Sympathy flowers are a common part of funeral plans. From elaborate sprays that are used to decorate the memorial service to smaller bouquets that are placed on the casket as it is lowered into the ground, flowers have long held a place in funerals and in our hearts.
However, in today’s economy, spending several hundred (or even thousands of) dollars on funeral flowers might not be a possibility. That doesn’t mean you have to skimp on this important part of the funeral process—it just means you may have to spend a little more time searching for the perfect sympathy flower provider or come up with some budget-friendly alternatives.
(more…) Funeral Flowers on a Budget
March 21st, 2012Sympathy flowers are a common part of funeral plans. From elaborate sprays that are used to decorate the memorial service to smaller bouquets that are placed on the casket as it is lowered into the ground, flowers have long held a place in funerals and in our hearts.
However, in today’s economy, spending several hundred (or even thousands of) dollars on funeral flowers might not be a possibility. That doesn’t mean you have to skimp on this important part of the funeral process—it just means you may have to spend a little more time searching for the perfect sympathy flower provider or come up with some budget-friendly alternatives.
(more…) How to Plan an Ash Scattering Ceremony
March 19th, 2012
One of the primary reasons people choose cremation for their funeral plans is because there is much more flexibility in where, how, and when you dispose of the final remains.
Because cremains can remain in an urn or in a box for years before you make any decisions about how you want them to be scattered or buried, you have the luxury of time. This means you can plan a grand ceremony in keeping with your memories of the deceased or even wait until the entire family can gather to provide a proper send off.
(more…) Understanding Bereavement Leave
March 17th, 2012
When a loved one passes, most people take anywhere from a few days to a few months of bereavement leave. This time is spent funeral planning, handling financial affairs, and grieving—all of which are part of a personal process that everyone approaches a different way.
Companies approach bereavement leave in different ways, as well. Some employers have policies for long-term bereavement complete with paid time off, while others might not be as generous with their time or their money. However, even if your workplace isn’t willing to work with you to find a good balance, there are some general guidelines in place to provide you with enough time to get through the initial funeral plans.
(more…) What is a Home Funeral?
March 15th, 2012
When it comes to funeral planning, the modern consumer has more options than ever before. From cremation and green burial to traditional interment, there is a ceremony for every type of person—and every budget.
Those hoping to reduce funeral costs even more—and to put the focus back on family—have one more option: the home funeral. Once the only way to say goodbye to those we love, a home funeral is exactly what the name suggests. Instead of having a memorial service at a funeral home and burying the deceased in a cemetery, the entire process takes place at home.
Is It Wrong for a Funeral Home to Market its Services?
March 14th, 2012
Most people have strong opinions when it comes to funeral planning and choosing the right funeral home. No one wants to feel like just another number, or to have their loved ones treated callously or in any way that isn’t tender and respectful—and that is a completely justified expectation. Even though funeral homes are a business, they are also an important part of the grieving process and of the community as a whole.
(more…) Funerals and the Baby Boomer Generation
March 10th, 2012
It comes as no surprise for most people to discover that funeral planning traditions stem from the lives and viewpoints of older generations. The reason so many of the services offered through a funeral home are geared toward those with conservative views is that the largest percentage of their clientele is part of an aging population.
As Baby Boomers move to the forefront in terms of funeral pre-plans, and start organizing memorial services for their parents, themselves, and loved ones, there will be a shift away from many of the tried-and-true methods of the past.
(more…) What is Natural Burial?
March 8th, 2012
In an age when green funerals and funeral planning on a budget are on everyone’s lips, people are beginning to question the need for so many different containers and preparations for the disposal of a body. We researched into why natural burial, a solution in which very few preparations are made and the body is laid to rest directly within the soil of the earth, is one of the most common answers.
How Burial Works
Traditionally, the body of a loved one is embalmed before being placed in a casket, which is then lowered into a grave that contains a grave liner or vault. These various “layers” between the body of the deceased and the ground cannot stop the natural process of decomposition, but they do slow it down and also provide some comfort to families who wish to preserve their memories of the deceased.
(more…) What to Do if There isn’t a Funeral Home in Your Area
March 5th, 2012
When most people talk about funeral planning, they assume that you (or your loved ones) live in a city where funeral services are readily available. All metropolitan centers and mid-sized cities have several funeral homes to choose from, usually in a variety of religious denominations. However, as towns get smaller and more rural, there is a chance that your town won’t have a funeral home, a cemetery, a crematorium, or any other type of facility that can help you with the funeral planning process.
(more…) What is Bio Cremation?
March 2nd, 2012
When funeral planning, today’s consumers are faced with a variety of choices. Eco-friendly or traditional burial? Cremation or interment? Pre-plan package or funeral insurance? All these choices mean that there can be a large research component when it comes to making decisions—especially if you’re looking for something that is unique, cost-effective, or better for the planet.
(more…) Obituaries and Identity Theft
February 29th, 2012
For most people, obituaries are a way to pay a tribute to a loved one and to advertise the time and place of a memorial service. Great time and care is taken to write the obituary in a way that honors the deceased, and a picture is lovingly selected to go along with it.
Unfortunately, not even death keeps predators away. The recently deceased are a target for identity theft, and one way in which people gather information on their victims is to search the obituary page for leads. The damages caused by this kind of crime can be catastrophic—especially for the grieving family. For example, if the spouse or partner of the deceased is still living, he or she may be held financially liable for the theft of monies or credit. It can also be a huge hassle to go through the police and credit agencies to prove that a theft occurred.
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