How to Compare Cremation Costs

Cremation is one of the most affordable choices for end-of-life arrangements, but prices can vary quite a bit between various providers. As you look at options, keep in mind that companies tend to price their services differently. Here are some tips to help you compare cremation costs. Make Sure You're Comparing Similar Packages When looking at cremation costs, you need to ensure you are comparing the same types of services. For example, if one company...

5 DIY Projects to Honor a Loved One Who Died

After the death of a loved, grief can take a lot of different forms. Many people find some solace in honoring or memorializing their loved ones through DIY projects. There are several ideas you may want to consider. 1. Photo Board A photo board has become a popular feature at many memorial services. At its simplest, a photo board is a collection of photos of your loved one displayed on poster board or framed, but...

How Many Death Certificates Will You Need?

After the death of a loved one, there can be a lot to handle. To make life insurance claims, deal with the estate, and handle other paperwork, you will need copies of your loved one's death certificate. How many you will need depends on what matters will need to be settled. Here’s what you should know. Obtaining Death Certificates If your loved one is being examined by the medical examiner, they will automatically generate a...

How to Honor a Veteran

If you are planning a memorial service for a veteran, it’s important to honor their service in a meaningful way. There several different options, including displaying any medals they have earned or having Military Funeral Honors rendered. Here’s what you should know about honoring your loved one after a life of serving their country. Who Is Eligible for Military Funeral Honors? Not all veterans are eligible for military funeral honors. Military.com publishes a list of...

What Size Cremation Urn Do You Need?

A common question when choosing an urn for a loved one that has passed is “what size do I need?” There are many different sizes available and the right choice depends largely on where you would like to store the ashes or if you plan to scatter them. We've put together this brief guide to help you. Standard Size Cremation Urns The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) has determined that the size of a...

Do You Need a Burial Vault for a Cremation Urn?

If you are preplanning your own after-life needs or if you are making arrangements for a loved one, you may be wondering if you need a burial vault for a cremation urn. A burial vault offers a lot of advantages, but it's not a necessity in all cases. Here's what you need to know. What Is a Burial Vault? Traditionally, a burial vault is a sturdy container that holds a buried casket. Sometimes called a...

How to Plan Ahead for Your Final Expenses

Final expenses typically include costs for embalming, cremation, burial, funerals, and related services. If you want to save your loved ones from facing those expenses after your death, you may want to start planning now. Whether you're middle-aged, a senior, or even a young person, there are many ways you can plan ahead for these costs. Factor Final Expenses into Your Life Insurance Plan When deciding how much life insurance you need, you generally account...

What Is a Reception Style Memorial Service?

Many families are moving away from formal funeral traditions and embracing memorial services with a range of different styles. In particular, after a loved one's passing, some people opt to do a reception-style memorial service. This can take many forms depending on the family's wishes. Understanding Reception-Style Memorial Services Typically, a reception-style memorial service doesn't have a member of the clergy or an officiant leading the service. Rather, people gather as if they are at...

Can You Write Your Own Obituary?

If you're preplanning your cremation and memorial service, you may be wondering if you can write your own obituary. The short answer is "yes", but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here's what you need to know. Benefits of Writing Your Own Obituary Writing an obituary for yourself ensures you are memorialized the way you want. You can decide which details to include and which ones to leave out. Many young or...

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...