Posts Tagged ‘memorial’

Choosing Above-Ground Burial

For most people, discussing or choosing burial means literally that—burying the remains of a loved one in the ground. Most cemeteries are filled with rows and rows of graves of the dearly departed, all of whom have been laid to rest six feet underground. This is such a common and accepted tradition of laying a loved one to rest that it is rarely questioned as the best—if not the only—burial choice. (more…)

Using Art for End-of-Life Planning

Sitting down with your loved ones and having a frank discussion about death, dying, and burial is tough to do. In our culture, we do everything we can to avoid or even deny the realities of death, often leaving all the decision-making and funeral planning until it is too late. And those who do take a more proactive approach to their funeral plans often do so in secret—not sharing any of their arrangements until their families read their wills. (more…)

Headstone Alternatives

When you choose natural burial, opt for cremation instead of burial, do not have a body to grieve, or simply do not want the heavy look of a traditional headstone, you may want to consider gravestone alternatives. Although most people today choose a small, rectangular headstone that makes a cemetery look neat and tidy, it used to be common for headstones of all shapes, sizes, and varieties to crop up. Choosing something unique and personalized can be a great way to not only celebrate your loved one, but to stand out in a way that means a lot to the those who share your grief. (more…)

Gifts for the Anniversary of a Death

Most people recognize the importance of sending flowers, a gift basket, or a condolence card when a loved one dies. This small gesture helps the family know they are not alone during their difficult time, and also helps you move forward with your own grief. (more…)

What To Do on the Anniversary of a Loved One’s Death

Almost anyone who has experienced loss will tell you that holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries tend to be some of the hardest moments to get through. While everyone else is out celebrating and enjoying themselves, you are mired in memories and the painful reminder of your loved one’s passing. In fact, if your loss was recent, these days have a tendency to feel incredibly burdensome at a time when they should be anything but. (more…)

Memorial Tattoos

Dealing with grief in the aftermath of funeral planning is, to put it mildly, a difficult task. While the challenges of choosing a casket, paying for a funeral, and coordinating the memorial service can be overwhelming, it is what follows that provides the real struggle. (more…)

Cemetery Decorations for Fall

Decorating headstones and gravesites is a great way to show your love for the dearly departed and help contribute to the ambiance of a modern cemetery. Memorial Day tends to showcase a cemetery awash in red, white, and blue—while the winter months favor Christmas red, green, and gold. From wreaths and crosses that can be placed on top of the grave to headstone flowers that can be draped over the top of larger monuments, there are many different ways to decorate for the holidays. (more…)

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…)

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…)

The Dos and Don’ts of Using Pinterest to Plan a Funeral

As anyone who’s ever used Pinterest knows, a quick trip to the website can quickly turn into a few hours. Although the popular “bulletin board” platform is usually a favorite among brides, DIYers, and those with an artistic bent, it is also becoming more common for those who want to plan a unique memorial service. From lists of great funeral songs to ideas for sharing memories, you will find hundreds of beautiful and memorable ways to say goodbye. (more…)