Types of Funeral Flowers

Flowers play a significant role in cultures throughout the world, especially when it comes to expressing condolences for the demise of a friend or an loved one. Funerals or other kinds of melancholic occasion require the use of appropriate flowers. Deciding which to choose entails knowing the meaning of the flower, as well as the meaning of its color. Out of the hundreds of thousands of flowers in existence, there are many that fit into appropriate funeral arrangements.

Daffodil:
Daffodil is an attractive and cheerful looking flower, makes appearances in a wide variety of bouquets and flower arrangements. Popularly grown in sunny gardens throughout the world, it also has applications in sympathy or funeral bouquet arrangements. It's meanings are various. For example, in Chinese culture, daffodils are good luck when kept indoors, and generally when a gift of a bunch of daffodils is given, it symbolizes happiness and friendship. But a single daffodil laid in a sympathy bouquet symbolizes misfortune, making it a useful addition to a funeral bouquet.

Hydrangea:
Hydrangea flowers swash flamboyant clusters of fluffy blossoms, making the flowering sections of the plant resemble floral pompoms. The flowers' meanings are various, from boastful to romantic. It is the symbolic flower of a person's fourth wedding anniversary, and it is also often used in apology bouquets. But hydrangea flowers also typify sincerity and heartfelt emotion of any type, depending on the color. Two or three purple hydrangea clusters, added to a funeral arrangement, inspires feelings of sympathy and love for those who have passed.

Iris:
The iris plays an important role in cultures throughout the world. In ancient Greece, they were planted on the graves of women in order to guide them to heaven, and the French monarchy referred to them as fleur-de-lis. When added to a sympathy bouquet as a funeral flower, the iris symbolizes faith and wisdom.

Lily:
The flower most associated with funerals, the lily symbolizes the souls of people who have passed on. Calla lilies in particular are mostly used in funeral flower arrangements. The color white, associated with purity, is the most common color of lily found in funeral bouquets.

Chrysanthemum:
Chrysanthemum is one of the most conventional type of funeral flower. They are in divers flag including old, tan, someone and chromatic. For wreaths, they are indeed the favorite. They are also real just for inclination inflorescence arrangements.

Carnation:
Other favorite conventional blossom is carnation. Carnation flowers can also be termed as “Flowers of the god' or 'Flowers of love'. Its timbre comes from the powerfulness of lasting for a longest instant. Red, white and pink are popular colors. They are marvelously striking when commixed with remaining flowers.

Rose:
roses are climbing or bushy perennials with thorny stems and varying shapes and colors of flowers. All have a unique rose scent. Rose are a wonderful choice as a casket spray.

Funeral flowers can be any type of flower or color of flower that the perished and family identify with, and they are usually arranged in ways that make them look grand and stately.

Top Green Funeral Tips

Though funerals are a certainly a solemn occasion, it can often help to make them more positive by approaching them with a green mindset. Whether your perished loved one has planned to have a green funeral or you are able to make that decision on your own, there are many important components to take into consideration in order to make sure the entire funeral as Eco-friendly. Here we have given some of the tips to help you organize a Green Funeral,

• First, you must decide what to do with the departeds body. There are many options, all of which are green. The first is cremation. Over the past several years, crematoriums have made an effort to lower their emissions. Despite minimal pollution, cremating may be better for the environment than traditional burials.

• If you like to choose a method against cremation, go with burial, here you are burying your deceased in a green cemetery in an Eco-friendly casket. Under these circumstances, the body eventually decomposes, becoming part of the earth. Many processes that are part of traditional funerals, such as embalming, traditional coffins and concrete vaults, delay this process, adding negative products to the earth. Green cemeteries do not allow any of these things to be exposed to the environment within their perimeter.

• In an attempt to lessen the impact of ground burials, try a few new things. Select one of the many Eco-friendly caskets available which come in a wide variety of materials. Bamboo, cardboard and other highly biodegradable goods are also wonderful options.

• Another option is to decide against embalming. Embalming is inessential if a closed casket ceremony is chosen. The embalming process can be defined as replacing the liquids in the body with preservatives, however, these chemicals are incredibly harmful to the environment over time.

• Choose a green burial ground. This simple choice will prescribe many of the different aspects of your wedding (such as whether or not to embalm, the type of casket to choose, etc.) as green cemeteries have particular criteria for allowing the deceased to be buried within their perimeter. Green burial grounds support the healthy growth of native flora and fauna and protect the land on which they sit from encroaching development.

• Skip the vault. Vaults are just a concrete or metal boxes that hold the casket once it is lowered into the ground. Vault defends the casket and also prevents the ground from settling as the casket deteriorates. Families should either choose a cemetery where vaults are optional or a green cemetery where vaults are not allowed.

• If you choose to use programs, print the programs on recycled paper. This will save on costs and help to reduce paper consumption. Also, make sure you use non-toxic, Eco-friendly ink such as soy ink.

• Try planting a living marker instead of a traditional headstone. Consider planting a tree or a bush in memory of the perished. This tribute impact the environment in a positive way for years.

• Donate to a charity in the name of the family of the perished. Instead of giving a gift or sending flowers, consider donating this money to an environmental charity in the name of the perished or their family.

• Rather than fresh cut flowers consider using potted plants. Floral arrangements plays an important role in traditional funerals, however, you should consider using a few potted plants instead.  Not only is it less wasteful, but the potted plants can then be transplanted to the gravesite or planted as living markers after.

We hope that these Tips For Organizing a Green Funeral prove helpful as you make plans to pay your final respects to the deceased through the arrangements of a green funeral.

Tips On Organizing A Funeral

When loved ones pass away, you'll want to make sure that they have the funeral they deserve. If the perished loved one had clear instructions regarding their funeral it will help with some of the decision making. Here are the main aspects you need to consider when Planning a Funeral.

Showing:
When someone dies, family members, kin relatives and friends may like to see the body of their perished loved one. Showing can assist with the resolution of sorrow. It can help people accept that death has occurred. Each family member's viewpoint on visitation or showing may be different, and this is a very personal decision. The best option in most cases is to leave the option of tribulation open to an individual's own emotional needs. Before or shortly after death some people may be adamant that they do not wish to view the deceased, then change their mind a short time later. By showing, all family members' individual emotional needs can be met.

Flowers and notices:
In most of the cultures, it is traditional that friends and family pay their respects by sending flowers or making a donation to charity. Funeral services also will organize flowers for you. On your behalf, they can also collect, record and distribute donations to charity. The obituary notice will announces the death and funeral details and also can be like a tribute to the person who has perished, by perhaps containing a verse. Some people like to place acknowledgment notices in the newspaper after the funeral, thanking people who have supported them. Some people also like to compile a book of compliments, reflections and memories about the person who has perished, written by family and friends attending the service or afterward.

Transport:

You'll need to decide on the size and makeup of the entourage (the hearse and the cars following it). Other questions should include:

• Will it be a standard, motorbike, car or horse-drawn hearse?
• Where will the entourage leave from?
• Will it take a special route?
• Will you need wheelchairs for elderly or disabled mourners?
• Where will you return to after wards?

Bearing the coffin:
Some families would like to bear the coffin themselves at the ceremony, instead of the staffs of funeral services. Bearers may be friends, family members or colleagues of the perished .

Music:
Now most of the people like to play specific pieces of music during the funeral. Funeral services will guide you on this and make the appropriate arrangements for you.

Eulogies:
Eulogy is when someone pays tribute to a person's life by saying a few words that will help to commemorate that person at the service. You can prepare a speech yourself for this, or you may prefer to read a favorite poem or passage.

Burial or cremation?
Decisions on whether you choose a burial or cremation will largely be influenced by family tradition and religion rather than environmental issues but it is worth knowing the effects of your decision. Burials provide a place for loved ones to visit and spend time with the deceased and this is not to be underestimated, particularly relevant for people who have family members and close friends living locally. Cremation is conceived to be more environmentally friendly than burial.

These are the usual options to consider. Other possibilities can be discussed with your Funeral Services Provider.

Different Types Of Caskets And Cremation Containers

Caskets and Cremation containers are coming in a  wide variety of styles and different models such as Asian, Buddhist, Catholic, Hispanic, Hmong, Islamic, Jewish, Molokan, Mormon, Protestant, child, cloth-covered, metal, oversize, solid woods, Dracula and Old West. The type of casket you buy is what normally determines it's price.

Cloth Covered Caskets:
Cloth covered caskets are made from softwoods, pressed wood, or corrugated fiberboard. They are covered with cloth and have finished interiors.

Steel Caskets:
The steel most commonly used in the making of caskets is 16, 18, or 20 gauge with 16 gauge being the heaviest and 20 gauge being the heaviest. 20 gauge is usually the least expensive metal caskets.

Hardwood Caskets:
Hardwood caskets are made up of satin or gloss finished solid wood that may be hand polished. They are made from oak, cherry, ash, maple, birch, pine, elm, cedar, black walnut, redwood, mahogany, willow, or poplar. It takes at least 130 board feet or more of lumber to make a wood casket. They are sanded, painted and put together by craftsmen to making them as most expensive caskets.

Stainless Steel Caskets:
Stainless steel caskets with veneer finishes are less expensive than the more solid hardwood caskets although they often comparable in price to mid range hardwood caskets. The stainless steel models have became popular, moving ahead of bronze and copper caskets.

Copper and Bronze Caskets:
Copper is believed as a precious metal and manifest of its longevity rests in the original copper roof and pipes existing in the world's great architectural gems. These kind of caskets has excellent resistance to corrosion. Bronze is a valuable material and an alloy of copper and either zinc or tin, is the strongest and longest-lasting of any casket construction material.

Cremation Caskets:
Wood caskets are the Perfect choice for cremation. They are made up of natural material that is befitting the environmental concerns of many of the people who choose cremation. Wooden caskets are approved as a combustible container for the cremation chamber as well.

Buying the right type of casket for your needs can be as easy as going online and shopping at one of the many sites that offer caskets and other funeral merchandise. It is important to observe that The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires funeral homes to accept any casket purchased from an outside source.

During the time of heartbreak, many people don't want to go to the trouble of shopping for caskets or other funeral merchandise, online or otherwise so it may be prudent to purchase a prepaid funeral plan. Now funeral homes are providing prepaid funeral contracts that includes a selection of caskets and other funeral related products.

Difference Between a Funeral and Memorial Services

Making funeral arrangements for a perished loved ones, or pre-planning your own funeral or memorial service can be a confusing and overwhelming task.  When making funeral arrangements, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is what type of service is preferred.  Though the terms funeral and memorial service are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some significant differences between the two services. Funeral Service is a service which held to memorialize a deceased person with their body present. A Memorial Service is a service which held to memorialize a deceased person with their body not present.

Funeral Services:
Funeral refers to the ceremonies held prior to the burial of the deceased. The time frame for a funeral is one of the most significant differentiator between a funeral and memorial service. Usually a funeral is held close to the time of the passing of the deceased. Typically funerals are associated with religious or cultural traditions, and can be held within the religious centers themselves, or funeral home or graveside.

Many funeral services include a multi-day gathering time, that process is commonly termed as viewing.  Not all viewings include an open casket.  Some families choose to make the viewing a closed casket event, with individual family members reserving the right to see the deceased privately for final goodbyes. Though this is not always the case, most often funerals are associated with traditional burial services rather than cremation. For this reason, many funerals conclude with a funeral procession to the actual burial site where a final ceremony may be held.

Funeral arrangements for traditional funeral services usually encompasses plans for where the body is to be buried, selection of a funeral home to help with the arrangements, selection of music, eulogists, scripture readings, and selection of a religious officiant.

Memorial Service:
The memorial service has become increasingly popular as families and friends are more dispersed from one another than in previous generations.  Memorial services can occur at anytime after the death of a loved one, and often take place in cities other than where the deceased may have lived or been interred. Memorial services are considered by some to be more secular, or non-religious services, though religious foundations to the service are not unusual.  Memorial services typically are less formal than traditional funeral services and also tend to have a “celebration of life” atmosphere.

Most families adopt a memorial service when cremation is involved.  For this reason many people associate burial with funerals and cremation with memorial services.  However, it has also become more common for families to hold a burial service with a later memorial service to accommodate distant family and friends who may not be able to make travel and work plans quickly enough to participate in the funeral services.

Memorial service planning is not limited to a funeral home setting.  Many families choose to gather at a location of some significance to the deceased, for example a natural setting on a beach or at the home of a family member. Because there are usually fewer costs involved, memorial services also tend to be less expensive options than traditional funerals.  Memorial services can be simply a gathering of family and friends who come together to celebrate the life of the departed.

Making funeral arrangements for a loved one’s demise is an important part of the grieving process.  When choosing between a funeral or memorial service, take time to consider the kind of goodbye ceremony that would have meant the most to the deceased, as well as taking into account the various travel plans necessary for family and friends.

Significance of Funeral Insurance

Really most of the people are not looking forward to planning for their death, but when you realize the benefits of having funeral insurance, you may understand the important of certain proactive steps. Funeral insurance can also be termed as pre-planned insurance plan or burial insurance, which is a part of life insurance. Funeral costs continue to rise and the costs of an average funeral have risen sharply in the last decade. To minimize expense and stress surrounding our demise a certain amount of planning and direction is needed beforehand. While such thought may seem dark, it is needed and should be done by everyone who wishes to have things organized in the end. Funeral insurance does not serve you, the policy holder. Rather, it serves those who will be there when you pass away.

Reasons to apply for Funeral Insurance Plan:
Funerals can be very expensive, often costing thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Family and loved ones of the deceased person do not need the extra burden of paying for such an expensive event, while dealing with the normal grieving that everyone goes through. Planning ahead by having a reliable carrier will take much of the unnecessary stress away from those left to pick up the pieces after the death of a loved one.

What Cover is Included?
The cover that the insured will receive for will vary from plan to plan, depending on the wishes of the individual. Often, those planning for this future event decide on a lump sum that they feel will cover their needs. Plans often range based on the services they are providing, such as: whether the person will be cremated or buried, the type of urn or coffin they prefer, the amount of flowers they would like at their service as well as picking out a of grave plot.

Are Premiums Expensive?
Again, everything will be based on the type of service one wants to have. A lot will depend on the age the person is now, and how much they would like to pay monthly, and for how long they want to pay the premiums. Someone interested in obtaining such service should request several quotes from different carriers, to see which plan and provider is right for them. Of course, those looking for such cover should make sure that the potential provider has a good reputation, and is known to pay out on claims made. Most companies do not offer refunds on premiums; the amount is only payable upon the death of the claim holder.

Whether it is possible to get Funeral Insurance for the Whole Family?
Many companies are offering a discounted rate for couples, or even whole families. Those looking for such cover must request quotes from different Funeral service providers. However, in most of the cases all the family member should need to apply individually.

One of the benefits of these Funeral insurance policies is that it is very easy and can be accessible to everyone. As anyone can get it, you don't have to run behind insurance agents to get yourself a funeral insurance policy. Normally you need to pay a premium on a monthly basis and not in the half yearly or yearly basis. This policy won't put much pressure on you financially.

How to choose a burial casket or coffin

Death is generally followed by overbearing sorrow and distress, leaving family and friends inconsolable and emotionally overwhelmed by the death of a loved one. The concept of funeral planning stems from people trying to refrain from leaving loved ones to shoulder the burden of making decisions at such a difficult time. However, making proper preparations for the funeral still requires to be attended to and this will need the selection of an appropriate casket.

Set a budget for the casket. Although it is extremely difficult to be able to focus on the quality, price and other aspects of a casket that you intend to purchase during this emotionally tiring and traumatic time. In case the departed had already made his or her preferences known for the casket, or if a particular kind of casket is a cultural requirement for the deceased person’s family then this job becomes much easier.

Match the casket to your size. This is a crucial part of the decision-making process, as it does not help to choose a casket in which your body will not fit. You can find caskets in several shapes, designs and sizes for which prices change accordingly. You are a small person and you have chosen an oversize casket, the presentation of the corpse will look all wrong. Similarly, if you are a larger person, choosing a smaller-sized casket may result in your loved ones having to choose a different style to better accommodate your body type. And they are usually divided into two broad categories, funeral caskets and burial caskets. While the funeral casket is meant for the body to be visible during the memorial service, the burial casket is typically only appropriate for burial purposes.

Consider casket material, caskets are ranging from metal, fibre, wood, and even marble caskets for the deceased’s last journey. If quality is important to you, then consider the material of the casket you choose. Wood is a common choice from different types of wood like mahogany, maple, oak etc could be made. Polished to perfection, wooden caskets are of good quality and they look elegant with a shiny feel, but their rates are also generally higher. On the other hand, metal caskets, which are generally cheaper, come in copper, bronze, and stainless steel and are available in an array of colors and designs. However, for durability, stainless steel or titanium is the way to go. Just keep in mind that these materials are inherently more pricey than the more common wood option.

Environmental awareness among many customers has opened up a growing market for a wide variety of caskets made of materials that are environment friendly. With these, the used material bio degrades and does not cause any harm to the environment. If the deceased person was a strong supporter of environmental safety then this casket could be your best tribute to your near and dear one.

Get comments from family members, Although you plan the bulk of the funeral service, your loved ones will have to implement it, so ask for their comment on casket selection. Sometimes, people around you may think of aspects that you may not, such as if you are going to be buried with a treasured item, how it will fit in the casket or how your casket selection matches up with your other funeral choices. This might seems like a morbid to some, it saves a great deal of heartache for family and friends in the end.

Types of Funeral Caskets

If you happen to be limited with funds during the funeral arrangements for your perished loved ones, you can still produce a sincere tribute. Support of your dearest ones can tremendously help you in coming up with imaginative methods to decorate a basic casket. Death may commonly occur unexpectedly, but to say farewell to a deceased loved one does not necessarily have to be an expensive matter.

If you wish to decorate your perished beloved’s casket using flower arrangements that is designed by yourself, then there are numerous ways to achieve this personalized tribute. Often, the finest floral arrangements come from the freshest flowers picked from your own backyard or obtained from the flower sellers. Also, the nicest and most appropriate floral decoration for a simple casket would be the favorite flowers of your deceased loved one. Take the time and effort to purchase these if available. Sometimes, there might be a dearth for fresh flowers, at that time you can use silk flowers as an alternative for the fresh flowers. If you are inspired to make the decorations, there are guides and how-to’s available in floral and craft magazines, as well as online tutorials for doing this. The tutorials are very useful in giving you tips on how to save more in your flower arrangements by using readily available materials.

If your perished loved one not fond of flowers, other objects also can be used to embellish the surface of the casket, such as a photo collage of the dearly departed person’s life. To make the tribute more personalized, you can ask family members and friends to share or lend any photos that they have of the departed, and these can be placed on the casket itself or on a small table nearby. Aside from the pictures, you can also incorporate some personal items or keepsakes that belonged to the dearly perished one. It could be anything from a piece of personal belonging which has a very amazing meaning or symbol of the one who passed away. You can put all these things and pictures on the casket or set a table beside it and place the memorabilia there, creating a mini-museum of how the dearly departed lived during his or her lifetime.

At Funerals-to-die-for we help you to prepare the most appropriate funeral services for your perished loved ones.

Funeral Customs of Various Cultures

Customs and responses to death and beliefs surrounding it tend to vary widely across the world.  In all gilds, however, whether customs prescribe overt displays of grief or restrained behavior, the issue of death brings into focus certain fundamental cultural values. This article describes the richness and variety of funeral rituals performed according to the tenets of some of the major religions of the world,

Hindu cremation customs and rites:
Hindus believe in the law of karma, according to that they states, each individual passes through a series of lives until, impact of the actions of previous existences, the state of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, is attained. The funeral ceremonies involves not only the family members of the perished, but also those of the extended kin network. When death is imminent, the person is lifted from the bed to the floor so that the soul’s free passage into the next life is not obstructed.  Water from the holy River Ganges is given to the dying person and a tulsi (basil) leaf is placed in the deceased person’s mouth.

After death, the body is washed and dressed, preferably in new clothes. Married women are clothed in a pink or red sari and adorned with jewelery.  Kumkum red powder is placed in the parting of the hair and a red spot or tilak is applied on the forehead.  The woman’s father or brother usually provides the clothes, and when a man dies, the clothes are again provided by the wife’s father or brother. Except for young children under one year of age who may be buried, the customary mode of disposal of a dead body amongst Hindus is by cremation. The nearest male relatives of the deceased, such as the father, husband, brother or son, are generally forbidden to shave or cut their nails for eleven days following the death.  This custom, however, varies in different parts of India. Within a family, a picture of deceased parents may be kept in the home shrine and it is usual to garland the picture.

Christian beliefs and practices:
Christians believe in one God who has revealed himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is described as the Holy Trinity. After death the body of the dead person may be moved to the undertaker’s Chapel of Rest.  The word ‘chapel’ does not necessarily denote the place of worship, though in the case of believers the Funeral services often arranges candles round the coffin and displays a cross in the room. Some Roman Catholics or High Church Anglicans transfer the corpse to their church on the evening before the funeral; following the ritual reception of the body into the church, it remains there overnight.

The final rite in Christian burial is the graveside committal where the minister leads the mourners in prayer as the body is lowered into the grave. Instead of burial, some Christians may choose cremation. The ashes of the deceased may be scattered in a Garden of Remembrance or elsewhere. Some families keep the ashes at home.  If the ashes are to be scattered in the Garden of Remembrance, the family may choose the garden and the precise place of dispersal, and if they wish, they may return a few days later to witness the scattering of the ashes.

Muslim burial customs and rites:
The Islamic concept of death is quite simple, the idea being that “from God Allahwe have emerged and to God we return.”  Consequently, the official grieving period tends to be relatively short, usually not more than three days. The Imam (the prayer leader at the mosque) is informed as soon as possible after death and prayers from the Qur’an (Koran) are recited over the body. The body is then taken to the Funeral Director’s premises where it is washed by family members of the same gender as the deceased.  

This ritual is usually performed in a room that has been purified and from which all statues and religious symbols have been removed;  After the body has been washed, it is swathed in a simple white cotton sheet or shroud; all Muslims are dressed alike to symbolize their equality before God. The body is then place in an unlined coffin.

According to Islamic customs, the prescribed mode of disposal of the body is burial.  The burial of the body should take place before noon. The usual practice is for the deceased to be taken to the mosque, where special prayers are recited, before proceeding to the graveyard.  A brief prayer session is also held at the cemetery.  The body is then buried in the grave with the head and right-hand side facing Makkah (holiest meeting site in Islam).

Eulogy - The most important part of a funeral

Eulogy is a speech at a funeral service to recollect the life and achievements of the perished. The best eulogies come from the heart and are written and delivered by someone close to the perished, so it doesn't need perfect sentence structure or grammar to be a good eulogy. Amount of information you are going to include in the eulogy will be based on how long the perished lived, how eventful their life was, and how well their achievements were known to others. Try to gather information from the perished friends, relatives and colleagues to build up a picture of their life. Be sure to include memorable events such as marriage, births of children, honours received, distinguished service, and major achievements, whether personal or professional.

Eulogy is a celebration of life, but it's not a whitewash, so if anything went wrong in the perished's life, it's okay to include it, as long as it will not embarrass or distress those close to him. Ask yourself if you would be happy if a similar event in your life was made public. If the answer's yes, then include it. Include some of your own shared rememberings of the perished. It makes a bond between yourself and the congregation, and identifies you as someone close to the perished. It's okay to put a humorous slant on events if it's appropriate. You may be grieving for the perished, but you're also remembering them as they are in life. Again, it's helpful to organize your memories into a document ready for inclusion in the eulogy.

Once you have gathered all the necessary informations for the eulogy, sift through it to see what can be discarded, and remove any repetitions. Organize these informations into a document format.

Decide whether Poems or other writings?
If the perished had a favorite poem or writing, you can quote from it or read it in its entirety as part of the eulogy. Or ask someone to written a poem with the perished as a subject, either during their lifetime or since their death. If you are creatively leant yourself, you may even consider writing a memorial poem, but don't place yourself under too much pressure.

Now you're fortified with memories and facts of perished, it's time to organize it all into a eulogy speech. Start with a brief summary of the perished person's life, including major highlights, special family events and achievements. Now move on to personal memories and anecdotes from friends and family. Strike a balance between the humorous and the respectful - this is someone's life you're summarizing, and his nearest and dearest are listening to everything you say.

Eulogy is the last thing you can do for your perished friend or relative. Write and speak from the heart, and celebrate the perished's life and achievements with a mixture of humour and solemnity, and your eulogy will be remembered long after the funeral.