Social Media and the Affect on Announcing the Death of a Loved One
There was a time when people wouldn’t learn of the passing of a relative or friend until long after a burial. Communications improved with the invention of the telegraph when messages could then be communicated long distances and then sent by a paper transcription delivered to an individual. Of course,…...
Why “Celebrations of Life” are Growing in Popularity
We often get inquiries from families who are struggling with the fact that a loved one wanted a “party” and not a traditional wake in the event of their death. The family’s struggles come from the fact that they are grieving, yet want to honor the wishes of their family…...
Where Did Funerals Come From?
Funerals have always held a fascination for some people. Funeral traditions around the world range from the macabre to the celebratory. There is actually a National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, Texas that showcases the history of funerals in this country. But funerals were carried out long before the…...
Funeral vs Cremation: What’s Best for You?
More people than ever are choosing cremation over a traditional funeral and burial. There are positive and negatives aspects to both, so which is right for you? Since you can’t reverse the cremation process, it is important you consider them carefully. Religion While cremation is now widely accepted by most…...
The Benefits of Writing Parts of Your Own Obituary
Many individuals couldn’t possibly bring themselves to writing their own obituaries. This is perfectly understandable. There is a finality to an obituary that many don’t want to address directly. On the other hand, an obituary that doesn’t express the achievements you were most proud of or that doesn’t properly express your…...
The Multiple Purposes of a Funeral Service
Some people, when pre-planning a funeral service for themselves, will fail to realize the full purpose of a funeral service. They may not want friends or family to be inconvenienced with an extravagant funeral service. They may not want funds spent or “wasted” on a funeral. They may not even…...
Preparing for a Funeral Checklist
Planning is a useful and beneficial process throughout our lives. We may make plans for a wedding, plans to have children and plan for their education. We make plans to buy a house or plan for retirement. Yet for many, planning for their own funeral may be something they are…...
How to Choose a Crematory
If you or a loved one has made the decision to be cremated, there is yet another important decision to be made. That is who should handle your final arrangements. Choosing a crematory is critical in ensuring your wishes are carried out in a dignified manner that you can depend…...
How to Financially Prepare for a Funeral
One of the most thoughtful ways you can help your family after your death is to pre-plan your final arrangements. Pre-planning doesn’t necessarily mean you have to prepay for your funeral, but it is also valuable to be financially prepared. Here are some ways you can get better prepared. Get…...
Checklist for Choosing a Funeral Home
Years ago, families chose funeral homes based on their religion, long-standing family relationships or because they were “the neighborhood” funeral home. As time passed and as families became more mobile, they became less committed to a specific funeral director. Today, it is quite common for us at Fares J. Radel…...
