Create a Memorial Website

Create a memorial web site in memory of your loved one. Once the activities of the funeral services have ended you may find yourself wanting to organize your thoughts and memories. Creating a memorial website allows you to do so. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. It will also provide a focal point for others who wish to remember them.

Creating a memorial site can be as simple as using a free blogging platform like Blogger. The beauty of using a blog is that it is easy to continue to add content. You can ad as few or as many photos as you wish. If you enable comments others will be able to come and share their thoughts and feelings as well. The memorial can grow and evolve over time.

There are websites that are set up to be memorial sites. Most of these sites charge a fee for the service. One of  the advantages of using these sites is that they are know for hosting memorials and your memorial may be found easier. The sites are set up with templates for you to follow to help you set up the memorial page. A quick Google search for memorial pages or memorila websites will bring up many of these paid sites.

Cremation Jewelry

Cremation jewelry has been gaining in popularity as the practice of cremation increases. It gives a person a way to keep a momento of their loved close to them.

Cremaiton jewelry comes in many forms. There are tiny urns, vials and lockets.  They can be found made from precious metals, ceramics, wood and glass. These pieces of cremation jewelry are worn on necklaces or charm bracelets. Whatever form they take, the purpose is to hold a tiny amount of the cremated remains of the departed loved one.

Notifying Family and Friends

Notifiying everyone of a loved one's death can be a daunting task. Close family members and friends will need to be notified in a personal manner such as a telephone call.  Don't be afraid to reach out to the first few people that you notify and ask them to help you inform other members of the family.

Once your family and close friends have been notified, you can notify other friends and acquaintances through e-mail. This method may be easier than trying to get in touch with everyone by phone. It also will save you from the task of re-telling the story over and over. If you are the closest relative to the deceased, it is appropriate to delegate this task to another family member or friend.

Selecting Funeral Flowers

Funeral flowers are selected by the people in charge of the funeral arrangements. They traditionally include a casket spray and perhaps an easel arrangement. This arrangement stands next to the casket. Sympathy flowers sent by friends and family are usually displayed to the side.

Selecting funeral flower arrangements for a loved one’s funeral is an important part of the process. The flowers chosen will be one of the most eye catching aspects of the viewing and funeral ceremony.

To determine the size of the casket spray, consider whether the casket will be viewed opened or closed. If it will be open, the spray should be able to fit on the bottom half of the casket.

There are many flowers that are traditionally used at funerals. These flowers are considered to have meanings. Roses are very symbolic. White roses mean innocence, yellow ones stand for friendship. Carnations are often used at funerals and have their symbolism as well. White carnations symbolize love. Pink carnations stand for the undying love of a mother.

A professional florist will be able to guide you in the selection of funeral flowers. Search for one that has experience with funeral flower arrangements.

How to Write Sympathy Cards

Sending sympathy cards to the family of someone who has died can serve two purposes. The first and obvious one is that it lets you extend your condolences to the family that is left behind. The second, often unrealized, purpose is a chance to express your feelings about the death.

It is acceptable to send sympathy cards with a simple short message such as "With deep sadness".The family will know that you have them in your thoughts. However, taking the time to write a paragraph or two to include with your sympathy card can be even more healing.

Writing your thoughts down is not as difficult as it seems. You can tell a fond story about the individual, say what it was about them that you liked or explain why you are going to miss them. It is often much easier to express your feelings in writing than in person to the bereaved family.

Begin by writing a rough draft. Once you have your thoughts organized write it in the card that you have selected.

Mail the sympathy card in a timely manner. You should send it as soon as you hear about the death.

Sending Funeral Flowers to the Funeral Home

Sending funeral flowers is often the first thing considered when hearing of a death. It is a beautiful way to let the family of the departed person know that they are in your thoughts.

The first step should be to determine whether the family is accepting flowers. Some families prefer that donations be made to a specified charity in lieu of funeral flowers.

If you have decided to send sympathy flowers there are some steps that you need to take.

• Have the funeral home name and address in hand before contacting the funeral florist.


• Contact a florist that has experience with funerals. They will be familiar with the flowers and styles that are appropriate for the religious denomination.


• Immediate family members such as the spouse or child usually purchase the casket spray to adorn the casket.


• Other family members traditionally purchase large pieces such as a flower covered cross or heart.


• Friends or coworkers traditionally donate items such as standing sprays or baskets to be displayed at the viewing and funeral.


• Most funeral homes do not accept delivery of food or fruit baskets.

An experienced funeral florist will be able to guide you in what is appropriate considering your relationship with the deceased or family.

Sympathy Etiquette for Major Religions

Each of the prominent religions has its own funeral etiquette. When you wish to show your sympathy it is helpful to know what is accepted in that religion. Some of the most common ones are covered here.

Protestant, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian

The funeral service is usually lead by a minister and is most often held at a funeral home. There will be visiting hours at the funeral home before the service where you can pay your condolences. It is appropriate to send flowers, cards or make a donation to charity as a show of sympathy.

Roman Catholic

There is usually a viewing or wake at a funeral home that starts shortly after death. The funeral itself is held in church with a mass 3 days after the death. You can attend the wake and the mass. Appropriate expressions of sympathy are flowers. Food gifts for the family can be sent to their house.

Judaism

Jewish law dictates burial within 24 hours. The service is officiated by a rabbi and is only attended by the immediate family.  After the burial the family will sit in Shiva at home. This lasts seven days. It is appropriate to stop and pay a condolence call within that time frame. Flowers are not accepted. It is customary to bring sweet treats and food. Check to see if the family observes Kosher food laws, if so the food needs to be Kosher.

Muslim

Services are held in a Mosque and are held shortly after death with a quick burial. When attending, note that men and women are segregated on different sides of the Mosque. Women's heads are covered. You may show your sympathy with a gift of food but do no give funeral flowers.

Green Funerals, A Growing Trend

The funeral industry is following the interests of the general public and offering green funerals.  Traditional funerals can consume a large amount of resources. These resources can range from the gas used in transporation, to the land used for a grave to the materials used to construct the vault and casket. There are also a number of  harmful chemicals used in the embalming process. People are now questioning the long accepted methods commonly used and looking for green funeral alternatives.

Some families choose to take small steps such as using recycled paper for programs or the use of locally grown flowers for the funeral floral arrangements. Others make a point of having people carpool to and from the funeral and burial. There is also the option of a small gathering in an outdoor setting. Requesting the use of formaldyhyde free embalming fluids is another option.

Beyond the small things, there are larger things that can be done in the name of a green funeral. Some of the alternative methods of burial and disposition that are considered more green than a tradtional burial are discussed in other tips.