The Necessity of Having a Will
By · CommentsAre you ever worried about what might happen to your properties and your investments after your funeral? If you are not, then you should be. We always think that dying is something that we do not need to worry about. That we will have plenty of time before that moment arrives that we are no longer there to manage our own affairs. The truth is that anything can happen, particularly if you are past the age of 40 or 50. You are in a position where people depend on you. There is a family to consider. Your wife, children, potential grand children and your other relatives may all stand to benefit in some way when you pass away. This benefit may be anything from property to cash to items of sentimental value that you want to leave for someone.
It does not really matter how you want to divide up your assets in the event of your death. The only thing that matters is having a will drawn up. That is why you should go to InsuranceQuotes.org and see how they can help you be prepared in the event of your death. You can get life insurance quotes and have a will made up. Once you have taken care of this, you will have peace of mind. Instead of 10 relatives all arguing over who deserves more, everyone will know exactly what your wishes were. While you may end up upsetting some, it is better to be honest with your family about where you want your wealth to go.
Even if you do not have a huge fortune to give away, it is still smart to make a will. You never know what might happen, so be prepared for it by taking the necessary steps today!
Introducing Aquatic Burials in Oahu!
By · CommentsLooking for an alternative burial, maybe a water burial? Look no further here is a great memorial idea for cremation services.
Aquatic Burials L.L.C. provide an alternative to traditional dispersal of cremated ashes by placing the ash within environmentally safe, specialized urns called Ash Pods. The Ash Pod is then hand released, at a predetermined depth, in the waters surrounding Oahu, Hawaii. We offer a permanent, yet cost effective, placement for the cremains of loved ones in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Once settled, Ash Pods allow life to abound by providing cover and hideaways for all types of aquatic species. This service provides an exact location for families to visit, as well as help alleviate land management stresses, while aiding in the development and longevity of our oceans. Upon completion of the service, the family will receive GPS coordinates to the exact location of their loved one’s memorial. A map translating the coordinates, in relation to the island, will accompany the coordinates, as well as, photographic documentation of the loved one’s Ash Pod being released. Aquatic Burials provides the handling of the cremains from the time of reception, the casting and inclusion of the cremains into the desired Ash Pod, the transportation , and final placement of the Ash Pod to the memorial site, as well as GPS coordinates displayed on a map depicting the exact location of your memorial, along with photographic documentation of the Ash Pod being released.
You’ve always dreamed of vacationing in Hawaii, why not do it eternally with under water burial!
Send A Card For Sympathy
By · CommentsSympathy cards are the ideal way to show someone that you are thinking of them in difficult times. A simple yet thoughtful card of condolence will often be enough to express how you are feeling, and that you are there for the person. The sympathy messages may be the gesture that the bereaved needs to support them through this difficult time. Many people feel that to send a card will be inappropriate, and un-necessary. However, a thoughtful and sincere condolence message can mean the world to someone grieving.
 Pony Buck Up Buttercup – $6.00 Encourage a friend get back on their horse again! |
Knowing what to write in a card can be a challenge, and often this is why people shy away from sending sympathy note cards. You need to try and keep it personal yet not to deep, or upsetting for either you, or the bereaved. Whatever message you decide to write should be sincere, and from the heart, and try to avoid stating that you know how they feel. Often people who are grieving do not want to hear this, and want to deal with the death in their own way. You could share a memory that you have of the person, or write a poem about how you are feeling.
 Feather Thinking of You – $6.00 Let someone know they’re in your thoughts. |
Keep your sympathy message short and meaningful, and invite the person to contact you if they feel they want to. However, only put this if you truly mean it, and not because you think they want to hear it. There are several different ways that you can send sympathy cards, and the method that you choose should suit the person. Older generations still appreciate receiving an actual stamped card in the mailbox, however, younger people will not mind an email, or e-card. Send your thoughts and sympathy messages with a card today!
 bamboo – $4.00 ‘with sympathy’ |
 simple blossom – $4.00 ‘sympathy’ |
 fern fronds – $4.00 ‘with sympathy’ |
So you think you have a great idea and you don’t know anything about the funeral industry, where do you begin?
The funeral industry is an old business and I mean old! It’s been around since the beginning of time. It’s probably one of the most slow moving industries, not a lot of changes happen. The Internet has changed the way people share information and share ideas. People are able to research for information and planning ideas for funerals quickly. The internet may provide the fuel for the next boom.
First you need to decide who your marketing to; Is it an offering direct to the public? Or is this an offering special for funeral homes to sell for you? Or is it a product for funeral homes to better perform their services?
There are 2 ways to market your way into the funeral industry. There are no guarantees to what will work for your product.
The traditional method is to get to know your local funeral director. Go to the funeral facility that you want to solicit business for you, present a brochure explaining your offerings. Leave them with the front desk or ask the name of the person in charge of making decisions or buying. Offer to be their friend, sit down and chat, make a connection. Give them a face and a personality that goes with the business.
Get your name out there! Funeral industry magazines are still being printed. Explore advertisement spaces in the publications that are being sent to the funeral homes. There are industry books that include a directory of crematory services, funeral homes, transport services and advertisement spaces. Get your name in there. Attend trade shows, most states have a funeral director association of some kind and may host annual convention shows for funeral professionals.
The other method of getting your name out there is to use the Internet. Use your social networking sites to connect with potential customers or industry professionals. It’s important to figure out what you have time for, valuable business time can be wasted on too much Internet time. What works best for you and your staff? Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, delegate this task for a staff member that has experience in maintaining personal accounts.
There are three ways to get your concept or website recognized on www.funeralideas.com,
-write an article about your concept and we’ll publish it on the blog
-submit your link and description here. Funeral Idea Directory
- we offer link placements on the site, for $25 /month you can place a direct link to your website inside the text on any page. My readers will read the text and see the link to your website and go straight to your website.
You can choose one or all 3. We’ll get your funeral offerings seen on the Internet!
With care,
The Fundertaker
If you’re debating a disposition for the cremated remains of your beloved person, scattering ashes in Hawaii is quickly becoming the preferred option for discriminating people. Aloha Ash Scattering provides personalized memorial services at an affordable price.
The company is small, personable and customer service focused. Since 2002, their goal has been to assist the survivor with the responsibility of scattering ashes in Hawaii. Client testimonials validate that Aloha Ash Scattering is trustworthy and professional.
The cremated remains of your loved one will be lovingly and carefully spread at sea or on the slopes of Haleakala Crater in Maui, Hawaii. You are at choice to select a meaningful date for the memorial service or they will choose the day for you.
You may also decide between unattended ocean or mountain scattering or make the trip to Maui for attended ash scattering.
The memorial service is a mixed ceremony of Old Hawaii rituals and Christian traditions. With it comes a two-fold blessing for survivor(s) – deserved closure following death of a loved one and long-term memories of the sacred service, which honored your dearly departed. After the service, you will receive a memorial package via email or snail mail your choice includes a confirmation photograph, scenic photo and memorial certificate.
Here is the easy process for mailing cremated remains of your loved one to Aloha Ash Scattering:
If you are not comfortable handling the shipping of ashes, your funeral service provider can also assist you. Ashes or Cremated Remains can also be shipped directly from your Funeral Home Provider or Crematory Service.
1. Place the container of cremated remains in a shipping box. Please make sure the box is secure and the ashes cannot seep out. Your funeral home provider or crematory can provide you with one.
2. Clearly mark the outside of the shipping container on the address side “Cremated Remains”.
3. In a separate envelope include the following forms:
A. Shipping Form
B. Authorization Form
Once you make a purchase, the forms will be emailed to you.
C. Copy of Death Certificate
D. Any Original Disposition Paper (burial permit) from funeral provider.
E. Any special requests, personal notes, and/or photos.
4. Enclose the separate envelope of forms and payment inside the shipping box or attach them securely to the outside of the shipping box.
5. Please us the United States Postal Service’s Registered Mail with a Return Receipt. Aloha Ash Scattering is not responsible for the cremated remains while in transit.
Please email with your inquiry
The Black Bow offers Memorial Jewelry
By · CommentsThe Black Bow is a website featuring diverse memorial merchandise focused on people looking for unique ways to remember their loved ones. Daily reminders are often key to the healing process as one walks the path of mourning. The Black Bow offers a great range of memorial jewelry and memento keepsakes, ideal to find that unique item that speaks to your individual grief experience.
A testimonial from Janet;
“When we lost my brother it created such a void in my life….he was my best friend and we talked everyday. When our mom gave us each a necklace from Black Bow I thought it was a nice idea, but I didn’t realize the peace it would bring. Now part of Thom is with me everyday and I even talk to him… I recommend memorial necklaces to my friends as a way to remember those we have lost.”
The Black Bow knows how to tie the meaning with a bow. Every purchase is wrapped with the signature black bow, Free. No Hassle 30 day guarantee policy, if you are not happy return it for a full refund. Giving is easy, over 3000 meaningful and unique gifts to choose from.
Black Bow is the number one resource for sympathy gifts and memorial jewelry for those grieving and healing from the loss of a loved one.
Motorcycle Necklace For Ashes
By · Comments
This cremation jewelry motorcycle necklace has a compartment for ash, hair or other remembrances. The keepsake jewelry for ashes is appropriate for all who had a passion for the open road. Keep your biker with you always motorcycle charm, honor friends or family in a way unique to them.
Available in sterling silver with a 24″ black satin cord. The ash jewelry motorcycle pendant measures 3/4 by 1 1/4th inch and also has space for personalization. Engraving is available for $25, please specify when ordering. Remember your loved one with a symbol of something they loved. Comes with black presentation box and pendant filing and sealing kit. Ideal for a sympathy gift or as funeral favors. $99.00
To purchase via pay pal or credit card click here
The Fundertaker responds
By · CommentsDear Fundertaker,
My 28 year old niece, Kim, may need some surgery in the near future.
Although it would not be major surgery there is obviously still concern and
she has decided to make her final wishes known for the family just in case
something happens. She sent me a draft of her pre-arrangement forms and she
has done a great job of detailing what she would like for her final
services. If surgery is needed and the unfortunate should happen Kim’s
mother and I would be in charge of her burial arrangements.
Kim wishes to be laid out for her viewing in a full couch casket and her
preference would be to have a full viewing of her remains without being
covered form the waist with a blanket or inner panel that comes with the
casket. I know that this is not common but I understand is possible if there
is no major trauma to the body. She would like to be viewed and buried
wearing her black top, blue denim short skirt and black tights. She sent me
a picture of her in the outfit and I am guessing that her skirt hem is at
least 4 inches or so above her knees. I am curious to know if it is
considered inappropriate to be laid out wearing a skirt that short for
viewing in the casket. We are wondering if Kim should be laid out covered
from the waist with a blanket, chose a longer outfit, or select a half couch
casket. I could email the picture for both your professional and personal
opinion. If it considered appropriate then my sister and I have no objection
to following Kim’s wishes.
Kim is a very detailed oriented person and it shows in her pre-planning
forms. It not only indicates such requests/wishes as music and readings for
her funeral but also for her viewing how she would like her hair styled,
nail polish color and how she wishes her hands arranged as she would like to
be holding flowers.
Hopefully all this will not be needed for a long time, but I admire Kim
for having the courage to make pre-arrangements at such a young age. I am
also optimistic that all will go well.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully yours,
K.M.
Hello K-
Thank you for visiting funeralideas.com and emailing me.
I am glad to review and advise about your concerns. I understand the fear
that comes with preparing for surgery, I commend your niece on her
preplanning and hope that it won’t be needed for a long time.
But nevertheless, you concern about her short skirt… here are some of my
thoughts. I have buried people in a variety of types of clothing.. nothing
shocks me anymore. 
A few things to think about, is this a religious service? What kind of
friends and family will be there? Are you worried about objections from
others?
A full couch casket in the traditional sense is quite costly and can also be
difficult to find and purchase. Chinese Buddhists use full couches occasionally. You may want to check out eco coffins, that have a a full top that can be removed for viewing purposes.
I can answer any questions about alternative caskets selections.
In my professional opinion, I think perhaps the black tights will offset the
visual of an inappropriate short skirt.
A few solutions…prior to any public viewing and services, you should
request a private viewing. You and her mother can spend some time alone
with her and see if the skirt looks too short. You’ll probably be
overwhelmed with grief during this time…. but it is your responsibility to
make sure she looks presentable for her viewing. If the skirt is too short,
you can do your own blanketing ceremony. Place a special blanket, perhaps
you know someone who quilts, you can create a memory quilt and lay that with
her.
I would definitely stay with her choice of outfit, she has a detail plan and
that is the way she should be memorialized. Do keep in mind, the service
and funeral ceremony is for the survivors. The most important detail is
that the survivors are able to say good bye in a creative, flowing and
comfortable manner. If the short skirt makes grief uncomfortable, I would
have your back up plan ready.
With care,
The Fundertaker
In Memory of Decals
By · CommentsMemorial Decals can be custom designed and fully personalized with up to 5 lines of your own text. They are made from Premium Automotive grade vinyl, so they will not chip, crack, or peel. In memory of decals can be bought in bulk and handed out the funeral service to the entire family or perhaps a group or organization. In Memory of stickers can be placed on your car, auto, truck, or locker. Small, medium and large memorial decals available.
Valentine’s Day Grief Story
By · CommentsValentine’s Day Grief
This article comes to us from a guest blogger, Alicia King author of ”Sorry For Your Loss: What People Who Are Grieving Wish You Knew”
It’s a book about grief support. A collection of what to do and say when you don’t know where to start. Thank you Alicia for sharing your grief and reaching out to others.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on www.funeralideas.com please contact us.
Daddy’s Girl
I admit it. I was always a daddy’s girl. Don’t get me wrong. I was very close to my mom, too. I was lucky. I had two loving, involved parents. Still, my dad and I were tight. When my parents split, I couldn’t bear to see him alone, so I left our cushy family home and slept on the lumpy couch of his rental house. I sought his approval and was always thrilled to see him in the audience of a school play or the sidelines of a little league game.
My dad always bought sentimental Valentine’s Day cards for my mom, sister and me. The serious, mushy kind. I remember one year his girlfriend bought funny cards for them both to sign. I eventually worked up the nerve to tell him I missed the old ones. He smiled and said he liked those better too, and went back to them after that.
I could always count on my dad to be my biggest fan. He encouraged my love of cooking, eating anything I made. No matter how it turned out, he always claimed it was the best he had ever tasted. Over the years, I sang in a few bands. My dad saw me perform with all but one of them, often driving for hours to catch a show. Once I began writing music seriously, he would listen carefully to every demo. Without fail, he would predict, “Now, THAT’S a hit!”
It was a good life, knowing my dad would always support my dreams, celebrate my successes, and be my safe harbor no matter what.
You know what happens next, though. One night, a few hours after calling just to say hi, he died. No warning. No chance to say goodbye. After a full day’s work, he simply went home, got into bed and died.
That was ten years ago, almost to the day. I’m not going to tell you there’s no more sadness. There will always be tears to fight back when I see father-daughter Valentine’s Day cards. I still catch myself wondering what he would have thought of something I’m doing, but I try and honor him in ways he would have liked. I celebrate his memory with my husband and children, whom he loved deeply. I pass down the lessons he taught me.
My mother died ten years before him. After months of tearful calls from me, he told me something I’ll never forget. He said his own mother had shared these words after his beloved grandmother died. She explained he was still Grandma’s special boy, but told him, “Life is for the living.”
Life is for the living? This stopped me cold. Why, after a lifetime of constant encouragement and love, would he say something so heartless to me? I didn’t understand at the time. It was too soon, perhaps, to accept the gift. He was right, of course. What sounded void of that encouragement and love I’d come to expect was actually full of both. He was putting me back on track. Later I thanked him and we had a beautiful talk about losing our mothers. I was struck at both the depth of his years-old grief as well as his ability to live fully in spite of it.
While going through his things, I found a Valentine he made for his mother when he was five. It was serious and mushy. She saved it, he saved it, and now I save it. Like the Valentine, her lessons are still in the family.
Life is for the living, I am still Daddy’s girl, and Valentines should be mushy.
-Alicia King
Alicia and her husband, Dan, live near Nashville, TN with their always-hungry teenagers. Alicia’s book on grief support, Sorry For Your Loss: What People Who Are Grieving Wish You Knew, is out now. Her irreverently serious (yes, that’s oxymoronic) blog can be found here-
http://dosanddontsofgrief.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/thegrieflady
