When you plan a loved one's funeral service and the reception that will follow it, it's ideal if you can consider the life of the person and work in some elements that reflect it. Sometimes, doing so can be easy if you're willing to make the effort, and this can make for a funeral service that is highly memorable. If the person was an accomplished cook, even just at an amateur level, the person's identity may have been closely linked with his or her prowess in the kitchen.

Into everyone's life, a special pet comes. This pet is the one you wish would live as long as you so that you could be buried together. The trouble is, no pet lives that long. What about cremation? Could you be cremated with your favorite pet? Well, there are rules and regulations to follow, plus you need to know a few things about how to make this special cremation work.

If someone in your life recently passed away, you'll be trying to find the best way to handle their body for the funeral. With cremation, you open up the possibility to do some things that you wouldn't normally be able to do. Here are some ideas for jewelry you can make with cremation ashes. Create a Glass Ash Holding Pendant Some people love the idea of putting the ashes in a more decorative container than a traditional urn.

One decision to make when you're making plans for a loved one's funeral is whether the service and the burial will take place on the same day. If the person has passed during the wintertime and you live in a cold climate, you'll need to wait until the ground has thawed in the spring for the burial. However, in other cases, it's up to you whether you'll have the burial shortly to follow the service, or whether it might take place on a different day.

Boutonnieres and corsages aren't always the first option you think of when you look for funeral flowers, but they can make a wonderful addition to a celebration of life. Here are some thoughtful suggestions for how to use these floral arrangements at a loved one's funeral or cremation memorial service. Pallbearer Boutonnieres Pallbearers can wear boutonnieres to indicate their role in the funeral service. Choose one type of flower or arrangement for the pallbearers to stand out from the rest if you'll be making wearable flowers available for other people in the funeral procession.

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: