Although it’s not an ideal situation, there are cases in which a loved one in another location dies, and there is no one living nearby to help with the funeral planning. Because the nature of body disposal requires that most funerals be planned within a week’s time, it can be difficult to make all the necessary arrangements from another city or even another state.
(more…) Planning a Long-Distance Funeral
May 23rd, 2012Although it’s not an ideal situation, there are cases in which a loved one in another location dies, and there is no one living nearby to help with the funeral planning. Because the nature of body disposal requires that most funerals be planned within a week’s time, it can be difficult to make all the necessary arrangements from another city or even another state.
(more…) The United States National Cemetery Administration
May 19th, 2012
iMortuary.com Blog Editors sincerely thank James Flanagan, Program Manager for the Presidential Memorial Certificate Program in the National Cemetery Administration, for his additions and early corrections to this article. His full comments are included in the Response section.
Every state and most major cities have a National Cemetery—those perfect rows of white headstones and crosses designating the burial place of our nation’s fallen heroes and veterans. If you have a military past, your funeral plans might bring up the possibility of burial in one of these cemeteries (or accessing other benefits through the Administration, such as a headstone, cremation costs, Presidential Memorial Certificate, or even a military salute to preside over the memorial service).
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Every state and most major cities have a National Cemetery—those perfect rows of white headstones and crosses designating the burial place of our nation’s fallen heroes and veterans. If you have a military past, your funeral plans might bring up the possibility of burial in one of these cemeteries (or accessing other benefits through the Administration, such as a headstone, cremation costs, Presidential Memorial Certificate, or even a military salute to preside over the memorial service).
(more…) Leave Behind a Legacy
May 17th, 2012
The iMortuary team thanks guest author, George Shaw for this blog post.
As we age, we begin to think more deeply and realistically about how we would like to be remembered in the future. Certainly, for those who have substantial financial means, there is the possibility of leaving large charitable donations to organizations that have meaning in return for recognition. Yet, in the case of most other individuals, it may be necessary to get more creative in terms of leaving a future legacy.
(more…) Choosing a Casket
May 10th, 2012
One of the first decisions you’ll make if you opted for traditional burial as part of your funeral planning efforts is which casket you’d like. Some funeral homes offer burial packages, and you choose a casket from a select number of options in that package.
You can also choose a casket based on personal preference or even buy one through a third-party vendor (which funeral homes are then legally obligated to use). For more in depth planning guidance, download our guide, "7 Insider Tips You Need to Know Before Funeral Planning." One of our 7 tips covers the upsides of having the funeral home order your casket.
In most cases, the decision of which casket to use is based on how they look or the materials they’re made out of. However, there is more to them than just aesthetics. If you’re selecting a casket for a loved one or for your own pre-planned funeral, here are a few considerations.
(more…) Choosing a Cemetery Plot: A Checklist
May 8th, 2012
One of the most important decisions you’ll make while funeral planning is which cemetery plot to choose. Although it is possible to move buried or cremated remains after they have been interred, it is a very expensive and lengthy process. The final resting place you select should reflect the ideal location for this and future generations.
That’s why it’s important to take some time to explore your options and make the right choice for your family. And here are a few things to consider throughout the process.
(more…) Working with Hospice to Plan a Funeral
May 2nd, 2012
Most people associate hospice with issues related to end-of-life care, not funeral planning. After all, hospice is supposed to be about coping with terminal illness as a family and enjoying whatever time is left together.
However, because hospice exists to make the transition to death easier, it’s actually quite common for organizations to offer support and resources for funeral planning. The better prepared you are for the aftermath of death—including the social, emotional, spiritual, and financial ramifications—the easier it is to say your goodbyes while you still have time.
(more…) Writing a Letter of Last Instructions
April 30th, 2012
There are many different types of official arrangements for funeral planning and other end-of-life issues. From wills and living trusts to funeral insurance, the right amount of preparation can leave a clear and easy path for the loved ones you leave behind.
Of course, not everything is always so formal. For many people, a discussion about burial wishes or resuscitation orders is enough. These require a lot less planning and legal work, leaving you to enjoy life while you still have it.
(more…) Writing an Ethical Will
April 27th, 2012
Ethical wills are one of the oldest funeral planning tools in existence—even though they have a lot less to do with funerals and a lot more to do with leaving a legacy behind. Historically popular in the Jewish culture as a way to pass ethical values from one generation to the next, ethical wills are now being adopted by a large percentage of the population, across generations and religions. In fact, the American Bar Association recommends writing an ethical will as an addendum to traditional estate planning.
(more…) Types of Cemeteries
April 25th, 2012
There are several different types of cemeteries to choose from if traditional burial or cremation interment is part of your funeral planning efforts. In the United States, most people have a choice of four cemetery categories. Each one has its own pros and cons, and the cost of each one varies depending on location and cemetery organization.
(more…) Should You Have a Memorial Service Instead of a Funeral?
April 23rd, 2012
Most people use the terms memorial service and funeral interchangeably—and with good reason. During the funeral planning stages, the differences between the two often become blurred, and your focus is on your grief rather than the semantics of the funeral industry. For more in depth guidance, download our guide, "7 Insider Tips You Need to Know Before Funeral Planning."
However, if you’re looking to save money on funeral costs, or if you are hoping to understand more about funeral planning (especially if you’re opting for a funeral pre-plan package), it’s a good idea to know what the differences are and how they can affect your decision-making process.
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