If you are planning a memorial event after a loved one’s cremation services in Michigan City, IN., there are some things you will need, one of which is a memorial program. While creating a program is not difficult, there are certain things that need to be included as well as a typical format they then to follow. To help ensure you print a great program, we are going to outline the format as well as share some tips and tricks to make the process easy as well as grief support.

Program Size

Although some memorial programs may be just one page and be single or double-sided, most consist of two to four pages. When it has multiple pages, the dimensions are typically 5 ½ X 8 ½ inches. This can be created by taking a normal sheet of copy paper that is 8 ½ X 11, turning it to landscape to print and then folding it in half.

Outline of Program

While you can certainly design the program in anyway you wish, there is a typical order and flow that most follow. This consists of:

Front Cover- This is where you will display a photograph of the deceased. This could be one strong image or a collage of several images. It could even be an image of something else entirely such as a sunset or ocean scene. You will also want to include their full name, date of birth and death, and date and location of service.

Inside Left Page– On this page, you will list the order and details of the service. This will look something like

• Welcome and Introduction: (Name of who is giving the remarks)
• Eulogy (Name of person scheduled to give the eulogy)
• And so on

Inside Right Page– This page will consist of the obituary. This can be the official obituary that was previously published, or a new one can be written.

Back Cover– On the back cover you typically find a meaningful poem or passage, list of pallbearers, as well as any special mentions they family would like to add. These may include things like, “The family wishes to say a very special thank you to all the nurses at General hospital”.

Design Tips

You want the program to have the right format and information, but you also want it to look good. When designing the program, keeping things in mind like color combinations and font choices can go a long way in making sure your program comes across tasteful and elegant.

For example, using a font that looks messy or cartoonish can really be off-putting. Also, using colors that clash or having words on a dark background can make things difficult to read. While you can add some creativity to the program, just make sure to do so in a way that it doesn’t distract from its purpose.

Another word of advice is to always get a second opinion. It’s always nice to have a second pair of eyes to double check things like making sure names are spelled correctly or the elements of the service are listed in the correct order.

When you are making your program for the service following a loved one’s cremation services in Michigan City, IN., follow these steps and you will have a program the guests will love see our caregiver award.

When planning cremation services in South Bend, IN., direct cremation will be one of the options you can choose. While this option can be a great choice for many families, if you are not familiar with it, you may not be sure if it’s right for your family. Let’s look at this option a little more and see if it may be right for you and your loved one.

What is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation, also called simple cremation, is the basic form of cremation and typically the most economical. The process is simple and speedy and follows this format:

• The body is collected by the cremation provider
• They will keep your loved one in an area that is climate controlled
• All paperwork and permits are filled out and filed
• The cremation will then take place
• The remains will be retuned to the family in an urn that is typically plastic or cardboard

Why Choose Direct Cremation?

Many families choose direct cremation for several different reasons. A few of the advantages of direct cremation they may be drawn to include:

• More Economical– With direct cremation being simple and straightforward, there are less expenses than there would be with other options of cremation packages or funeral burials. This makes it a wonderful option for those on a fixed budget or who would rather spend more of the budget on a memorial service.
• Simple and Fast – Many families like the simplicity of the direct cremation process. The family may already be feeling overwhelmed with everything else they must take care of. Having an easy and simple process helps ease some of that stress. Also, since this process is simple it tends to be move more quickly than some other options.
• Provides More Flexibility– If a family would like more time to plan a memorial, celebration of life, or any other type of service, direct cremation allows more time to do so. Since the service can be planned for further out, it allows more time and flexibility to plan the perfect service.
• Can Start the Healing Process– Some families wish to have the cremation finalized quickly because it will help them find closure faster. With direct cremation typically being the speediest option, this is a good choice for them.

Things to Consider

If you are considering cremation services for your loved one, whether it’s direct cremation or another option, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, did your loved one have any last wishes that were for or against cremation? Did they state what they would like to happen to their body after their death?

Also, it’s important to take into account the religious beliefs of your loved one. Many religions have very clear opinions and thoughts on cremation. If you are unsure if cremation is allowed or not, check with any appropriate religious leaders.

Final Thoughts

When you are deciding on cremation services in South Bend, IN. for your loved one, direct cremation may be a good option. Knowing what this option entails, the advantages it can provide and talking it over with other family members can help you decide if it is the right choice. Call us now and see why many people choose us.

We may be used to writing thank you notes when it comes to receiving a nice gift for our birthday, wedding, or other special occasion. However, writing thank you cards after a loved one’s cremation services in Rolling Prairie, IN., is something we most likely don’t think about.

Sometimes called acknowledgment cards, funeral thank you cards, or bereavement cards, these sympathy thank you cards are sent out after cremations, memorial services, and funerals.

Although you certainly don’t have to send out cards, it is a wonderful way to show gratitude to those who offered their support and condolences to you and your family. If you haven’t had to do this before, you may have some questions about the proper etiquette as well as what you should write in the card. In this article, we will cover these questions and more.

When Should the Cards Be Mailed?

It is best to have the cards mailed out a few weeks after the funeral. However, if you have many cards to write or have other things to take care of first, most people will understand if the cards get out later than that. Don’t let the thought of “too much time has passed” stop you from sending the cards out. Even if it’s a little late, the receiver of the note will still appreciate the token of gratitude just the same.

What Should I Write?

Deciding what to write inside the cards can be the biggest obstacle when it comes to completing this task. Don’t worry about writing anything too profound or too long. Examples of things you could write are:

• Thank you for your support during this difficult time.
• We appreciate your sympathy and kindness.
• Thank you for your prayers and support.
• We are grateful for friends like you in our difficult time.

When it comes to signing your name, if you are writing these on behalf of the family, you can add something like, “the family of …”. If the card is from just you and for a close friend, signing your first name is fine. However, if you do not know the person very well, such as a coworker of the deceased, then adding your last name or the deceased’s name is a good idea.

Tips to Tackle the Task

If you have a lot of cards to write it may feel overwhelming and even can stop you from starting at all. To help with this, break your list up into smaller, more manageable lists. Each day just focus on one of the smaller lists. Before you know it, all the cards will be done.

You can also reach out to other family members and see if they can help. Even if they can’t do a big portion of the cards, any that they can do will help. Just remember these don’t all have to be done in one day. You have already been through a lot with your loved one’s cremation services in Rolling Prairie, IN., and nobody will upset if the cards arrive a little late. Contact us our staff is ready to help and pre arrangements need.

If you are looking for a permanent and unconventional way to keep your loved one with you after they pass, consider a cremation tattoo. While this option is certainly not for everyone, it is actually growing in popularity. If you would like to know more about this option after your loved one’s cremation services in Michigan City, IN., keep reading for everything you need to know about this unusual option.

What is a Cremation Tattoo?

A cremation tattoo is a tattoo that actually infuses some of the loved one’s ashes with the ink that will be used. The ink is then added to the tattoo gun and applied to the skin the same way a regular tattoo is applied. So instead of only having ink in the skin, the person receiving the tattoo will also have a little bit of the deceased’s remains in their skin as well.

Why Choose a Cremation Tattoo?

Many people around the world love tattoos and they are becoming more widely accepted every day. For a long time people have gotten memorial tattoos of loved ones who have passed. These designs have varied from actual portraits of the loved one, to a rose or other flower with the loved one’s name included. These cremation tattoos are just taking this idea of a memorial tattoo to the next level.

Is a Cremation Tattoo Safe?

You may have concerns about the safety of the remains in the ink, but a cremation tattoo is actually very safe. With the remains being cremated at a very high temperature, this reduces any risk for infection. One thing to keep in mind is that once you have the ashes, they need to be handled in a manner that is safe and promotes them being in a sterile environment when being mixed with the ink. Luckily, most reputable tattoo artists are vigilant when it comes to safety measures. If you would like an added layer of safety, it is suggested to find a tattoo artist that has done this process before and is familiar with it.

Will It Heal and Look Like a Regular Tattoo?

Your cremation tattoo is created with mostly tattoo ink and just a little bit of ashes so it should look just like a regular tattoo when healed. You will also take care of it the same way as it heals and it should heal like a regular tattoo as well.

How to Find a Cremation Tattoo Artist

Normally you won’t find a lot of results with an internet search for cremation tattoo artist in your area as some tattoo artists will do them and others will not. If you already have a tattoo artist, the best thing to do is reach out to them and see if they offer this service. If they do not, you can ask them for recommendations on who might.

You can also call your local tattoo shops and see if they offer the service. Before getting the tattoo it is always a good idea to look at the artist’s portfolio of other work to make sure you are both on the same page as far as design.

While getting a cremation tattoo after your loved one’s cremation services in Michigan City, IN., isn’t for everyone, it can be a wonderful choice for some. It’s a way to have a visual memory of your loved one as well as a little bit of them close with you always, get a pre-arrangement now.

Deciding what to do with a loved one’s ashes after their cremation services in South Bend, IN., is a very important decision. Many families choose to scatter the ashes while others want the remains close to them in their home. If you choose to keep the remains, knowing what type of urn to choose can help ensure it lasts for years to come. We are going to go over some of the most popular materials for urns so that you can have the knowledge you need to make the best decision.

Wood Urns

You can find urns made from all types of wood including:

• pine
• cedar
• hickory
• walnut
• maple
• cherry
• oak

They can also be made from bamboo, veneer, birch, rosewood, elm wood, myrtle, bubinga and more. With so many options, you can see why this choice is so popular. You are bound to find a beautiful urn that would make a wonderful addition to any room of any style. One thing to be cautious of with wood urns is to make sure they are not in direct sunlight for long amounts of time as this can cause them to crack or warp over time.

Ceramic Urns

A ceramic urn can be a lovely choice as they come in so many colors and styles. They are also smooth and have very clean lines so they are a timeless deign. One thing to keep in mind is that ceramic is very delicate. If you choose this option, it’s best that the urn is placed high on a mantle or other place that it wont be easily knocked over.

Glass and Crystal Urns

Urns made from glass or crystal can be immensely beautiful and provide a wonderful resting place for your loved one’s ashes. One advantage of these material is that they are easy to clean with a cloth and glass cleaner. Anther great benefit is that these materials never go out of style and tend to lend themselves as a compliment to any design style you may have in the room. If you want to have a truly impressive urn, you can find many that are handblown.

Just as with ceramic urns, these materials are obviously very delicate and can be easily broken. It is important to find a steady and durable spot for these urns to e placed.

Metal Urns

Meta urns come in a variety of materials such as:

• copper
• brass
• stainless steel
• pewter
• bronze

Metal urns are a great choice if you are looking for something to stand the test of time. Since they are so durable and usually coated with a layer of lacquer to help preserve their coat, they can last for years to come. And since they are so durable, they can actually be kept inside or outside, giving you many options as to where to place it.

When you are purchasing an urn after your loved one’s cremation services in South Bend, IN., keeping a few things in mind like design and durability can hep you make the perfect choice. With so many options of material and styles, you will have no problem finding the right one.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy. After your loved one’s cremation services in Rolling Prairie, IN., finding support to help you in the grieving process can make all the difference in how well you get through this. Luckily, there are several various resources where you can find this support. One of these places in online.

Today we are going to talk about Facebook. While you may already be on this platform as a way to stay in touch with your friends and family, you can also utilize the “groups” feature and find a support group tailored to your situation.

A couple of things to know about Facebook groups. First they can either be set as:

• Public – Which means that anyone on Facebook can see the group as well as any posts written. To join these groups, simply select the button that says “Join Group”

OR

• Private – This means that while everyone can see the group listed on Facebook, only its members can see the posts written. These groups often times require the admin of the group to approve you. You will select the button that says, “Request to Join” and then you will get a notification on Facebook once you have been approved.

Top Grieving Support Groups on Facebook

To find a group, you can simply do a search on Facebook. If you don’t know the exact name of a group, you can enter keywords and Facebook will bring up groups with those words. If you are not sure what to search, here are a few of the top groups you could join.

• Grief Speaks Out – This is a group with the message that there is no right timeline to move on from loss. They encourage members to share stories, pictures, and anything else that might be beneficial to help process your grief.
• The Loss of Fathers and Father Figures – Their Facebook page states that the group is “a place to share your thoughts and feelings and give remembrance to the special father figure that you’ve lost”.
• Grieving Parents Healing Hearts- With this group focusing on empathy and support, it is a wonderful place for parents to support one another through the devasting loss of a child.
• Covid 19 Loss Support– This pandemic has affected so many people’s lives with the loss of a loved one. Not only that, with Covid restrictions and regulations you may be mourning in isolation. This group is a perfect way for you to connect to others and not be alone.

While these are just a few of the many, many groups on Facebook, you can see how they are very specific and you are certain to find a group that feel connected to. If you can’t, or simply don’t want to join a support group where you meet in person, online support groups such as this can be a wonderful option to help you connect to others, share your struggles, and know you are not alone.

If you would like more resources for support after your loved one’s cremation services in Rolling Prairie, IN., be sure to reach out to Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Let their compassionate and experienced staff help you find the support you need.

With living in the digital age, dealing with a loved one’s passing has changed quite a bit. Everything from how the passing of the deceased is announced to what needs to be taken care of after they are gone is different. Even how you find cremation services in Michigan City, IN., has changed now that it’s normally by an online search.

Let’s look a little more at how the digital age of social media and the internet has changed the way we handle the different aspects of a loved one’s passing.

The Obituary

Before the time of social media, the family would announce the passing of the loved one by writing an obituary and publishing it in the local newspaper. While this practice is still going on today, there are now several other outlets to consider.

Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Instagram are just a few of the social media channels the deceased might have had. On those accounts, the family may wish to publish a post stating the passing of the loved one. For each of those platforms, there are different rules and regulations for getting permission to post so the family would have to look into each induvial platform’s process.

How We View Funerals

In the past, if you couldn’t attend the memorial service or ash scattering ceremony in person, you just missed out. But now, these services are able to be live streamed over the internet. This means that the people who cannot attend in person can still partake and honor the deceased.

The people who can’t attend in person would be given a link to a website or to a social media channel and view the services virtually online. While attending these services in person is of course the first option, live streaming is a wonderful way for giving more people the availability to be included.

Finding Support

When finding help with the grieving process, support groups have always been a very helpful option. With in-person groups, you can share your story, listen to others, and really connect with the other people that you are seeing face-to-face.

However, now there are hundreds of support groups online that you can attend or join. One of the most common places to find these groups is on Facebook. You will find groups that are for general help as well as very specific groups (ex: help with grieving the loss of a spouse). With so many groups, you can find the perfect group for your needs.

Final Thoughts

With technology comes change. This is apparent in how we deal with a loved one’s passing. With social media and live streaming options, more people are now able to be involved in the honoring of the deceased.

While an obituary in the newspaper would only reach the local audience, a post on a social media platform such as Facebook could reach hundreds. This is nice when the family needs to notify many people over many different areas.

If you would like more online resources or have questions on how digital media can play a role in your loved one’s cremation services in Michigan City, IN., call the experienced staff at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center as they are always here to help.

After your cremation services in South Bend, IN., you may be planning a memorial service to honor your loved one. These services are a wonderful way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased. When planning a memorial service, you may think of adding music, decorating the space with flowers, and having people speak and share stories and memories of your loved one. One element that you may not think about is giving a small gift to the guests.

These gifts are a nice touch that allows the guests to have a physical item to keep in remembrance of the deceased. These gifts do not have to be anything large or expensive; even a little token or card ca be a thoughtful item that the guests would appreciate.

If you aren’t sure what you would like to give, here is a list of ideas to get you inspired.

Seed packets– Seed packets are a beautiful gift to give to your guests. These seeds could be for flowers, plants, or even fruit or vegetables.

Memorial Bookmarks – Memorial bookmarks are a great inexpensive option. There are many online places to deign them and have them printed, or you can print and laminate them yourself to save costs.

Wristbands – Everybody loves wristbands. There are several companies online that offer them with a personalized word or message. You could have your loved one’s name printed on them or a favorite saying or quote of theirs.

Personalized Memory Fortune Cookies– Looking for something a little different and unique? Giving out personalized fortune cookies is definitely the way to go. These companies are found mostly online and can put just about any message inside the cookie.

Keychains– Keychains are a great gift because many people use them on backpacks, purses, luggage, etc and not just keyrings. Also, keychains come in a variety of materials so there is a deign for every budget.

Shot Glasses– While maybe not appropriate for everyone, shot glasses are definitely a unique gift to hand out. These can also come in many styles and materials so there shouldn’t be any trouble finding the right one for your budget.

Favorite Recipe – Did you loved one adore cooking or baking? Maybe they just had a favorite dish they always wanted you to make. Why not share this with your guests? Printing a favorite recipe on a pretty card is a lovely gift for guests to enjoy.

Custom Magnets – Do you have a favorite photo of your loved one? Maybe it’s a quote or poem they loved. Having it printed on a custom magnet is very easy to do online and makes a practical and fun gift for your guests.

Whatever you decide, your guests will appreciate the thought. They will also appreciate the chance to have something physical to hold on to in remembrance of your loved one.

Holding a memorial service for you loved one after cremation services in South Bend, IN., is a beautiful way to honor their life.. If you need help with cremation services or have questions about memorial services, reach out to the caring staff at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Their knowledgeable and experienced staff is always here to help you in this difficult time.

Working through grief after a loved one’s cremation services in Rolling Prairie, IN. can be such a difficult thing to do. You may feel lost and like you don’t know which way is up. And hearing that time heals all wounds is great but doesn’t really do much at the present moment.

Grief is a natural process and everyone handles it differently. While there is no exact right or wrong way to process the grief, there are healthy and unhealthy ways, The thing you want to focus on is making sure you are taking the healthy path. Hard as it may be, working through your grief in this healthy manner helps ensure you make it to the other side of this grief mentally and physically healthy.

While preforming activities that bring you joy or are deemed as “fun” may be the last thing on your mind, many of these activities have profound effects on helping you with your grief. Think of these things like tools in your toolbox.

Even if you aren’t 100% into the activity, just try it. Go through the motions and you will see that most likely, with time, things get easier and feelings of joy and happiness start appearing again. While there are many ways to work through grief that, we are going to talk about just two, pet therapy and journaling.

Pet Therapy

This is perfect of you are already an animal lover, and if not, well, you might change your mind after this. Pet therapy is such a lovely way of connecting with something again. Therapy dogs can be a great source of love and comfort. Spending time, petting a dog can help relieve stress and produce happy hormones in you brain. Also, people have found that dogs can be great to talk to. Getting your feelings out to a dog allows you to vent and process your thoughts in an honest manner. Dogs just listen. They don’t judge.

If dogs aren’t your thing, there are all types of animals in the therapy space. Do a search and you can find everything from therapy horses to chickens and goats.

Journaling

Working though your grief can be as simple as picking up a pen or pencil and putting your thoughts onto paper. Journaling has been shown to give many benefits for people working through trauma and/or grief. The good news is that your journal can be kept anyway you wish.

Of course you can always start off with “Dear Diary”, but if that feels a little high school, start off anyway you like. Write down random thoughts, single words, draw pictures, make bullet points, doodle, or ramble. Just pick up the pen and start.

One thing to consider is keeping your journal private. This way you have complete freedom in what you write. This allows more honest feelings and thoughts to come out.

In Conclusion

While these two activities are very effective in working through grief, there are by no means the only options. There are a ton of activities to choose from. The important thing is to find something that resonates with you. And remember that it may not feel “right “or “okay “at first, but its all a process. In taking these steps you are helping ensure your mental and physical state stays healthy…and that is what your loved one would want.

If you would like more resources to help with grief after your cremation services in Rolling Prairie, IN., make sure to call the caring staff at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center. They are always more than happy to help you through this difficult time.

After a loved ones’ passing and cremation services in Michigan City, IN., there will be many things you need to take care of. One of those things is social media accounts your loved one might have had. Today, people have a life online just as much, if not more, as they do offline.

Addressing these accounts will ensure their digital space is updated and protected. Social media accounts can include, but are not limited to, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and Linkedin.

While there are numerous social media platforms your loved one could have, we will discuss how to manage some of the most popular ones.

Facebook

This is most likely the most well-known social media outlet. It has been a giant in the social space for a long time and continues to gain new users every day.

If your loved one planned ahead, they may have appointed a person on their account as their “legacy contact”. This assigned person would have the authority to post on the deceased’s account and continue to manage it.

If no legacy contact was assigned, you would need to contact Facebook with proof of death as well as documents proving your identification. Then you could either have the account deleted or set up as a “memorial” page.

Having a memorial page means that in front of your loved one’s name, the word “Remembering” will be added. This allows the page content to remain and people to post on the page, but nobody will have access to functions such as changing pictures, seeing messages, etc.

Twitter

With Twitter being more strict, their policies prohibit log in information to be given out no matter what the case. This means that there is no legacy contact and no way to access and manage the account. You can, however, delete the account. To do this you will need to contact Twitter with proof of death and identification for your loved one.

Instagram

Since Facebook owns Instagram, the policies are the similar. While Instagram does not feature a “legacy contact” option, it does allow you to either delete the account or set up as a “memorial” account.

To do this, you will need to show that your identification, and the loved one’s death or birth certificate, and proof that you have the legal power over their estate.

If you loved one had any other social media accounts, it is best to look at those companies’ policies and procedures since they can all differ. Also know that current polices can change at any time. It is best if you have your loved one’s log in information to ensure you are able to access and manage the accounts.

After your loved one’s cremation services in Michigan City, IN., managing their online presence is something that will need to be taken care of. Although we have addressed how to handle the top three social media accounts, your loved one could have many more. If you need additional help or have questions, reach out to the caring staff at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and let them assist you.