Deciding Whether or Not to Participate in a Funeral

February 26th, 2018
Deciding Whether or Not to Participate in a Funeral

Deciding Whether or Not to Participate in a Funeral

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the death of a friend or relative is, “Should I attend the funeral?” (more…)

What to Do When There is No Funeral

February 12th, 2018
What to Do When There is No Funeral

What to Do When There is No Funeral

Not everyone is grieved in a big, formal way. Although most families hold some sort of memorial service when a loved one dies, there are times when there is no commemoration planned. This might be due to scheduling conflicts, a lack of finances, a recent spate of deaths in the family, or even because it was what the deceased wished. (more…)

Dates NOT to Plan a Funeral

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…)

Coping with Grief at Work

February 2nd, 2018
Coping with Grief at Work

Coping with Grief at Work

One of the most difficult parts of losing a loved one is going back to your regular routine. When there is a new and gaping hole in your life, it can seem almost impossible to get up, shower, go to work, run errands, and otherwise go through the motions of daily life. However, most people still have bills to pay, and even with the most progressive employers, bereavement leave rarely lasts longer than a few weeks. (more…)

Food Etiquette at a Funeral

January 25th, 2018
Food Etiquette at a Funeral

Food Etiquette at a Funeral

Many people associate a funeral with food. It has long been the standard practice for guests to gather after the funeral to enjoy refreshments in the form of snacks, drinks, casseroles, and other food dishes. Not only is comfort food better in the company of others who are sharing your grief, but it provides an excuse for everyone to linger and make the most of the short time they have together. (more…)

How to Choose a Funeral Song

January 20th, 2018
How to Choose a Funeral Song

How to Choose a Funeral Song

Almost every funeral, regardless of the religious or cultural context, includes music. There is something transcendent about the way music can move us to feel and remember, especially when you are faced with a devastating loss. Songs can be played as guests enter and depart the funeral, during the service itself, or piped gently in the background throughout. (more…)

Funeral Card Etiquette

January 15th, 2018
Funeral Card Etiquette

Funeral Card Etiquette

One of the simplest (and kindest) things you can send after the death of a friend or relative is a condolence card. This low-cost gesture show that you care and also provides the family with a keepsake memory of their loved one. Whether you write a personal message in a blank card or select one with a pre-printed saying, your contribution means a lot during this difficult time. (more…)

How to Send a Condolence Email

January 10th, 2018
How to Send a Condolence Email

How to Send a Condolence Email

In our digital age, it is much more common to read about a death on Facebook than it is in the obituary section of the newspaper. It naturally follows that your response to this news might be to write an email expressing your condolences rather than a letter or card. (more…)

Questions to Ask a Funeral Director

December 18th, 2017
Questions to Ask a Funeral Director

Questions to Ask a Funeral Director

If you have never arranged a funeral before, the experience can be incredibly overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with your issues of grief, but the world of funeral planning has its own rules, regulations, and language. If you’re unfamiliar with these, you might quickly break down under the strain of making decisions and knowing how to respond. (more…)