Posts Tagged ‘Funeral’

Do I Have to Write an Obituary?

When a loved one dies, it is customary to write an obituary to be published in the local paper, on the funeral home website, or on social media. This brief overview of the deceased’s life not only informs people of the death (and the memorial service and/or funeral), but also commemorates things like careers, awards, education, children, and grandchildren. (more…)

How to Decorate for a Funeral Reception

The last thing anyone wants to do when planning a funeral is head to the party store to pick up decorating supplies. Even if the deceased requested a party and the death was expected, it is difficult to bounce from grieving to celebrating and back again in such a short span of time—especially if you are considering traditional party decorations like streamers and balloons. (more…)

Funeral Flower FAQ

If you intend to send a sympathy gift to a family in mourning, it is a good idea to follow these general funeral flower etiquette guidelines. (more…)

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…)

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?

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…)

Is Winter the Best Time to Pre-Plan a Funeral?

Like most industries, there is a busy season and a non-busy season for funeral homes. Although no one can predict their time of death, funeral homes tend to see more traffic during the summer months. More families choose this time to make pre-arrangements, purchase cemetery plots, and inter ashes they may have been holding onto since the winter. Because it can be difficult to open up the ground under piles of snow (and because gathering funeral guests around the holidays is almost impossible), people may also put off traditional burial until the warmer months. (more…)

What to Wear to a Funeral When You Are Expecting

The old funeral superstitions say that pregnant women should not attend funerals, for fear that the spirits of the dead will somehow enter their womb and take over their unborn child. While we have pretty much laid those fears to rest these days, expectant mothers still sometimes struggle with attending the service. With maternity clothes so expensive and limited wardrobe options at home, it can be hard to figure out what to wear to a funeral when you are pregnant. (more…)

How to Start a Memorial Scholarship Fund

When a loved one passes away, we often want to find something that honors their memory in a big way—and a scholarship fund is a good platform for doing just that. By providing a foundation for someone’s education, you are giving a gift that lasts an entire lifetime. And by making it part of a loved one’s legacy (by including their name on the scholarship or earmarking the funds for a field of study they were passionate about), you can ensure that their memory lives on in an important way. (more…)

Unique Gifts for the Newly Bereaved

When a friend or family member loses a loved one, we want to do all we can to make their situation easier. Traditional funeral gifts like flowers, food, and gift baskets are nice gestures, but when everyone offers the same type of present over the course of a few weeks, it can get overwhelming (you can only eat so many casseroles, after all). (more…)