Cremation

Cremation has been around for many centuries. Today, many people are choosing cremation due to its cost-effectiveness and its environmentally friendly process. During the cremation process, the deceased placed in a combustible container and then into a special type of furnace for about three hours. At the end of that time, the resulting “ashes” are then placed in a container, or an urn, and given to the family.
There are many ways the resulting ashes can be disbursed. Ashes can be scattered, placed in an urn, or buried. There are also some very creative ways to keep the remains, such as incorporate ashes into memorial jewelry, paintings and ceramics.
Even if you have chosen cremation rather than traditional burial, that doesn’t mean there can’t be a service. A traditional funeral or memorial service can be held, complete with music, funeral poems, funeral programs, and other typical funeral elements. You can also have a non-traditional memorial services such as ceremonies is special locations like parks, the ocean, a marina or even a golf course. You can tailor the ceremony to reflect the interests of your loved one.
Cremation can be a much less expensive option, if you’re careful about which add-on services are chosen. Some of these add-on expenses include funeral casket rental for viewing the remains prior to cremation, headstones or grave marker expenses within a memorial garden, and fees to use a funeral home or church for a service. All of those may be very important to you, but remember that each time you utilize a service for viewing, transportation, memorializing and cremation of the deceased, there will probably be a cost associated with it. However, with careful planning and research, you should be able to plan for both cremation and final services that are affordable.
Also See:
Funeral Costs
Cost of Cremation
Scattering Ashes

Green Burial -- Green Funeral

Many people are now exploring new eco-friendly options for funerals and burials. There are many things that you can do to make your funeral, cremation or burial more environmentally-friendly.

Select a “Green” Funeral Casket — A “green” casket is a casket made of bio-degradable materials has has much less environmental impact.
Forgo embalming
Do not use a burial vault – A Burial vault is not required by law. Inform funeral home or cemetery staff that you do not want to use one.
Consider cremation instead of traditional burial methods.
Do not use limousines
Use recycled paper and materials during funeral services and for funeral programs.
There are many resources that can help you plan a green funeral and burial. The internet, clergy, and funeral directors can assist with everything you need to be eco-friendly.

Burial Insurance -- Funeral Insurance

If you have never planned a funeral or memorial service, you may not be aware of how costly it can be. Funerals, on average, can range between 3,000-10000 dollars, depending on which options you choose. There are several expenses associated with funerals and memorials including the casket, flowers, administrative and planning services, funeral programs and obituaries, burial costs and grave markers, just to name a few. These costs may be overwhelming, especially if you are on a budget. Funeral or burial insurance may be an option to help pay for the considerable funeral costs.
For some, life insurance may be an option for paying funeral costs. However, if you are unable to obtain life insurance, you may need burial or funeral insurance. This type of insurance may have a variety of options, and may or may be the right option for you. If considering purchasing burial or funeral insurance, make sure you have researched your options, and fully understand what your policy will cover.

Christian Funeral

Christian funerals include many standard practices as well as unique spiritual elements that are meaningful to the deceased and his family. A Christian funeral service will usually include funeral songs and music, funeral scripture verses from the bible and prayers. It may also have speakers who talk or give tribute to the life of the deceased. A formal eulogy or “sending off” message is also given at Christian services, as well as a funeral sermon that is given by a member of the clergy. An interment or burial service usually follows the service. There may also be printed handouts or funeral programs that document the details of the funeral service and the life of the deceased. For more information about Christian funerals, consult the internet or your clergy.

Funeral Program Video

When planning a funeral or memorial service, there are many different tasks that need to get accomplished. One of these tasks is creating a funeral program or memorial service bulletin. A funeral program is the document that is given out at the funeral or memorial service. The program contains an order of service, obituary, funeral and memorial poems, funeral songs and music and photos and photo collages and other useful information. This video explain funeral programs.

Funeral Planning

Funeral planning can be an overwhelming task. It is can be difficult to make decisions during such an emotional time. Whether you're planning a loved one’s funeral or pre-planning your own, the process can be difficult if you do not know or understand your options. Begin by considering these four important questions.

1. What is your budget for the funeral or memorial service?
2. Do you want the body to be present at the funeral?
3. Will you have a religious or traditional funeral or a contemporary funeral or memorial service?
4. Which people will accomplish the many administrative tasks (such as creating funeral programs, selecting speakers for the service and writing obituaries) associated with funeral planning?

Answering these key questions will put you well on your way to planning the perfect funeral or memorial service that fits into your budget.

Funeral Program Examples

There are several funeral program examples available on the internet. Check out some examples of funeral programs at Elegant Memorials. Also, browse our extensive Funeral and Memorial Resources Section that has a variety of funeral poems, scriptures, funeral readings, obituary template information and much more.