How much should I tip the funeral director after the funeral is complete? Or should I tip her? What about the minister, the florist, the hearse driver, the pallbearers…? Who gets a gratuity, and who doesn’t?
If you are confused about who to tip for services related to funerals, here is our guide to funeral gratuities. Skip to the end to find a handy condensed cheat sheet.
Continue reading Should I tip the funeral director? Minister? Florist? Funeral Gratuities Explained
The eulogy is an important feature in the funeral service. It is a high honor to be chosen to give the eulogy, and you are wise to seek advice on how to do it well.
Here is our guide on how to write a eulogy that is beautiful, brief, appropriate, and winsome. Continue reading How to Write a Eulogy
Have you heard of “Death Doulas”? They, of course, prefer the term end-of-life doula, but the catchier term is the one that sticks in the mind and is what most people search for when first diving into this broad topic of death, dying well, and end-of-life care. Continue reading Death Doulas & Caring for the Dying
There are few things more powerful, encouraging, and comforting than singing a beloved and Christ-exalting hymn in the midst of a difficult time.
When a Christian dies, they have the solid hope of being together with the Lord, free from sin and pain and the troubles of the world. Yes, it is a grievously sad day, but it is not a sadness without hope. Those of us who remain, including the believer’s family and loved ones, can draw much comfort while expressing our hope and grief through a well-chosen hymn sung in faith. Continue reading 21 Beautifully Christ-Centered Funeral Hymns
The loss of a pet is deeply affecting. Pets hold a special place in our lives and hearts, and their death creates a gaping hole that causes real, true grief. On top of this, pet owners are responsible for properly and legally disposing of the pet’s body.
So you want to know how to bury or cremate a pet while also allowing you and your family the time and opportunity to grieve the loss of your furry friend. This is where a DIY pet funeral can be helpful.
In many areas there are pet cemeteries or even pet funeral homes that can help you with this, for a fee. If that is not an option in your location or if the full-service option is out of your price range, you will be best served by a DIY pet funeral. Continue reading DIY Pet Funeral Guide: How to plan a pet funeral service
Most people do not realize that you can shop around for just about every product and service related to a funeral. Even after you decide on a funeral home, you do not have to purchase every product or service through them. When you know your rights and options, you can save quite a bit on expenses and also better tailor the funeral to your family’s preferences and situation. Continue reading What do I need to buy from the funeral home?
Funeral planning is a smart idea. Often, people are completely overwhelmed when faced with the death of a loved one. What ends up happening is that they simply take the advice of the funeral home. Sometimes, that works perfectly fine for everyone.
But what if there were ways to make the service more meaningful and personal? What if there were options that could save the estate thousands of dollars? It pays – both financially and emotionally – to educate yourself and to come prepared.
Continue reading Funeral Planning Guide: How To Plan A Funeral
If you are the spouse or executor of the estate of a person who has passed away, there are many documents you will need to work through. What papers do you actually need?
Most will be financial statements, insurance and membership papers, and legal papers that already exist. These ones you will need to find. Others you will need to create.
Note that in the digital age, some of these affairs can be arranged completely online using digital documents and accounts. Even so, there will still be many copies and forms you will physically need to handle. Here is the list of papers you need when someone dies. Continue reading What papers do you need when someone dies?
What do you do when someone you love dies? Many of us have no idea what first steps we should take after the death of a love one. Who do you call, what needs to be done, where do you begin? Continue reading What to Do When a Loved One Dies: A Checklist
Biblical funeral prayers are one important way for Christians to honor God, show their trust and faith in him, and proclaim his goodness and sovereignty over all of life’s affairs. In life and in death our hope is in God and in the saving work of Jesus his Son. Continue reading 10 Biblical Funeral Prayers for a Christian Funeral Service
