These days, a wake is considered more of a formal tradition of the past than a way to say goodbye to a loved one. Historically, wakes were held when families cared for the body of a loved one at home (as opposed to a funeral home). There was no central location where bodies were prepared for burial, so families would keep the body in a room in the house for the one or two days it would take to make all the arrangements. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Funeral Planning’ Category
The Modern-Day Wake
Wednesday, May 18th, 2016How to Have a Funeral in Space
Wednesday, May 4th, 2016There is something about setting a funeral in space that makes us feel immortal. Maybe it is the vast size of it, spreading out over billions of galaxies. Maybe it is the timelessness, the idea that anything jettisoned out into space will keep moving forever. It could even be the beauty of it—the twinkling of a thousand starry nights is something humans have been admiring for centuries. (more…)
“Extras” You Can Easily Cut from the Funeral
Monday, April 25th, 2016One of the fastest ways to save money on a funeral is to trim away extra services and products you do not need. Today’s funerals tend to be elaborate, traditional affairs that take every detail and consideration into account—which is great if the deceased had the foresight to plan ahead, but can be difficult to justify if the funeral expenses are coming out of your own pocket. (more…)
Most Expensive Places to Be Buried in the United States
Tuesday, April 12th, 2016Any time you search online for funeral prices and burial costs, you are likely to find a familiar caveat: how much you will end up paying depends on where you live. (more…)
Funeral Planning Trends: Funeral Karaoke
Friday, March 4th, 2016Playing music at a funeral is something almost all cultures and religions do in some form or another. Pianos or organs, a vocalist or harpist, pre-recorded songs that accompany the procession—there is something about music that speaks to the soul and helps communities to heal. (more…)
Funeral Flower Terminology
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016Sending sympathy flowers to a family in mourning is a great way to show your support and contribute to the funeral arrangements. However, it can be difficult to know what kind of funeral flowers to send or what each type of bouquet entails. (more…)
Hiring Clergy or a Celebrant for a Funeral
Monday, February 15th, 2016Funeral services and memorial services are almost always overseen by a member of the clergy or other religious leader. Because so much about death has to do with spiritual customs and religious traditions, it is comforting to have someone who is able to not only hold the service in accordance with your beliefs, but who can also provide the spiritual guidance you need during this difficult time. (more…)
Hidden Costs of Cremation
Wednesday, February 10th, 2016We often see cremation offered as an affordable alternative to burial—a way to say goodbye without the heavy costs associated with buying a casket, purchasing a grave plot, and putting up a headstone. While it is possible to save thousands of dollars this way, not all cremations end up being less than burial. Because so much depends on the details, you could actually end up paying more for cremation than you would for a simple or direct burial. (more…)












