Posts Tagged ‘Funeral’

What to Expect from a Traditional Catholic Funeral

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

What to Expect from a Traditional Catholic FuneralCatholic funerals are some of the most ornate in terms of tradition, regulation, and procedure. Although the church has loosened some of its rules in recent years (and most will allow burial alternatives like cremation), you can still expect there to be a standard format that you and your family will be expected to follow. In exchange for adhering to these rules, you get the comfort of time-honored traditions and funeral services run through the church itself.

Catholic Funeral Rites

Catholic funeral rites are designed to celebrate life, death, and the belief in resurrection. To this end, a funeral Mass is performed as a way to highlight both the loss of your loved one and the resurrection of Christ.

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Is it Okay to Take Photos at a Funeral?

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Is it Okay to Take Photos at a Funeral?In the modern age, funeral etiquette can sometimes be a difficult thing to uphold. While whipping out a camera and taking photographs at a funeral might once have been something no one would dare to do, the increase of portable technology (especially high-quality camera phones) means that just about everyone is five seconds away from a photo opportunity.

However, this is one of those instances in which just because we can do something, doesn’t necessarily mean that we should. Depending on family preferences and the nature of the funeral, it might be better to keep that camera under wraps unless you have permission from the family to capture the big day.

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What are Cremation Societies?

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

What are Cremation Societies?If you’ve chosen cremation as your preferred funeral planning method, or if you’re simply gathering information on the burial options available to you, you’ll probably encounter the term “cremation society.” This term is loosely defined as an organization that provides specialty cremation services as part of a funeral pre-plan package.

There are currently several cremation societies in operation in the United States—both national organizations and smaller, local organizations licensed to operate in individual states . For a fairly small membership fee (usually around $100 per person), you are granted access to cremation services through that organization and/or their partners. Benefits to membership may include:

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What to Expect the Day of a Funeral

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

What to Expect the Day of a FuneralWith all the preparation and hard work that goes in to planning a funeral, many people find that they are emotionally drained and exhausted by the time the day of the actual memorial service takes place. By knowing what’s expected of you and how you can equip yourself to get through it, you can take more time to grieve and take part in the proceedings.

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When Should You Hold the Funeral?

Friday, November 23rd, 2012

When Should You Hold the Funeral?Because few people are ever prepared for the death of a loved one, it’s difficult to time the funeral just right. According to some religious customs (particularly the Jewish faith), the deceased should be buried within three days following death. For others, there might be delays due to autopsy reports, family flying in from out of town, or personal preferences.

Whatever your situation, it can be difficult to decide on a day of the week and a time for a funeral.  Depending on the type of ceremony you plan on having, you may be restricted in your options.

Should You Pre-Plan Your Funeral through Your Current Insurance Provider?

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

Should You Pre-Plan Your Funeral through Your Current Insurance Provider?If you’re getting ready to pre-plan your funeral, you’ll soon discover that there are many different kinds of providers and services out there. These days, you can choose from specialty businesses that only sell funeral pre-package plans, cemeteries and funeral homes, and insurance companies for all your pre-plan needs. To make matters even more complicated, the benefits themselves vary from insurance payouts upon death to entire funerals planned down to the last minute.

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How to Use the Internet to Plan a Funeral

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

How to Use the Internet to Plan a FuneralIf you’re reading this blog post, you already have some idea that the Internet can be a valuable funeral planning tool. Because of the wide availability of information online, and because more and more funeral homes are providing price lists and services via the Internet, you can accomplish everything from comparing prices to ordering caskets without leaving the comfort of your home.

However, as is the case with any purchase you make online, it’s important to do your research and make safe and secure choices. Here are a few tips when planning a funeral using the Internet.

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Making Time for Yourself during Funeral Planning

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

Making Time for Yourself during Funeral PlanningFuneral planning typically lasts anywhere from three days to two weeks, depending on your religion, your advance planning efforts, and the time (and place) of death. Although funeral homes and medical services have streamlined the way they provide funeral planning options to the public, there is still quite a bit of decision-making and coordination that goes into it, and even the generous end of the timeline can seem like a blur when you’re facing your recent loss.

While everyone grieves differently, it is important to take some time during these funeral planning days to simply unwind—whether that means carving out some time alone or doing an activity you love.

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Who Should Be Involved in Planning a Funeral?

Friday, November 9th, 2012

Who Should Be Involved in Planning a Funeral?Whenever the subject of funeral planning comes up, the topics almost always revolve around the what, where, and how of the process. What did the deceased wish to have done to his or her remains? Where will the funeral and interment be held? How will everything be paid for?

One question often overlooked is who. Who is responsible for planning the funeral? While it might seem like there’s a simple answer to that question (the Executor of the estate or next of kin), there are a lot more complex layers involved—especially if the deceased had a large family.

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How to Say “No” During Funeral Planning

Thursday, November 8th, 2012

How to Say “No” During Funeral PlanningThere are many reasons why you might need to say “no” while planning a funeral. Maybe intrusive family members are making it difficult for you to plan the small, intimate memorial service the deceased asked for. Perhaps you’re feeling pressured to buy larger and more elaborate caskets from the funeral home. It’s possible that you might even need to go against the advice of others to forgo a military funeral or close the funeral to the public.

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