If you’re funeral planning for a loved one and want to incorporate a touching memorial, a dove release ceremony might be the perfect choice. Dove release ceremonies are common in both funerals and weddings, with a similar role in each one. For funerals, the dove’s ascension represents the final journey of the soul into Heaven; for weddings, it is a message of hope for the future. The final outcome in both cases is that family members are comforted and able to look past the present emotions to a happy lifetime ahead of them.
Archive for the ‘Funeral Planning’ Category
Funerals and Dove Release Memorials
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011Superstitions about Funerals
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
When it comes to funeral planning, just about every culture and every family has their own list of traditions. Whether the traditions are as lighthearted as everyone wearing the color red in honor of the deceased’s favorite color or as somber as observing a strict period of mourning, most traditions, taboos, and superstitions have their roots in time-honored cultural practices.
Here are a few funeral superstitions that have been part of the Western culture for centuries:
• Pall bearers traditionally wear gloves when they carry a casket. This practice stems from a fear that directly touching the casket could allow the spirit of the deceased to enter the body.
Funeral Planning: What is a Living Trust?
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Although much of the information you’ll find online regarding funeral planning has to do with funeral pre-plans and the kind of funeral insurance that allows you to tie your money into a specific funeral home, there are actually many different types of financial and legal steps you can take to secure your estate.
One such option in funeral planning is a living trust. Like a will, a living trust allows you to allocate your money and resources to your dependents. However, unlike a will, this contract can take effect while you are still alive. This not only makes a lot of the proceedings an easier transition, but you can cause your estate to avoid probate so that your family doesn’t have to wait for the legal system to process everything before they gain control of their inheritance.
Funeral Planning: The Funeral Luncheon
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
One of the customs many people look forward to during funeral planning is the funeral luncheon, or the reception following the memorial service. Although this is obviously not a traditional family gathering, since the recent death will necessarily cast a gloom over the proceedings, the funeral luncheon can be a time of great celebration.
This is an ideal time to share happy memories and funny stories of the deceased, and to play music he or she loved. If you have had a chance to funeral pre-plan because of a terminal illness, you might even be able to incorporate the direct wishes of the deceased, who might have helped to select the venue or events.
Popular Funeral Verses
Friday, April 29th, 2011
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.
“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.
Cremation and the Law
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
When it comes to funeral planning, burials, and cremation, there are quite a few different considerations that come into play. In addition to the wishes of the deceased, there are legal and ethical issues that will impact how and where you are laid to rest. This is one great reason for taking advantage of everything that the funeral pre-plan industry has to offer, since you can ensure that your wishes match local laws before death occurs.
This is especially true if you are choosing to be cremated. Because so many people (your relatives included) might have strong feelings about cremation, it is best to lay out your wishes in advance. The best way to do this is to pre-plan your funeral and pay for the cremation in advance; other options include clearly stating your wishes in a will or end-of-life directive.
