Monthly Archives: July 2022

Preplanning Burial Arrangements: Things to Consider

Have you thought about your final resting place? If you are like most people, the answer is probably no. While many people may know they want to be buried after they pass, very few actually make the arrangements. While this is understandable as it can be uncomfortable to plan for one’s own death, it is something that needs to be done. Directors of funeral homes in South Bend, IN. have these things to keep in mind when preplanning your burial arrangements.

Select the Burial Plot

Purchasing a burial plot is not something you do everyday and as such, you may have no idea where to even begin or what to think about when selecting the plot. The first thing you should do is to set a budget. Burial plots will range in price and while you want to select a nice plot, you also want to make sure you don’t overspend.

Once you have your budget there are things to keep in mind. These things include:

Location– Do you want a plot that is more secluded and private? Maybe you want one that is next to pretty trees, landscaping or other features. Perhaps you would like a plot that is close to a road or other access point to make it easy for your family when they visit. Decide what is important to you as far as location.
Type of Plot– What type of plot will you be needing? If it is just for you then a single plot is all you need. However, if you would like your spouse to be buried next to you, then you will need a double plot which is two plots side-by-side. There are also plots that are the size of one but deeper than normal to allow two caskets to be stacked on top of one another.

Decide on the Grave Marker

Grave markers come in a wide variety of types, colors, materials, and designs. They can be found to be flush with the ground such as with a flat marker, or stretch toward the sky as with an upright monument. They can be found in materials such as marble, granite, sandstone, bronze and more. Designs can be etched onto the marker, or the marker can be cut into a design.

Before you start to select your marker, check with the cemetery as many have policies on what types of markers, designs, and materials are permitted.

Select the Casket

Just as with grave markers, caskets come in all types of styles and materials. Form the outside material to the lining on the inside you can find a plethora of options. Not only that, but caskets are able to be customized in a myriad of ways as well. From secret compartments where you can add personal items to be buried with, to adding logos or other images to the outside of the casket, there is an option for everybody.

While it can be a little uncomfortable planning your final arrangements with funeral homes in South Bend, IN. it is truly is something that everyone should do. Not only does in ensure your final wishes are carried out, but it takes the burden off of your family at a difficult time for them. This is why many choose us.

What Is a Celebration of Life Event?

With more people choosing cremation services in Rolling Prairie, IN, celebration of life events are also becoming more popular and widely known. While this is a not as common of a choice as a traditional memorial service, many families are opting for this more celebratory service for their loved one. If you are curious about this type of celebration or what sets it apart for other services, keep reading.

What is a Celebration of Life Event?

As the name suggests, a celebration of life event, is just that; a celebration. It is a fun, joyous, uplifting event that celebrates the deceased’s life. You will find guests visiting with one another and sharing memories and favorite stories about the deceased.

Unlike a more traditional memorial service that has a quiet, solemn atmosphere, celebration of life events may be loud and boisterous. You will see people smiling and probably hear laughter. It is a more festive environment of remembrance.

When Are Celebration of Life Events Held?

Just as with memorial services, celebration of life events are held after the cremation of the body. Exactly when the event is held is entirely up to the family. Some families may wish to hold it soon after while others may wait weeks, a month, or even longer. With more time to plan the event, it allows for more flexibility and the ability to truly arrange the perfect celebration.

Where are Celebration of Life Events Held?

The wonderful thing about these events is that they can be held in any location the family wishes. Since these events are a little more unconventional they do not have to confirm with any “social norms” as other types of services typically do.

With this freedom, you can find these events being held in not only funeral homes and churches, but also in parks, campgrounds, restaurants, sports bars, sports stadiums, golf courses, and more.

Is There a Format to Follow?

While you may find some celebration of life events having elements from other services such as a welcome/introduction, reading or poems, eulogies given, or more, there is no specific format to follow. This means families can include what they want and leave out what they don’t. It also means that families may choose to have no format at all and have the event feel more like a full blown party. Or it may be a mix between the two.

Final Thoughts

While some families may prefer a more traditional memorial service, celebration of life events appeal to many families as well. This type of service is becoming more popular as people are appreciating another way to honor and remember their loved one. With these events being more joyful they can provide a much needed happier and therapeutic way to remember and pay tribute to your loved one.

If you would like more information about these events or cremation services in Rolling Prairie, IN, feel free to give us a call or come by and visit with our caring and knowledgeable staff anytime for your pre-arrangement need.

Best Practices When Sending Sympathy Flowers

When you have a friend who has lost a loved one, a thoughtful way to show you support and condolences is with sympathy flowers. These sympathy flowers are arrangement that you typically have delivered to their home along with a card. You can order them from a local florist, an online retailer, or even create the arrangement yourself. Although sending these flowers is pretty straightforward, there are some things you should know. Directors of funeral homes in Rolling Prairie, IN. share the best practices when it comes to sending these flowers.

Sympathy Flowers vs. Funeral Flowers

First it is important to note that sympathy flowers are not the same as funeral flowers. While sympathy flowers are delivered to the grieving family’s home as a personal gift to them, funeral flowers are delivered to the funeral home or church to serve as a tribute to the deceased and are used in the funeral service.

When to Send Sympathy Flowers

There is no “right” time to send sympathy flowers as they can be sent before or after the funeral. Some people may choose to send the arrangement as soon as they are made aware of the passing. Others may wait until after the funeral when things aren’t quite so hectic for the family. Either way, it is never too late to send the flowers. Even if it has been a week or so after the funeral, a pretty arrangement of flowers can always brighten someone’s day and remind them they are loved.

What Type of Flowers Should be Used?

Just as with funeral flowers, there are some types of flowers that are commonly used in sympathy arrangements. These can include roses, carnations,, lilies, orchids, and gladioli. Most florists and online retailors will have specific arrangements for sympathy.

Other than flowers, a plant is a nice option to send. With flowers only staying viable for a short time, a plant is something the family can have more long term. Some nice choices include peace lilies, palm plants, and philodendrons.

What Colors Should be Used?

You might find that most sympathy arrangements are created with colors of white, pink, lilac, and other more muted colors. Bright colors are typically not used as they tend to convey a more celebratory feel.

What Should the Card Say?

Deciding what to write on the card is often times a difficult decision for most people. You want to convery your sympathy but finding the right words can be challenging. Luckily, you don’t need to be a poet or write anything too long as a simple, short message is best. Some examples are:

With deepest sympathy
Our thoughts are with you
Wishing you some small comfort in this time of sorrow
We are so sorry for your loss
Our hearts go out to you and your family
Holding you close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing okay

If you would like more information on sending sympathy flowers or funeral flowers to funeral homes in Rolling Prairie, IN., you may check our merchandise, give us a call or come by anytime as we are always here to answer any questions you may have including our privacy policy.

Service Options Before Cremation

When most people think of the cremation process, they may envision what is known as “direct cremation”. This process is simple with no services held before the body being is cremated and the remains being given to the family. While this is one option of cremation services in Michigan City, IN., it is not the only option. If you are preplanning your cremation or making arrangements for a loved one, you might be surprised to find out you can hold services before the cremation just as you can with a burial.

These services include visitations, viewings and funeral services. We are going to look at what each of these events are and how they work with cremation to help you decide which, if any, you would like to hold.

Visitations and Viewings

These services are all very similar with only one difference. With a visitation the body of the deceased is typically not present, and with a visitation, it is.

Both events are casual and a come-and-go style meaning that guests arrive and leave as they wish. There is no set format, but rather a time to mingle and talk with other guests as well as the family. There may be refreshments served such as cookies and punch or other light snacks.

If the body is present, it will be in casket and normally, the top portion will be open so that guests can see their loved one. This provides an opportunity for people to approach the casket and say their good-byes.

With a cremation, families have the option to rent a casket for this service. With this option, the cremation container (the container the body will be cremated in) will be placed inside the casket for the viewing. When it’s time, the cremation container and the body will be removed from the casket and the lining of the casket will then be replaced for reuse.

Because of the cost of the service as well as the expense of the rental casket, the overall cost of the cremation package will be higher. Also, if the body will be present, additional services such as embalming will need to be preformed also increasing the cost.

Funeral Services

For many families, holding a funeral service is important. These services tend to be more religious in nature and follow a predetermined format. The format typically includes:

Welcome / Introduction
Opening prayer
Music Selection / Hymns
Reading of the Obituary
Eulogy
Thank you and Acknowledgements

With a funeral service, the body is displayed in a casket in the front of the room. Because of this, the body will need to be prepared and embalmed. This is the same whether it is for a ground burial or cremation. The only difference is that, for a burial, the body will be taken to the cemetery after the services, and for cremation, it will be taken to the crematory.

You can see that with cremation services in Michigan City, IN., you have several options. You could choose to have a very simple, no frills direct cremation, or add any service beforehand just like with a ground burial. To learn more, call or come by anytime as we are happy to discuss all the options available. Speak to one of our experts.