but you can also give back to the earth in a positive and constructive way.
In addition to green burial options and funeral planning steps, you can opt for a green memorial. A green memorial is basically a formal commemoration that puts an emphasis on an eco-friendly outlook. Ideal for those who were passionate about the earth during their lives, or for those who want to incorporate something a little unusual for their own funeral pre-plans, here are a few of the top ideas:
How to Plan a Cheap Funeral
Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Even under the best of circumstances, funeral planning comes with a long list of costs and responsibilities. With the average funeral cost at around $7,000 (and additional considerations for burial arrangements), it is not easy—or cheap—to say goodbye to those we love.
A number of different programs and options have arisen to help the modern consumer defray some of these costs. Funeral pre-plans allow you to pay for and a plan a funeral in advance, oftentimes with monthly payments or even insurance premiums that can be spread out over a few years. Other options include green funerals that eliminate heavy metal caskets, funeral flowers, and in some cases, burial itself. And for some consumers willing to put in a little extra time and effort, cheap funerals are another distinct possibility.
Funeral Planning and Terminal Illness
Monday, April 11th, 2011
One of the most common questions we get here on our blog is “when is the best time to start funeral planning?” By now, almost all of us have heard about the options in funeral pre-plans, which range from setting aside funding via a trust or funeral insurance policy to actually planning the details and paying for caskets and burial plots in advance.
What most of us don’t consider is exactly when planning a funeral is best. Is it when you’re in your 40s? 50s? Facing retirement?
There is no single answer to this question, and only you and your loved ones can decide for sure when to start funeral planning. One thing, however, that is almost always universal is the benefit of funeral planning in the final stages of a disease or terminal illness.
Personalizing Cremation Urns
Friday, April 1st, 2011
One of the best ways to make funeral planning a little bit easier on the whole family is to stay true to traditions while also respecting the wishes of the deceased. If you or a loved one has decided on cremation, you’ve taken a great first step in saving on funeral costs, providing a more green funeral approach, and in holding true to your own beliefs.
However, choosing cremation doesn’t mean you are choosing to fly in the face of tradition. Thanks to great options in cremation urns, you can combine the more traditional aspects of burial arrangements with cremation to plan a funeral that meets everyone’s expectations.
