Funeral Planning
Alternatives to Embalming
Embalming is not the only means of temporarily preserving a body prior to burial or cremation. In fact, the United States and Canada are the only countries in which embalming is still considered common practice, with countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Luxembourg, and Scandinavia having banned it years ago. If you are seeking ...
Continue ReadingEverything You Want To Know About Embalming…And Even the Things You Don't
What is embalming? Embalming is the treatment of a deceased individual to temporarily preserve and forestall decomposition. In 1867, chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann discovered formaldehyde, replacing the use of arsenic in the 20th century, and became the foundation for modern methods of embalming. Modern embalming cocktails contain a mixture ...
Continue ReadingHow To Write a Death Notice
When a loved one passes away one of the harder tasks that you may face is how to write a death notice. 'Death notices' and 'obituaries' are two terms many use interchangeably when confronted with the passing of a loved one. In reality, though, these objects serve not only mean ...
Continue ReadingOnline Funeral Streaming: A Thing Of the Past Or The Future?
Over the past decade there have been many technological advances that allow anyone with a smartphone in their pocket to be an amateur photographer, videographer, or artist or have a "face-to-face" conversation even when the parties are in different locations. Those same technologies have begun to cross over to the funeral ...
Continue ReadingFuneral Flowers: Colors and Symbolism
The loss of a family member, friend, colleague or neighbor is always difficult. Selecting flowers to convey your emotions can be overwhelming especially when you’re unsure how to express your sympathy. Sending flowers is a meaningful gesture that can provide comfort to those who are grieving. There are typically two ...
Continue ReadingVIDEO: 'Ask a Mortician' on Advance Directives and Why You Should Have One
We’re quick to have conversations about how we want to live our lives but steer away from the ones concerning how we’d like to prepare for them to end. We all deserve the chance to communicate our preferences in who handles our care and how we want to be treated ...
Continue ReadingWhat Is The Average Cost of a Funeral?
Funerals are not one size fits all. They can be very simple affairs or full-service events with all the bells and whistles. The average costs of a full-service funeral in the USA is over $7,000, which does NOT include cemetery costs such as the plot, opening and closing of the ...
Continue ReadingThe Difference Between A Viewing and Visitation
A viewing or visitation gives family and friends a place and time to gather, grieve, and console one another. But what is the difference between them? Defining a Viewing and Visitation Viewing A "Viewing" is when the body is present in an open-casket. Visitation At a "Visitation" the body may be ...
Continue ReadingHow to Appoint a Designated Funeral Agent
Appointing a designated funeral agent is a legal way for you to specify a person to be in charge of arranging your funeral. This could entail trusting them to follow through with your personal funeral preferences or allowing them to be in charge of all funeral decisions and the arrangement of your ...
Continue ReadingState By State Guide to Advance Directives
Advance Directives, aka Advance Healthcare Directives, are documented preferences that allow you to communicate the extent and type of medical treatment you would want if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate for yourself. Forms for this purpose vary by state and may be generalized or quite specific in terms of ...
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