Funeral Etiquette: Cell Phones and Funerals

July 25th, 2016
Funeral Etiquette: Cell Phones and Funerals

Funeral Etiquette: Cell Phones and Funerals

We are asked to turn our cell phones off for movies, theatrical productions, weddings, and school, but what about at the funeral of a loved one? It should go without saying that a memorial service is one of those times when it is best to leave the cell phone in the car or ensure you have put it on silent. An estimated one in six funeral attendees not only leaves their cell phone on, but actively uses it to text, surf the web, or take selfies. (more…)

Writing a Personal Memoir

July 20th, 2016
Writing a Personal Memoir

Writing a Personal Memoir

One of the things many people want to do before they die is to write their life story or personal memoir. After all, once you are gone, all that will remain are the memories other people carry of you—your life as seen through someone else’s perspective. (more…)

Funeral Flower Colors and Their Meanings

July 19th, 2016
Funeral Flower Colors and Their Meanings

Funeral Flower Colors and Their Meanings

Although there tend to be rules regarding the color of your funeral attire (dark is best, with black, gray, and navy blue taking the lead), funeral flowers are more relaxed in terms of color choice. As long as you keep the arrangement tactful, you can send any other combination of colors you choose—and to put more thoughtfulness in your sympathy gift, you can even consider these popular flower colors and their meanings. (more…)

Department of Health and Burial Assistance

July 12th, 2016
Department of Health and Burial Assistance

Department of Health and Burial Assistance

Most states have a department dedicated to human and health services. Often known as a Department of Human Services, Department of Health Services, Department of Social and Health Services, or Department of Health and Welfare (just to name a few), these government-run organizations exist to provide social services and health care support to low-income families or families in crisis. (more…)

Funeral Planning and Community Support

July 11th, 2016
Funeral Planning and Community Support

Funeral Planning and Community Support

In an ideal world, funeral plans would always be a family affair. Siblings would come together from around the country to bury a parent. Friends and colleagues would pitch in to help a bereaved spouse struggling with finances. Entire communities would mourn the passing of a child. While these types of scenarios can and do happen all the time,  that is not always the case. There are many times when one person is left dealing with funeral plans and loss all on their own—and they may need to find support to make it through. (more…)

Funerals by Sea…and Air?

July 5th, 2016
Funerals by Sea…and Air?

Funerals by Sea…and Air?

Funerals by sea are fairly common in this day and age. While your opportunities to send a body out to sea with a Viking funeral pyre or with a military farewell are not always possible, you can scatter ashes into the ocean (or lake) or opt to have cremated remains encased in a coral reef. (more…)

Speaking at a Funeral: Public Speaking Tips

June 29th, 2016
Speaking at a Funeral: Public Speaking Tips

Speaking at a Funeral: Public Speaking Tips

One of the most memorable parts of a funeral or memorial service are the stories people tell about the deceased. Whether part of a formal eulogy, or an individual standing up to share a favorite memory, these are the things we carry in our hearts long after the service. The way the deceased touched people’s lives, how they made an impact in the world, what they meant on an emotional level…all of these things capture life in a way photos and basic prayers cannot. (more…)

Planning a Funeral in Your Twenties

June 28th, 2016
Planning a Funeral in Your Twenties

Planning a Funeral in Your Twenties

Early funeral planning is considered one of the best ways to save money and ensure that your death does not cause an undue burden on those you love. By setting aside funds, specifying your wishes, and/or purchasing a burial package, you can cover all the details of your funeral and get back to the task of living. (more…)

Funeral Planning and Unwanted Houseguests

June 27th, 2016
Funeral Planning and Unwanted Houseguests

Funeral Planning and Unwanted Houseguests

When a death occurs, some people choose to surround themselves with family and friends as a way to cope. Being alone during this time can be difficult, especially if you are struggling with not only your grief, but day-to-day pressures like taking care of your kids, figuring out how financial matters stand, and self-care. (more…)

Can I Hold a Funeral on a Holiday?

June 22nd, 2016
Can I Hold a Funeral on a Holiday?

Can I Hold a Funeral on a Holiday?

One of the most popular sayings in the funeral planning industry is that no one can time the moment of their death. No matter how much preparation you do in advance, the loss of a loved one is always a shock—and the shock often comes during a bad time of the week, month, or year. (more…)

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