What is a Wake and Wake Etiquette for Guests?

When someone moves on from this ephemeral world, it’s common for families to host a wake. In general, a wake is referred to as a memorial event or social gathering which is held before a funeral with the body present. 

In the olden tradition, a wake is usually held at the deceased person’s home. The body receives preservation treatments while the funeral services team sets up the place for viewing. But in these modern times, more and more families choose to hold the wake at a funeral home or an alternative location like a church. Read more

How Do You Select a Funeral Home to Work With?

Whether you’re pre-planning funeral arrangements to make it easier for your loved ones in the future or you have an immediate need because a loved one died, it is critical to select a reputable funeral home that you feel comfortable with. Trust is essential, especially in a service that’s as sensitive as this one.  Read more

Why Are Funerals Important

When a loved one passes away, it has been a tradition to host a funeral. A funeral service is not merely for the dead but it encompasses everything about them and who they are. It is also a form of closure for everyone who knew the deceased and shared a relationship with them, no matter how brief.  Read more

Is black the only color I can wear to a funeral service?

Selecting what outfit to wear can be daunting if you are attending the funeral services of a loved one or friend. Traditionally, black is the go-to color choice that is associated with funerals. However, keep in mind that all funeral ceremonies are unique. It can vary depending on the wishes of the deceased, the traditions of the family, the cultural heritage, and the religious affiliation of the dead. 

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How do I plan a virtual funeral service in this pandemic?

Sadly, the pandemic strips us of the most important component of funeral services, which is social support. With strict government regulations in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, funeral homes and crematoriums have to comply with strict social distancing measures and limit funeral attendees. Read more

How Do You Say Goodbye to Someone Who is Dying

Goodbyes are always difficult. Period. Saying goodbye to a person you love under normal circumstances is already rough. After all, no one wants to be separated from a person they hold dear. However, saying goodbye to someone who is dying from a terminal illness or a person who is suddenly in palliative care because of an accident or stroke makes goodbyes even more heartbreaking. How do you say goodbye when you know you will be planning a funeral soon? When you know that this goodbye will be final and forever, what words can you say? If you need help, consider the following suggestions to help you and your beloved find peace while there’s still time left. Read more

How to find healing this New Year when your loved one just passed away?

At this time, most people around the globe are busy compiling their resolutions to ring in the new year. It usually revolves around losing weight, exercising, or hitting work goals. However, celebrating the New Year when your loved one just passed away poses a different challenge. You may have felt the same melancholy and longing to get through Christmas without your loved one by your side. Similarly, New Year’s Eve may also cause the same emotional upheaval, especially if you’ve just recently concluded the funeral services. Instead of feeling relief at the thought of leaving a dark year marred by loss and pain, the new year may bring worries, anxieties, and fears.

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How do you talk at a funeral without crying?

If you have to speak in the funeral services, you may feel nervous about addressing everyone. After all, this is a very trying period filled with dark emotions. First and foremost, you must remember that giving a eulogy or a speech that gives tribute to the deceased’s life is an honor. It is a task that is given to close family and friends.

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What should you not put in a eulogy?

rose-pink-colors-3202080_640If you’ve been tasked to deliver a eulogy in the funeral services, you are most likely close to the one who passed away. As such, your goal is to deliver the best eulogy speech to pay tribute to your deceased loved one. It is perfectly normal to worry about how to write a eulogy because you don’t want to make mistakes. Since funerals are fraught with dark emotion, you don’t want your words to result in more sadness, hurt feelings, resentment, or even anger. As such, it is vital to do some careful preparation when you’re writing your eulogy.

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Mistakes To Avoid When Planning A Funeral Service

It is a very stressful time when someone dearly loved in a family passes away. Most people would not be in their right faculties when suddenly confronted with this situation. You wouldn’t expect a person to think straight and plan a funeral service when he is under stress. That is why many blunders happen in a funeral service because of this human frailty. Even then, it would be good to be prepared for such an eventuality so that if it happens, you would know what to do. Therefore, it is good to be aware of the most common mistakes people commit when planning a funeral service when they are under stress. Here are two mistakes to avoid when planning a funeral service. Read more