Archive for the ‘Funeral Planning’ Category

Five Ways to Personalize a Funeral Service on a Budget

Tuesday, July 10th, 2018
Five Ways to Personalize a Funeral Service on a Budget

Five Ways to Personalize a Funeral Service on a Budget

A funeral does not have to be expensive or flashy to be memorable. As is often the case, the most important thing about a funeral is people coming together. That is why a heartfelt eulogy can make a bigger impact than an ornate casket, and a small gathering at the deceased’s home can be more intimate than a grand catered event. (more…)

Headstone Alternatives

Thursday, July 5th, 2018
Headstone Alternatives

Headstone Alternatives

When you choose natural burial, opt for cremation instead of burial, do not have a body to grieve, or simply do not want the heavy look of a traditional headstone, you may want to consider gravestone alternatives. Although most people today choose a small, rectangular headstone that makes a cemetery look neat and tidy, it used to be common for headstones of all shapes, sizes, and varieties to crop up. Choosing something unique and personalized can be a great way to not only celebrate your loved one, but to stand out in a way that means a lot to the those who share your grief. (more…)

Poetry to Read at a Funeral

Monday, June 18th, 2018
Poetry to Read at a Funeral

Poetry to Read at a Funeral

Public speaking at a funeral is a common practice, especially if the service will be formal or held in a church. However, if you are not the kind of person who can write a eulogy, or you are not quite up to the task of opening your heart and sharing personal memories of the past, you may want to read a funeral poem instead. By relying on the words of some of the world’s great writers, you can tap into your feelings without being burdened by the idea of having to come up with your own. (more…)

Choosing a Casket: Casket Features and Upgrades

Friday, May 25th, 2018
Choosing a Casket: Casket Features and Upgrades

Choosing a Casket: Casket Features and Upgrades

One of the first decisions you will have to make when planning a burial is what kind of casket you want. Ranging from base models of a few hundred dollars to elaborate burial vessels with a price tag well in the $12,000 range, it is good to know what you want and expect out of your casket ahead of time. That way, you will not be overwhelmed by decisions or surprised when the final bill arrives. (more…)

Planning a Multi-Faith Funeral

Sunday, May 13th, 2018
Planning a Multi-Faith Funeral

Planning a Multi-Faith Funeral

For most of history, funerals were planned according to the beliefs, traditions, and rituals of a single religion. Not only did this make things easier on the family, but it also made things easier on the community as a whole. When someone died, there were “rules” to follow—rules that had been in place for centuries and that dictated everything from what you did to how you were supposed to feel. (more…)

Breaking “Alternative” Funeral Plans to Your Family

Friday, May 4th, 2018
Breaking “Alternative” Funeral Plans to Your Family

Breaking “Alternative” Funeral Plans to Your Family

You have gone through your funeral planning options. You have started a funeral pre-payment plan that makes sense for your lifestyle. Regardless of your age, health, or financial situation, you have removed a huge burden from your family by coming up with your own funeral arrangements—and putting them into action long before you leave this world. (more…)

How to Choose a Memorial Donation Recipient

Sunday, April 29th, 2018
How to Choose a Memorial Donation Recipient

How to Choose a Memorial Donation Recipient

When a loved one dies, you may wish to make (or request) a financial donation instead of more traditional gifts like sympathy flowers, food baskets, or money to help pay for the funeral. If this is the case, the first thing you have to do is decide who will be the recipient of all these monetary contributions. (more…)

Who Makes the Funeral Decisions?

Monday, April 2nd, 2018
Who Makes the Funeral Decisions?

Who Makes the Funeral Decisions?

When a loved one dies, there are many decisions that will have to be made about what to do with the body, where to plan the funeral, and what to do about other financial and personal issues. Most people know that the default person responsible for this decision-making is the spouse, but what if the deceased was unmarried? What if they made alternate arrangements? And what if there is some disagreement about who gets to be in charge? (more…)

Dates NOT to Plan a Funeral

Tuesday, February 6th, 2018
Dates NOT to Plan a Funeral

Dates NOT to Plan a Funeral

Few people can choose the time and date of their death, which means most funerals take place on the spur of the moment. No matter how inconvenient the timing or what month it is, saying goodbye is something that always takes precedence over the other demands of daily life. (more…)