Who Will Conduct the Memorial Service?

When planning a memorial service, one of the most important decisions you need to make is who is going to conduct the service. Unlike with weddings, there are no rules on who can lead memorial services. Families can choose anyone they like to conduct the service, as long as that person is comfortable and confident about doing so. If you're pre-planning your own memorial service or making plans for a loved one, here are some...

Can You Get Free Cremation If You Donate Your Body to Science?

When someone donates their body to science, they may receive free cremation. This arrangement can help you or a loved one reduce costs after death, while also helping to supporting scientific research. If you've always been curious about the process, here’s some information to help you make your decision. Donating Your Body to Science If someone wants to donate their body to science, they need to make arrangements before their death. You cannot set up...

Everything You Need to Know About Cremation Caskets

Whether you are making arrangements after the loss of a loved one or preplanning for yourself, there are a lot of decisions you will need to make and many small details to understand. If you're considering cremation, one concept you may encounter is a cremation casket. Here's what you need to know. What is a Cremation Casket? At its simplest definition, a cremation casket is any casket that someone may be cremated in. It can...

5 Interesting Things to Know About Cremation

In 1980, the cremation rate was just 20%. According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), the U.S. now sees a cremation rate of over 50.1%, which is expected to rise to 56.3% by the year 2020. Many factors underlie the shift—cremation is more affordable than traditional burial, families are more mobile and aren't as tied to particular locations in life or death, and beliefs around death practices are changing. Whether you're considering cremation...

What is a Cremation Diamond?

The old song says that diamonds are a "girl's best friend." With cremation diamonds, it's possible that the jewel could have come from the cremation remains of a friend, parent, or other loved one. These unique and lovely items certainly offer people with a lifelong memorial for their loved ones. If you are interested in creating a lasting memorial item from cremation ashes, you might consider having a cremation diamond made. What is a Cremation...

Why Prioritize Self-Care After Losing a Loved One

People have different reactions to the death of a close friend or family member. If you have recently lost a loved one, you should know that there is no right or wrong way to feel or display your grief. Still, very intense emotions can spark negative behavioral and even physical reactions. After the loss of a loved one, you might need to give yourself a break and take time to attend to your self-care. Typical...

Where to Put Cremation Urns in Your Home

Statistics show more and more people are turning to cremation rather than traditional burial, and while some loved ones are choosing to inter the cremated remains, still more are opting to keep the cremains in their homes as a lasting memorial to their loved one. Choosing a spot for your loved one’s urn isn’t always easy, but there are a few tips that can help you decide on the ideal location. First, Choose the Room...

What You Need to Know About Transporting Cremation Ashes

As cremation has increased in popularity, many people have wondered if they need to concern themselves with any rules for the transportation of cremation ashes. Since cremation remains only consist of a few pounds of nontoxic minerals, there aren’t really any actual safety issues. However, it might help to understand a few rules for different ways to transport cremated remains and urns. Transporting Cremation Ashes These are some things to learn about different forms of...

How to Plan for an Affordable Cremation

A few decades ago, very few American families chose cremation. However, both people's attitudes about cremation and economics have changed. If you'd like to make affordable plans for yourself or a loved one, you might consider the cost of various options. Every year, cremation has become a more popular option for American families. While you could spend over $10,000 on funeral services, a burial, and other final expenses, you could also plan to only spend...

What is Cremation Insurance?

Cremation insurance can help you fund the final expenses for yourself or another person affordably while you remain in control of the funds. Learn more about cremation insurance can help you plan a service in this podcast with Victor Buonfiglio of Boston Cremation. John Maher: Hi, I'm John Maher, and I'm here today with Victor Buonfiglio of Boston Cremation, and our topic is "What is Cremation Insurance". Welcome, Victor. Victor Buonfiglio: Hi, John. Cremation Insurance...