When a deceased family member is cremated, you have the choice of whether or not you wish to be present. Some families feel as though their presence during this event is critical, while others prefer to simply pick up the urn filled with cremated remains after the body has been cremated. If you're learning toward being present for the cremation, and you have children, your next priority is to decide whether they'll be with you, too.

People react in different ways following the death of a loved one. Sometimes, you'll encounter family members who may push ideas that you don't agree with, and this can lead to some challenging interactions at a time that is already difficult for everyone. One issue that you might come across is a family member (or even you yourself) wanting to have your deceased loved one cremated right away. There are several reasons for this idea, and many don't make much sense — which can often be expected during a time of grief.

If you've been asked to serve as a pallbearer at a loved one's funeral, you should feel honored. It is a role of distinction, and one that should be handled with respect. However, if you've never done it before and you don't have a point of reference for what to expect, you might be a little bit confused. Here are some things you should know before the service. Dress Properly

Some people prefer to have permanent decorations on headstones to create a lasting tribute to their loved ones. If you are considering this option, use this guide to help find the decorating ideas that speak to you. Be sure to ask the cemetery for permission before adding any permanent decorations to the grave site. Headstone Adornments You can have custom adornments made for the headstone, such as floral designs, hearts, or stars.

After a loved one's funeral is over, you'll be left with the dilemma of what to do with the funeral flowers. If there were many arrangements sent, they may not all fit at the gravesite. Having to deal with an excess of funeral flowers can be overwhelming for the bereaved, but fortunately, there are several things you can do with the flowers to honor your loved one's memory. Here are some options to consider:

If you are a pet owner, then you will eventually have to deal with your dog passing on. It is a hard thing do deal with, but if you are aware of what your options are when it comes time, then you will be in a much better spot. It can be very difficult to handle the problem of your dog's death if you also have to spend time planning for the funeral.

Of all of the questions that come up as you plan a funeral service, one of these questions will have an enduring effect: what should you do for the headstone? The decorations you choose will stand as a representation of the deceased for years to come, so headstone design is an important thing to consider. Here are some tips on how to plan out a great headstone. Use a Headstone Designer

Planning a funeral for a loved one is an honor, but it can also drain the bank account if the proper plans aren't put into place. Here is what you can do to keep funeral and memorial costs down: Combine the Funeral and Memorial Service If you're like most people, you're planning to host both a funeral and memorial service for your loved one. The funeral service allows those who want to to honor your loved one while their body is present, while the memorial service enables people to honor a loved one without the body present and usually after it's been buried.

If you have served in the military and you have a long road of service ahead of you, which may include deployments and travels, you may be thinking about what could happen if you pass. There are a lot of things that you have to take into consideration, and you shouldn't wait until the last minute, or until it's too late to take action with planning final arrangements. Here are some tips and things that you want to do so you can get everything planned and decided before the things are needed:

If your loved one has recently passed away and you are planning their memorial service, you may wonder how you can add personal touches to honor their memory. If so, consider using one or more of the following ways to memorialize your deceased loved one at their funeral service. Create a Collage or Display One way you can honor the life your loved one lived is to create a collage. This collage can include pictures, awards, and other representations of their interests.