In the past, funeral planning was simple and straightforward. You bought a burial plot, a casket, and said your goodbyes. Choice was limited, and you often ended up with the same casket or headstone the rest of the family had. In more recent decades, the popularity of cremation meant that families hoping to cut back on expenses or simplify the process had additional options.
(more…) Cremation and Burial Alternatives
August 4th, 2012In the past, funeral planning was simple and straightforward. You bought a burial plot, a casket, and said your goodbyes. Choice was limited, and you often ended up with the same casket or headstone the rest of the family had. In more recent decades, the popularity of cremation meant that families hoping to cut back on expenses or simplify the process had additional options.
(more…) Funeral Planning: “In Lieu of Flowers” Gift Ideas
August 2nd, 2012
Sending funeral flowers to the funeral home or memorial service of a loved one is a great way to show your support. Long held as the standard in traditional funeral planning, flowers add a touch of elegance to the ceremony and also serve as a lasting reminder of much the deceased meant.
These days, however, more and more people are concerned about the greenhouse effects of funeral flowers—not to mention what to do with the overflow of arrangements once the funeral is over. Whether you’re planning a green funeral and want some great alternatives, or if you want to scale back on funeral costs to opt for a simpler, more streamlined affair, here are a few gift ideas if you want to go “in lieu of flowers.”
(more…) What to Expect from Small Town Funeral Homes
July 30th, 2012
Funeral planning in a small town is a much different affair than funeral planning in a large city. Not only are you faced with fewer options when it comes to funeral homes, but privacy is often hard to come by. It can be very difficult to make decisions when you know the whole town is watching and expecting you to stick to tradition, and you might feel trapped into making choices you might not otherwise choose.
(more…) The Physical Side Effects of Bereavement
July 27th, 2012
There is no question that bereavement and loss take a toll on a person’s mental well -being. Countless resources exist to help families and individuals cope with the emotional ramifications death, including grief counseling, support groups, and books. These kinds of options are vital for the newly bereaved, and exist to help others begin moving through their grief.
(more…) End-of-Life Care: Preparing for the Funeral
July 25th, 2012
One of the greatest gifts we can give families as they prepare for the loss of a loved one is assistance with funeral planning. These days, most funerals cost in excess of $10,000 and require dozens of decisions related to the type of interment, a final resting place, and how to celebrate the life of the deceased.
When people have been given the chance to put their affairs in order in the days, weeks, or months leading up to death, all these choices become a little easier. That’s because in addition to having more time to make the difficult decisions, families can also ensure that they make the most out of the funeral planning.
(more…) Writing a Funeral Program
July 23rd, 2012
Almost all traditional funerals and memorial services include a program that is handed out to guests as they arrive. This pamphlet usually contains photos and personal information, as well as an outline of the events that will occur during the service. Like a wedding or church program, it provides guests with an overview of what to expect while also acting as a keepsake for the event.
(more…) Pet Cremation Facts
July 17th, 2012
When a beloved pet dies, you have several options as far as taking care of the body. For low-cost methods, you can ask your local animal control office to collect the body and dispose of it according to their standard procedure. (This usually means mass cremation and minimal ceremony.) If you have the right permits, you might also be able to bury your pet on your own land.
(more…) Why it Matters: Dove Releasing and Other Funeral Ceremonies
July 10th, 2012
It’s becoming a growing trend in the funeral industry for families to hold elaborate ceremonies to accompany the memorial service. From dove releasing ceremonies, in which classic white birds are set into the air, to bagpiping or even a procession that requires a permit and closing the streets, people want to remember their loved ones—and in a big way.
(more…) Funeral Planning and Healthcare Directives
July 7th, 2012
Although funeral plans and healthcare directives don’t always overlap, they cover issues that many people address at the same time. While funeral plans provide financial support and instructions for after death occurs, healthcare directives address these issues while you’re still alive…and too ill to make the decisions on your own.
(more…) Who Has the Legal Right to Make Funeral Decisions?
July 2nd, 2012
If a loved one dies and there is contention within the family, it can be difficult for everyone to agree on the right decisions to make regarding funeral planning and other burial decisions. While many families are able to work this sort of situation out for themselves, some struggle with finding a way to stay true to the wishes of the deceased and adhering to their own individual views on death.
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