Blog » Page 21 of 38 » US Urns Online

Book Review: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory (Book Review)

September 24, 2024September 17, 2021 by Daniel Szczesniak

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory is an entertaining and at times thoughtful book about one of the most tucked-away but necessary jobs in the funeral industry: The Crematory Operator.

Written by Caitlin Doughty, who worked as a crematory operator and is now an “alternative” funeral director, author, and YouTube personality, the theme of the book is not really cremation or funerals or gory details, though it definitely includes that.

The main theme is death itself. Specifically, how our culture interacts with death (or tries to avoid it), and what things might be like if we looked death – in all of its messiness – straight in the face.

Words to Comfort Someone Who Lost a Loved One

December 4, 2023September 6, 2021 by Karen Roldan

What do you say to comfort someone who lost a loved one?

Our condolences.

You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father.

Sure, those things are appropriate to say, and even need to be said. But the mourner will hear variations of condolences and sympathy so many times that it almost loses meaning.

Today, we want to explore what the mourner is experiencing and let the reality of grief inform the words of comfort you offer.

Urn Display Ideas at Home & At the Service

October 31, 2024September 1, 2021 by Karen Roldan

You want your loved one’s urn to be the center of attention at the service. You want it to be shown in a place of honor at home. What’s the best way to display an urn at home, and at the funeral?

You could display the urn with pictures, or perhaps flowers. Some prefer to leave the urn by itself, a minimalist display free from any distractive elements. There there are also stands and cases and frames. Then you ask yourself, what about their hobbies and interests, faith and military service?

How do you honor your loved one in the way you display the cremation urn?

Continue to read, we will be discussing these questions and more below.

Abbreviated Grief: 10 Things to Know About Short-Lived Sorrow

October 31, 2024August 30, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Your loved one has passed on, and you’ve mourned their death and have tried to honor their life.

But is it too soon? Do you feel like you haven’t wept enough?

Are you worried that you haven’t grieved properly?

There are many different kinds of grief. Today, we will be discussing abbreviated grief. Should you feel guilty if you don’t mourn for weeks, months, or years? Read on.

Here’s How to DIY a Funeral Program

October 31, 2024August 23, 2021 by Daniel Szczesniak

Here is everything you need to know to make a funeral program yourself.

Funeral Planning Checklist (Free Printable)

January 8, 2024August 20, 2021 by Karen Roldan

As a longtime funeral director, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have your funeral plans in order and to do your end-of-life arrangements ahead of time.

That’s why we created an informative, helpful funeral planning checklist. It’s free, and it’s printable.

Actually, we created two. One for simplicity and ease of use, and another to provide a comprehensive go-to trove of information, should you ever need it.

Our goal is to help you know and understand your options as you arrange the funeral and other services.

Letters to Loved Ones After Death: 10 Things You Need to Say

July 24, 2023August 16, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Have you ever received an “end of life letter?” Unfortunately, not everyone gets the opportunity to receive a last letter from a loved one. Have you ever thought about writing one and how it would impact someone after you are gone?

Should you write a final letter when you’re healthy and vibrant? Or should you wait until you are sick and dying? Should you write it down, record your voice, or leave a video behind?

Fortunately, if you are reading this, you probably have time to put together some final words for your loved ones. Here’s why, how, and some ideas on what to say.

Funeral Readings: What to Say When You Can’t Even

July 24, 2023August 13, 2021 by Karen Roldan

What can you quote or read at a funeral that will honor your loved one and encapsulate how much they mean to you?

This is a difficult task to undertake, especially when you will be reading or reciting in front of a group of people. Your emotions are heightened; you want to say something relevant and meaningful. But what?

Take a deep breath and read on.

We have compiled a list of funeral readings for you. You are welcome to borrow one or two, combine them to make your own, or even read them verbatim.

Last Wishes: What to Ask for When You Die

October 31, 2024August 6, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Have you thought about your last wishes?

Most people are uncomfortable talking about death and dying. But, unfortunately, death is going to catch up to all of us someday. Some of us will have a warning that death is approaching, and some won’t.

With that being said, it is always best to be prepared.

Have you thought about what to ask for when you die?

Open Casket Funeral vs Closed Casket: What You Need to Know

October 31, 2024August 2, 2021 by Karen Roldan

“Will this be an open casket funeral, or closed?” This is one question the funeral director will be sure to ask during the funeral arrangements.

As you consider how to answer, there are a few additional questions you will need to ask yourself.

Knowing the last wishes of the deceased would be ideal, but what if you don’t know? How do you decide between an open or a closed casket service?

Or perhaps you are attending a funeral, and you are concerned about what it will be like to see or be near the deceased with them visible in the casket.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about open casket funerals.

Do these five things to make sure your final wishes get carried out

5 Steps To Make Sure Your Funeral Plans Are Followed

September 24, 2024August 1, 2021 by Daniel Szczesniak

How do you ensure that your funeral plans are followed? This can include big decisions like whether to be buried or cremated, which funeral home to use, an eco-friendly natural burial or a big bold marble sarcophagus, services led by a pastor or a close family member.

Your wishes for your funeral can include smaller touches as well. Perhaps it is important to you that those who attend the service receive a “funeral favor” such as an engraved coin, a packet of forget-me-not seeds, or a bag of your favorite tea. Maybe you have a favorite hymn you would like sung, or a favorite poem you would like read.

These choices are important to you, and you can rest easier knowing that they are going to be respected. Here are five ways to make sure that your funeral arrangements are honored and carried out.

Coffin Dancers: Top 10 Coffin Dances & How to Hire Your Own

July 24, 2023July 30, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Whether you know them as Dancing Pallbearers, the Dancing Coffin Meme, or Coffin Dancers, they are entertaining to say the very least.

The Coffin Dancers are a true viral phenomenon that hit the bigtime with a video uploaded to YouTube in 2015. Musical funeral processions are common in some areas of the USA – especially in the New Orleans vicinity – but this one really took it to the next level.

Come on this journey to discover the history of coffin dancing, view some great videos, and find out how to hire your own. Enjoy!

Load more articles