What Happens to Uncollected Ashes?

September 5th, 2017
What Happens to Uncollected Ashes?

What Happens to Uncollected Ashes?

As cremation becomes a more popular option for families who have experienced a loss, funeral homes and crematories are seeing a rise in uncollected ashes. There are many different reasons for this. The most common reason is that cremation allows for more flexibility regarding a memorial service. Instead of having to rush to hold a funeral or burial, you can have a loved one cremated and wait until there is more time, more money, or more family members available to hold a service. And the easiest way to handle the remains is to let the crematory hold onto them until you are ready. (more…)

Should I Have a Funeral Procession? Pros and Cons of the Processional

August 28th, 2017
Should I Have a Funeral Procession?

Should I Have a Funeral Procession?

If you are planning the funeral of a loved one, an option that will arise during the decision-making process is whether or not you want to include a funeral procession. These processions, usually accomplished via a long line of cars that travel from the funeral service to the graveside service, are part of a long-standing tradition in which grief is a somber, community affair that shows respect to the deceased and his or her family. (more…)

When to Send Flowers After a Death

August 22nd, 2017
When to Send Flowers After a Death

When to Send Flowers After a Death

It is common knowledge that sending funeral flowers is an appropriate gift for a grieving family. This age-old tradition allows you to give your regards without imposing on the family in any way. And because you can personalize the gift with blooms of your own choosing, they convey much more meaning than a simple card can do. (more…)

Grieving an Estranged Family Member

August 14th, 2017
Grieving an Estranged Family Member

Grieving an Estranged Family Member

There is no denying that grief is a personal, difficult journey, and that no two people approach it the same way. The loss of a beloved parent or the death of a dear friend is likely to hit you hard, and you won’t know how you will cope until it happens to you. (more…)

Attending a Funeral: Rules to Bend and Rules to Follow

August 9th, 2017
Attending a Funeral: Rules to Bend and Rules to Follow

Attending a Funeral: Rules to Bend and Rules to Follow

When a friend or family member dies, most people make immediate plans to attend the funeral…and then frantically try to remember all the funeral etiquette they have learned. Wear all black. You must send flowers. Only attend the graveside service if you have been personally invited. (more…)

Funeral Planning: Funeral Apps

August 3rd, 2017
Funeral Planning: Funeral Apps

Funeral Planning: Funeral Apps

These days, there is an iPhone or smartphone app for just about everything—and funeral planning is no exception. Among the games, exercise, weight loss guides, and restaurant apps, you can also take a few minutes (and spend a few dollars) on various applications that help you plan your funeral—and all at the tap of the screen. (more…)

A Fitting Farewell: Memorial Artists

July 25th, 2017
A Fitting Farewell: Memorial Artists

A Fitting Farewell: Memorial Artists

Memorial gifts and mementos usually take the shape of small tokens of love and affection. An engraved urn can serve as a cremation receptacle and memorial plaque. A memorial blanket can capture a photo or favorite quote. Small tokens like vases, statues, garden rocks, and other engraved surfaces also make popular options. For green funeral plans, family members can plant a tree or place a memorial bench in a favorite park. (more…)

How to Plan a Themed Funeral

July 19th, 2017
How to Plan a Themed Funeral

How to Plan a Themed Funeral

The differences between wedding planning and funeral planning are not so large as the two separate industries would like consumers to believe. Both are major life events that bring together a large and disparate group of friends and family members. Both require quite a bit of planning and foresight. Both tend to be formal occasions and celebrations of life. And it is possible to have an overarching theme to help you plan an outstanding ceremony that will touch the hearts of everyone present. (more…)

Sending Funeral Flowers from Grandchildren

July 14th, 2017
Sending Funeral Flowers from Grandchildren

Sending Funeral Flowers from Grandchildren

If you have very young children, it might not be appropriate to bring them to the funeral of a beloved parent or grandparent. Death can be a scary experience for kids, even when it was expected or a gentle passing, and you might not be ready for the explanations that accompany a funeral. (more…)

Funeral Attire for Summer

July 10th, 2017
Funeral Attire for Summer

Funeral Attire for Summer

Dressing for a funeral can be difficult at any time of the year, but summer presents unique challenges. When the weather is warm and many memorial services are held outdoors, the traditional funeral attire of suits and heavy fabrics—usually in sun-soaking black—can quickly become uncomfortable. Although you will want to leave the beachwear at home, there are a few ways you can adhere to proper funeral etiquette regarding clothing while still making allowances for the weather. (more…)

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