Internal Furnishings Both wood and metal can be adorned inside with a variety of furnishings. This category is basically the same for both casket types. In most cases, any furnishing that can be added to one can be added to the other. The internal furnishings come down to a matter of personal taste and preference. External Appearance Wood Caskets: Wood tends to have a ‘warmer’, more traditional appearance. It also tends to be more elegant, less flashy appearance. Wood can be adorned with almost any type of external decorations that you might desire. Metal Caskets: Metal tends to be ‘colder’ and have a more austere appearance. It also tends to be preferred by a more progressive customer with somewhat flashier, more modern taste. Metal provides...Read More

Placing flowers at the graveside is one of the most common ways to honor a lost loved one. Flowers have spoken our love for centuries, and they remain a timeless sign of devotion. It is no wonder then why so many people want to take extra care in choosing the right flowers for headstones to place in remembrance. What Type of Flowers are Most Appropriate to Place at Headstones? The choice of headstone flowers used to adorn a grave is a completely personal choice. Many people choose flowers for the message they convey. Some choose headstone flowers for the way they reflect the loved one’s personality. There’s no “wrong” answer about the graveside flower choice you make. Every type of flower, or color of the...Read More

Preparing for funeral arrangements can be a very difficult task. Preparing for a funeral requires making countless decisions in a time when you are likely working on very little sleep, feel grief-stricken, emotionally exhausted, and overwhelmed. Planning a funeral that beautifully honors your loved one is, of course, top priority; but you also want to feel confident that you are making wise decisions in the many details of the funeral planning process. Preparing for a Funeral: Enlist the Help of Family and Friends There will be many people silently wondering what they can do to help with the funeral planning. Trying to figure out what someone can do to help plan funeral arrangements may seem like a huge task, but it’s not as big as...Read More

Flowers have long held a place in our hearts. Often used as symbols of love and affection, flowers as a part of an arrangement have come to mean anything and everything from congratulations to condolences. Making the choices you want for sprays and arrangements for your funeral, or as a choice for someone cared for and appreciated isn’t always an easy thing to do. But understanding some of the basics can help make those choices easier. We all know the symbolism behind a red rose. Love, especially for a spouse or mate is the purpose behind them. Whether it be the single red rose as an eternal token of our affection or a massive bouquet to exhort the volume and depth of feelings, the red...Read More

FTC Funeral Rules to Protect Customers By law, a funeral provider cannot refuse or charge for the delivery and handling of a casket from another source. The consumer does not have to be present when the shipment arrives at the funeral provider. However, it is a good idea to inspect the casket to make sure your shipment is complete and that the merchandise is free of any defects and that the merchandise is correct. Consumers cannot be turned away from a funeral provider if they wish to purchase their casket from another source. What is ‘White Glove’ Shipping? White glove shipping is a custom method of shipping that is usually tasked with delivering large items and including services with those items. Below is a list...Read More

The death of a loved one is always a difficult time, compounded by the desire to plan a funeral that represents our love for the individual and properly celebrates their life. From choosing affordable burial caskets to planning the service, there are many things about the funeral planning of which we may not be aware and many practical decisions that will need to be made. Even though the occasion may be somber, you are also still a consumer and wise planning can assure that the funeral is a fitting celebration of your loved one’s life. After A Death If a death occurs in your home it will be necessary to notify the proper parties. In some cases, it may be necessary to call the coroner....Read More

Delivering an eulogy is one of the highest opportunities we can be given to honor the life of a loved one. However, once given the opportunity, you need to know how to write an eulogy speech that honors the deceased, acknowledges family, friends and coworkers and is careful of social and cultural etiquette. What is a Eulogy? An Eulogy is a speech delivered in honor of the deceased, usually by someone very cherished by the family. The purpose of the speech is to honor the loved one’s life and accomplishments. How to write an eulogy speech greatly depends on how many people will also be sharing eulogies. If your eulogy is first, the main or only eulogy that will be given, here are some of...Read More

When a loved one dies, one of the first question asked by family and friends is most likely, “When is the funeral?”   This may be the last question you want to answer, as you are grieving from the loss, but it is one that must be addressed fairly quickly.  While every family and every situation is different, there are a few basics to planning a funeral.  By taking the time to cover as many details as possible, the stress of the situation can become much less of a burden. Respecting Wishes In cases of illness or advanced age, have a frank discussion with your loved one regarding their end of life wishes.   When the time comes, you will feel comforted knowing you are doing exactly...Read More

A simple funeral can be a very sweet funeral. Simple doesn’t have to mean stark, and it can certainly still provide the funeral your loved one deserves. When devising a strategy on how to plan an affordable funeral, you can start with the basic goods and services you need and add extras as your budget and desires allow. Your Protection Before you begin any planning, it’s important to know your rights as a consumer. Under the federal law known as the Funeral Rule, funeral directors must provide, upon request, itemized prices of the goods and services included in the funeral.  This helps you select services and goods that you desire, eliminate those you don’t want or need, and pay only for the services or items...Read More

There are several aspects to take into consideration when you need to estimate, “How much does the average funeral cost?” You may hear numbers within the 6-7 thousand dollar range from the National Funeral Directors Association, but that number typically only includes fees directly paid to the funeral director, who has the capacity to perform a wide range of tasks. Hence, funeral director fees can range from $1,500 for basic services up to $6,500, the latter being the number you most often hear quoted. However, that figure doesn’t account for the bulk of cemetery and burial expenses. You can expect to cover fees for the following: Funeral Director Funeral Home Casket Selection Preparation of Loved One Memorial Services Graveside Services Headstone Breaking Down How Much a...Read More