Beyond Funeral Flowers: Bouquets that Aren’t Plants

June 22nd, 2016
Beyond Funeral Flowers: Bouquets that Aren’t Plants

Beyond Funeral Flowers: Bouquets that Aren’t Plants

Funeral flowers have long stood as a symbol of loss and sympathy. When a friend or family member dies, you send flowers to the funeral. They are put on display for the duration of the service, and are then either taken home or donated to a hospital, nursing home, or other facility that helped the deceased in their final days. (more…)

Funeral Visitation Etiquette

June 21st, 2016
Funeral Visitation Etiquette

Funeral Visitation Etiquette

By now, most of us know how to behave ourselves at a funeral or memorial service. We understand the importance of funeral attire, punctuality, keeping kids and technology devices quiet, and offering condolences. Because funerals are more like a church service, in that mostly what is expected of you is to sit and listen, they are not quite as difficult to navigate as other funeral events. (more…)

Clearing the House after a Loved One Dies: Things You Can’t Donate

June 20th, 2016
Clearing the House after a Loved One Dies: Things You Can’t Donate

Clearing the House after a Loved One Dies: Things You Can’t Donate

When a loved one dies and leaves all of his or her personal effects behind, it can be a great comfort to hold onto some of their most beloved belongings. Valuable artwork, a china cabinet that has been in the family for centuries, personal touches like perfume or a scarf—all these things can be passed on and treasured as you find ways to cope with your grief. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to keep everything, which means you will eventually need to sort through their belongings. (more…)

Why Do Funeral Homes Close?

June 15th, 2016
Why Do Funeral Homes Close?

Why Do Funeral Homes Close?

If you have ever shopped for a funeral home, you probably noticed that many of them make some mention of how long they have been in the business (and in the community). There is something about an establishment that has been serving the same area for 20, 50, or even 100 years that makes us feel good about giving them our business—especially when it comes to pre-planning a funeral. After all, we want some kind of guarantee that the funeral home will continue to be there when we need their services. (more…)

Pre-Planning a Home Funeral

June 14th, 2016
Pre-Planning a Home Funeral

Pre-Planning a Home Funeral

Making advance arrangements for a funeral is almost always a good idea, but there are times when it makes more sense than others. Home funerals are one of these times. (more…)

How to Find Green Funerals in Your Area

June 13th, 2016
How to Find Green Funerals in Your Area

How to Find Green Funerals in Your Area

A growing concern for families all across the country is how to say goodbye to a loved one in a way that honors his or her lifetime—and also honors the planet we all share. It is becoming more and more apparent that our habits, trends, and traditions are not always the best for the environment, and any way we can shift our worldview to make more eco-conscious choices is a good thing. (more…)

Top Reasons to Delay a Funeral

June 8th, 2016
Top Reasons to Delay a Funeral

Top Reasons to Delay a Funeral

Historically, funerals have taken place within the week following death because there were no alternatives. Without refrigeration, embalming, or cremation options, bodies had to be disposed of quickly. This meant that the funeral and/or memorial service took place regardless of the time of year or the extenuating circumstances. (more…)

The Best Age to Pre-Plan a Funeral

June 7th, 2016
The Best Age to Pre-Plan a Funeral

The Best Age to Pre-Plan a Funeral

By now, we have all heard the advice from funeral directors and financial experts: making advance arrangements for your funeral is a smart move that will save your family money, heartache, and the stress that so often accompanies an unexpected death. (more…)

Planning the Committal Service

June 6th, 2016
Planning the Committal Service

Planning the Committal Service

When it comes to funeral planning, there are several different kinds of services you will need to consider. A wake, vigil, or visitation takes place prior to the funeral, offering loved ones a chance to gather (either in the presence of the deceased’s remains or not) to give their last respects. A funeral service is the formal ceremony that takes place at a church or funeral home with the body in attendance. A memorial service is similar in format, though it does not include the body and can thus be held anywhere, at any time. (more…)

Pet Burial for Large Animals

June 1st, 2016
Pet Burial for Large Animals

Pet Burial for Large Animals

There are countless resources available to assist families who have recently had to say goodbye to a beloved pet dog, cat, bird, or other small animal. From pet cemeteries to county animal control groups, you have the option to cremate your pet or bury them (either in a pet cemetery or even in your own backyard). (more…)