Disposing of a Loved One’s Personal Effects

January 16th, 2015
Disposing of a Loved One’s Personal EffectsAfter the funeral plans have been completed and life has settled into what will be your new normal, it’s time to deal with the personal effects a death leaves behind. Although some of the deceased’s belongings might have been divided among descendants according to the will, most people leave closets (and even homes) full of stuff behind. Clothes, furniture, books, pictures, mementos of vacations long gone…all of these things eventually have to be sorted through and taken care of. For most people, this is a bittersweet time. Painful memories are sure to arise as you sift through the remnants of a loved one’s lifetime, but you may also find that there are positive associations, as well. Although there is no right or wrong way to go about things, here are a few tips for sorting through a loved one’s personal effects after they are gone. (more…)

Where/How to Buy Funeral Clothes

January 7th, 2015
 Where/How to Buy Funeral ClothesAlthough there is no rule that says you have to go out and buy all black clothes for a funeral, many people find that nothing in their closet seems to fit the overall tone of a funeral—the somber atmosphere, the desire to be respectful, the fact that you’ll be seeing friends and relatives for the first time in years. (more…)

What Do Crematoriums/Funeral Homes do with Prosthetics?

January 3rd, 2015
Loved one buried with prosthetic During funeral planning, one of the things most families already know is that they’ll need to have devices like pacemakers removed before a loved one can be cremated. Any medical device with an electronic component (pacemakers, internal cardiac defibrillators, etc.) has the potential to explode when in contact with the high heat associated with cremation. (more…)

Funeral Planning for Your New Year’s Resolution

January 1st, 2015
Funeral Planning for Your New Year’s ResolutionFor most of us, New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity improve our lives. We make promises to eat better, exercise more, remember to visit the dentist twice a year, and otherwise look after our health. After all, a new year is a fresh start, and what could be better than to find ways to enjoy a more positive, fruitful life? One answer might be to find a way to enjoy a more positive, fruitful death. (more…)

Top Ten Items to Place in a Casket

December 30th, 2014
 Items to Place in a CasketFor as long as people have held burials, they have been placing items into the grave to accompany the deceased on their final journey. Coins over the eyes to gain passage across the River Styx, the elaborate tombs of the kings and queens of Egypt, earthenware pots that showcase a simpler life—humans are no strangers to wanting to provide the deceased’s remains with the comforts they enjoyed in life.  (more…)

Military Funerals and Burial Assistance for Veterans

December 27th, 2014
 Military Funerals and Burial Assistance for Veterans  When you or a loved one serves as part of the United States Armed Services, there are certain death benefits and assistance you become eligible for. Navigating the system can be difficult if you’re reeling from a sudden loss, and there may be certain funds that you have to seek out to receive, so it’s a good idea to look into all your options. Any help you can get during this difficult time is worth considering—especially if your loved one served the country in any capacity. (more…)

Everything You Need to Know about Funeral Costs

December 22nd, 2014
How do most people pay for funeralsWhen it comes to questions about funeral planning, almost everyone wants to know more about money. How much does it cost to have a funeral? How can I cut back and save money on funeral plans? What is the cheapest burial option? Although funeral prices will always vary depending on location and the type of ceremony you choose, most funeral homes follow a similarly prescribed format. Here are some of our best questions-and-answers regarding money, funerals, and how to get the most out of both. (more…)

How to Do Your Hair for a Funeral

December 14th, 2014
Woman at funeral mourningAlthough what you wear to a funeral is important in showcasing your respect for the deceased and his or her family, it’s equally important to pay attention to your hair. As is the case with any semi-formal gathering, it’s the overall image you present that determines how appropriately attired you are—so take a few minutes to ensure that your hair matches the rest of your ensemble. (more…)

How to Choose a Funeral Director

December 10th, 2014
How to chose a funeral directorWhen you’re choosing a funeral home to help you with funeral planning, you’re not just considering which facility is best—you’re also interviewing funeral directors. Because you’ll be relying on one individual for so much of your support and decision-making, it’s important that you feel a connection with your funeral director built on trust and understanding. Although you probably won’t have time to call and get to know every funeral director in the event of a sudden death, you can take a few minutes to chat with them to get a feeling for who you’d like to work with.  What Does a Funeral Director Do? (more…)

Funeral Etiquette Guidelines

November 4th, 2014
Funeral Etiquette Overview  No one is born knowing how to behave at a funeral, and few of us are given regular opportunities to practice and brush up on our skills. Because funerals are so (thankfully) rare, it’s not uncommon to find yourself at a loss regarding attire, how to behave, what you’re expected to bring, or even if you should attend at all. As is the case with most things, funeral etiquette is all about planning ahead and being considerate—and searching iMortuary to find the answers you seek. From what to wear to a funeral to lending a helping hand, we’ve got all the information you need right here. (more…)