Posts Tagged ‘Funeral Home’

Where to Hold the Funeral Memorial

Big or small, public or private, catered or pay-your-own-way—there are as many different ways to hold a memorial service as there are types of people. Although most of us hear the term “memorial service” and picture a formal gathering at a funeral home, there are no real rules about how—or where—you can hold one.  (more…)

The Funeral Planning Timeline: What Happens (and When) after a Death Occurs

Although every death is different, most people can expect a fairly standard series of events to follow the passing of a loved one. There are decisions to be made, a funeral to be planned, and finances to arrange. Friends and relatives must be notified, and you’ll need an opportunity to say your final goodbyes. (more…)

Planning a Non-Denominational Funeral

If you belong to a particular religious or cultural community, there are probably guidelines for planning and holding a funeral. For thousands of years, funeral rites have been tied to religion, which may dictate everything from how many days should pass before you bury the deceased to how the body is disposed of. So, too, may religion guide who oversees the funeral rites, what readings and prayers are said, and even how the community will come together to support the family in the days and weeks that follow. (more…)

How to Write Out Your Funeral Wishes

In an ideal world, you will not only be financially solvent enough to plan (and pay for) your funeral and cemetery plot in advance, but you’ll also be able to leave behind a full will and estate for your loved ones. There will be no question about your last wishes, funeral arrangements or how you want your belongings to be divided. (more…)

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with the Funeral Director

When you lose a loved one, your first order of business is to choose a funeral home that will guide you through the burial decision making process. This funeral home will help you arrange the burial, cremation, funeral, and/or memorial service, up to and including selling you all the necessary items and preparing the body for the type of interment you choose. (more…)

Do I Need a Funeral Home for Cremation?

When you are overwhelmed by grief and want to say goodbye to your loved one in a way that is convenient, inexpensive, and respectful, cremation is one of the best options out there. By avoiding many of the more traditional aspects of a funeral (the casket and burial, embalming, choosing a headstone, holding a viewing), you not only save money, but time and energy as well. This is especially true if you are planning to hold a private memorial service or ash-scattering ceremony at a later date. (more…)

Cremating Someone without a Death Certificate

One of the greatest frustrations for families dealing with the death of a loved one is all the paperwork and bureaucracy that goes into the process. You are already grieving your loss and dealing with your pain; to wade through stacks of papers and sit on hold with county officials might seem more than you can handle.
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How to Write a Thank You Note to a Funeral Home

When you are coping with the loss of a loved one, some of the most important support you will get does not come from friends or family – it comes from the funeral home staff. These professionals are educated and trained to help you make burial decisions, plan a funeral, and access the support services you need as you move forward with your life. The staff is available to listen when you need it, and often provide around-the-clock answers to all your questions. (more…)

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…)

Checklist: How to Choose a Funeral Home

When a loved one dies, the first decision you will be asked to make is what funeral home you would like to take care of the body. It might seem a bit overwhelming to choose a provider while you are still reeling from your loss, but sooner is better when it comes to planning a funeral. You only have about three to seven days to make all the final decisions, so spending a few days deciding on a funeral home can consume a substantial chunk of that time. (more…)