25 Beautiful Funeral Favors, Keepsakes, & Giveaways

Ideas for funeral and memorial service favors

Funeral favors are a popular trend as a way to say thank you to guests and also a way to honor your loved one. These are little trinkets or keepsakes that you give away at funerals, memorials, or life celebration events.

While funeral favors are definitely an “optional” part of your funeral planning, it’s a nice gesture of thanks for the support of friends and family, and it can also be a lovely way to keep your departed loved one in the hearts and minds of all who were part of the memorial service.

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The Best Funeral Songs of All Time

Funeral Songs List

Music touches us at a very deep, intimate, and basic level. So choosing the best funeral songs for a loved one’s service can be a daunting and emotional task.

Which song, or songs, should you pick? Is a particular song appropriate? What is the best funeral song for dad, or for a country music enthusiast, or for a Christian?

Since each person is unique, we can’t make those decisions for you. However, we can point out some of the most beloved songs for funerals in a variety of genres and styles.

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The 5 Best Funeral Blogs (That Post Regularly)

Funeral Industry Bloggers

I do a lot of writing about funeral topics, so I keep up on funeral blogs, industry news, trends, and the questions people are asking about end of life issues. Below are five of my favorite funeral blogs that actually post regularly.

If you were to follow some of these funeral blogs, you’ll learn things that are truly fascinating. And not just about funeral industry news, although they certainly do cover a lot of that. Rather, if you follow each of the funeral blogs listed below, you’ll educate yourself about the deathcare industry with an inside scoop. You’ll learn how to effectively plan a funeral for yourself or a loved one. You’ll see a little bit of the day-to-day life of industry professionals.

Plus, you’ll also have great fodder for cocktail parties and workplace water cooler conversations. (Or pub crawls and your Twitter feed. Whatever.)

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Cheap Caskets: 5 Ways to Get an Inexpensive Casket

How to find cheap caskets that honor your loved one

For some, there is no allure to a $12,000 felt-lined mahogany casket with matching hand-stitched pillow. Your loved one, perhaps, always said to bury them in a simple pine box and use the savings to do something good, like send a grandchild to college.

You’re looking for cheap caskets, and not just as a way to save money (though that is a consideration). Most people choose an inexpensive casket as a way to carry out your loved one’s wishes with simplicity and financial wisdom.

So, how do you find an inexpensive casket? Here are five tips for finding cheap caskets followed by five ways to find, make, or purchase cheap caskets.

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Should I tip the funeral director? Minister? Florist? Funeral Gratuities Explained

Who gets tipped at a funeral, and how much?

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.

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How To Write A Eulogy In 7 Easy, Uplifting Steps

Tips for Writing a Eulogy

I’m a professional writer with a eulogy writing business. In this article, I’m going to show you the exact process I use to write my eulogies.

The eulogy is a funeral speech that commemorates the life of a departed loved one. It’s an important feature in the funeral service, often the central event.

It is a high honor to be chosen to give the eulogy, and I’m glad you’re seeking advice on how to do it well.

Here is my guide on how to write a eulogy that is beautiful, brief, appropriate, and winsome.

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21 Beautifully Christ-Centered Funeral Hymns

Beautiful Christian Funeral Hymns

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.

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DIY Pet Funeral Guide: How to plan a pet funeral service

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.

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What papers do you need when someone dies?

Documents to gather when someone you love has died

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 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.

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