How to Plan a Meaningful Service Following Cremation

Providers of cremation services in Bedford Heights, OH, may help families put up a touching memorial for the passing of a loved one. If you plan to arrange one, here are some pointers from our experienced funeral directors:

1. Choose a service that reflects the beliefs of your loved one’s religion or faith. For example, if your loved one was Jewish, choose a Jewish service. If they were Christian, choose a Christian service.

2. If your loved one identifies as non-religious, you may want to choose a service that is reflective of their personality or interest instead. For example, if your loved one was an artist, choose a service that is artistic in nature. If they were someone who enjoyed nature, consider choosing a service that takes place outdoors.

Other ideas include readings from the deceased’s favorite books or poems, recounting favorite memories of the deceased, music composed especially for the service, and speeches about the life and personality of the deceased.

3. Decide if a service will be private or public. Some services are open to the public while other services are reserved for family and friends.

4. Plan ahead and have arrangements made for flowers and cremation urns. Pro-tip is to have a funeral home or crematory make arrangements for you. This will help to keep costs down.

Some crematories have a designated service coordinator or manager who oversaw the arranging and conducting of all funeral services following cremation. It may also be helpful to prepare a written request for the crematory to review and ensure accuracy before handing over responsibility to the service coordinator.

Note that cremation services often include burial plots with scatterings at a cemetery or other memorial site.

5. Pay close attention to the service date. Weekend service may be more practical than weekday service. Make sure to schedule it on a day when as many family members or friends as possible will be able to attend to pay their final respects.

6. Choose a service that is fitting for the location chosen. A service at a park may be more fitting than one at a church. You can also choose to have a graveside service, which is a formal funeral service with cremated remains interred in a private grave.

7. Consider using music in your service. Many people enjoy listening to music during services. MP3s or CD players can be easily portable and provide hours of enjoyment for those attending your service.

8. Consider the duration of service. The cremation service itself may be relatively brief, with time given for refreshments after the interment or scattering of ashes. More elaborate services may include a formal funeral service followed by a reception or memorial service.

If you have any questions about cremation services in Bedford Heights, OH, or about planning a funeral service, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to serving you and your family.

The Importance of Planning Ahead for the Final Phase of Your Life

Planning for our final phase of life is an important step in ensuring that you have a peaceful and fulfilling journey ahead. It involves introspection and thoughtful planning. And if you’re ready for it, it may be a moment of joy and tranquility.

You’ll want to be sure you have a plan in place for care and support if you think you family will need it. You’ll also need to make arrangements for your body and belongings, which respectable funeral homes in Bedford Heights, OH, can definitely assist you with.

If you have already chosen a burial or cremation service, a funeral home may be able to help you complete the arrangements. They can also provide guidance on memorial services and condolences.

In addition to providing support during the final phase of your life, a funeral home may be able to offer you additional services. For example, they may be able to handle arrangements for cremated remains or provide pre-paid funerals.

Some Things in Life are Worth Pondering

As we grow older, our time on this earth becomes increasingly limited. We may not know when our time here is up, but one thing is for sure: it’s time to start planning for our final phase.

The final phase of our life can be thought of as our ” retirement years.” It’s a time when we can reflect on our lives and all that we’ve done. It’s also a time when we can appreciate all the things we have left behind. But while we might all feel a little sentimental about it, making sure that we’re as prepared as possible is definitely worth doing.

Here are some things to think about as you begin your preparations for the final phase of your life:

Make a list of your life accomplishments. This is a good way to remember all the wonderful things you’ve done in your life.
Write down all the people you want to call goodbye. This list will include family, friends, and loved ones.
Define your funeral wishes. This is an important part of your final plan for your funeral.
Determine what you want to leave behind. This could include belongings, sentimental items, and memories.
Consider places you would like to spend your final days. This could include a nursing home or a friend’s home.
Make a memorial fund in case your family requires financial support after you pass away. This will also protect your family from the stress of funeral costs.
Make a will. This will help to ensure that your final wishes are followed.
Discuss your final wishes with your family and loved ones. They may have suggestions of their own.

Remember to keep your final plan flexible so that it may evolve as you learn more about yourself and your objectives.

When the time comes for you to face the final stretch of your life, make sure you are well-prepared with the assistance of a knowledgeable funeral director from one of the reputable funeral homes in Bedford Heights, OH. Call us and speak to our expert now.

What to Do if You Can’t Afford a Cremation

The cost of cremation can be a big hurdle for some families. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to go about getting cremation services in Cleveland Heights, OH, even if you can’t afford it.

The first is to contact your local cremation society or funeral home and ask about their options. Many times, they will have a sliding scale or payment plan that can help make cremation services more affordable.

Another option is to look into government assistance programs that help low-income families. Additionally, there are a number of charities that may be able to assist you. You could also try fundraising for the cost of cremation. This can be done through online platforms like GoFundMe or by setting up a benefit event.

Aside from the above-stated common pieces of advice, you may want to explore the following possibilities for yourself.

1. Consider a Family Cremation

A family cremation is a wonderful approach to ease the burden on cremation services. When a family decides to have a loved one’s body cremated, the cost of the service is split and invoiced separately to each family member rather than being paid in full upfront. As a result, the stress associated with making the initial cremation payment may be alleviated.

2. Choose a Partial Cremation

Some funeral homes offer partial cremations which means that instead of burning the entire body, only the bones are burned. This reduces the amount of ashes that needs to be disposed of. This can also reduce the cost of cremation by as much as 50%.

3. Discounts are available if you ask.

Funeral homes often offer reduced rates for people who are on a fixed income or who have certain needs, like being elderly or having a disability.

If the need for cremation services is not urgent, there are a few ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

One way is to purchase a cremation plan from a funeral home. This type of plan typically includes the cost of the funeral home’s services, the cremation process, and a memorial service. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can ensure that you receive the cremation services you desire without breaking the bank.

Another way to reduce the cost of cremation is to use a direct cremation provider. Direct cremation providers offer simple, low-cost cremation services without any additional frills or services.

You may also consider using a cremation provider with a low-price guarantee. Some cremation providers offer a low-price guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the price you receive, they will give you a refund. This option is ideal for families who aren’t sure if they want to commit to cremation yet.

Finally, you can also reduce the cost of cremation by choosing to have a small, informal gathering instead of a traditional funeral service.

It’s understandable that cremation is the most common option for folks who can’t afford a funeral. There are several cremation services in Cleveland Heights, OH that may assist you with this. Call us now and have the talk of a lifetime.

Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Funeral Homes: Which Is Better?

Funeral homes have been around for centuries, but with the emergence of new technologies and changing societal norms, they face a whole new set of challenges.

Nevertheless, traditional funeral homes in Cleveland Heights, OH continue to dominate the funeral business. There are various causes for this, including:

1. Most people are familiar with them.

2. They provide a wide range of services, including burial, cremation, and embalming.

3. They usually have a broad network of affiliates, allowing them to provide countrywide coverage.

4. They have extensive experience and knowledge.

5. They are frequently part of large businesses, which provides them with financial security.

But while traditional funeral homes may suit many people, others may find this solution excessively burdensome. For example, if you have a big Jewish family that has numerous funerals each year, this option may be challenging due to the difficulties of holding a typical funeral service multiple times.

Further aggravating the family’s or primary financier’s stress are the expensive expenditures associated with all the funeral arrangements. This increasingly makes many young professionals see traditional funerals as a big inconvenience. Furthermore, funeral homes are seen by some as being excessively reliant on family traditions, which, again, adds to expenses.

Come 2018, an increasing percentage of Americans—about 11%—describe themselves as non-religious. This made non-traditional funeral homes become more well-liked.

Due to their alternative locations to typical funeral homes, non-traditional funeral homes have grown in popularity in recent years. Funeral directors may now be found in unconventional places like old dance halls and motorcycle parlors if you need to arrange a funeral for a loved one who has passed away. So, if a person chooses a non-traditional funeral home, they may design a funeral service that honors them as individuals, their life’s journey to that point, and the blessings they have received along the way.

While a lot of individuals in more modern generations might find that appealing, they may be concerned about what happens to the body after the funeral. This is when the difference between traditional and non-traditional funeral homes becomes relevant.

In a traditional funeral home, a body is prepared and cleaned in the most proper, traditional, and acceptable manner. Non-traditional funeral homes, on the other hand, have something different in mind.

Non-traditional funeral homes believe that the physical corpse should be used for as long as necessary. Hence, a variety of post-mortem procedures and treatments that were formerly thought to affect what happened after death may no longer be required. In fact, several funeral parlors in Mexico already encourage clients with estates to donate their body parts for scientific research.

This seems like a justifiable practice; after-death cosmetics, such as genital skin, joint and tooth bones, and even bones and fur have all been discovered to be able to serve scientific purposes. There is also research already proving that decomposing bones and flesh yield very useful ecological clues about the environment in which the dead body lay.

To sum, traditional funeral homes are those that provide embalming and casketing services. Non-traditional funeral homes, on the other hand, are those that either do not utilize embalming or only use it sparingly.

Traditional funeral homes have the advantage of being more versed in the protocols of a funeral. Although non-traditional funeral homes may be less expensive, this may not be the case if you have to pay for services that are not generally included, such as cremation or burial.

If you’re unsure about which funeral homes in Cleveland Heights, OH, are reliable, don’t hesitate to contact us and have the talk of a lifetime.

Cremation for Pets: What You Need to Know

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPA), approximately 60% of all homes in the United States have at least one pet as of 2015. That’s hardly surprising given that owning a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. However, for certain pets, the pressures of life may be too great, and cremation may be a respectful way to pass them on to the next life. In this piece, we’ll provide you with pointers on how to narrow down your options for pet cremation services in Bedford, OH.

Cremation is a typical choice for pet owners who cannot or do not want to bury their pets. Be sure to think about your pet’s size, age, health, and any other special needs when deciding whether or not to have it cremated. Before making a final decision, you should also talk to your pet’s vet about it. Also, it’s important to consider what kind of cremation service you want.

For the purposes of this post, here is a list of the different types of cremations:

Urn Cremation: This is the most common type of cremation and involves placing the ashes into an urn or container and burying or scattering them.
Automatic Cremation: This process involves automatic cremation of the remains after the body has been embalmed.
Open Cremation: This type of cremation sees the remains left open to the air, which allows them to break down and disperse.

Since there are a number of cremation services available in Bedford, OH, here are some tips to help you choose the right service:

1. Inquire about the facility’s expertise with pet cremation. Also, keep the following in mind while selecting a cremation service provider:

All crematories must have a license from the state. Not all crematories are licensed to conduct cremations for animals.
Some crematories may charge a higher price for this service.
There is no need to embalm the pet after cremation. The ashes will be placed in an urn which then can be buried or scattered at the discretion of the pet’s owner.

2. Be prepared to answer some questions about your pet. Generally, pet cremation services require that you provide realistic information about your pet’s burial plan and make sure to have all the necessary paperwork completed.

The cremation provider will also need to know your pet’s weight and size, as this will determine the amount of time and energy required to cremate them. You will also need to decide whether you want your pet’s ashes returned to you or if you would like them scattered.

3. Think about the urn you’d like to use to keep your pet’s ashes. There are many different kinds of urns, such as ones that can be used in gardens or parks, ones made of metal or bone, and ones with unique designs.

4. Finally, if you have any doubts about which method of cremation is ideal for your pet, do not hesitate to get in touch with the funeral directors. They will be eager to help you find a suitable option for your pet.

Cremation services in Bedford, OH, are now more convenient than ever. Contact our funeral home and speak to one our expert for more information for immediate need or pre-arrangements.

What to Expect When Planning Your Funeral in Bedford, OH

If you are thinking of having a funeral for either yourself, a loved one, or even a pet, it is important that you contact as many funeral homes in Bedford, Ohio, as you possibly can.

When making arrangements for a funeral, there are a lot of different things to think about, and every funeral home will have their own recommendations and preferences. The following are some suggestions that can assist you in getting started:

1. Choose a suitable funeral home

When planning a funeral, it’s crucial to work with a funeral home that respects your family’s traditions and values so that your loved one may be remembered in the best possible way.

2. Consider your budget.

The costs associated with a cremation are often far lower than those associated with a burial. Always be sure you consult with a funeral home about the options that are available and how they will affect your finances.

3. Compile a list of the people whose presence you would want to have at your funeral.

This includes members of the family, friends, and any other people who are dear to you. Don’t forget to add anyone on your list who may be able to contribute to a memorial fund in your name.

4 Arrange for memorial arrangements.

There are families that make the decision to have memorial ceremonies inside the funeral home prior to the removal of the corpse. Others opt to hold services outside of the funeral home.

5. Make copies of important papers, such as the death certificate and the will, and keep them in a secure place.

6. Decide on the type of funeral you would like. There are four main types of funerals:

Burial: This is the most common type of funeral, and entails burying the deceased in a grave in a cemetery.

Cremation: This is the process of burning the body of the deceased.

Celebration of Life: This is a funeral ceremony that marks the life of the deceased and celebrates their life. Most ceremonies involve a memorial service and a burial or cremation.

Honorary Funeral: An honorary funeral is a special type of funeral services that is not associated with any particular religion. This type of funeral is usually reserved for people who have made a significant impact in someone’s life, such as a mentor or friend.

7. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to bring them up to the professionals at the funeral home.

8. Finally, you should discuss your funeral arrangements with your family members beforehand so that everyone is on the same page. If cremation is being considered, you should inquire about the family’s preferred manner of dispersal. The decision should reflect both the wishes of your loved one and your own convictions.

Planning a funeral can be a difficult task, but there are many resources available to help you. If you are unsure of what to do, funeral homes in Bedford, OH, like ours can help you with the planning and provide guidance on what is appropriate for your loved one’s funeral. Feel free to reach out to our team anytime.

Memory Gardens: A New Trend in Cremation Services

Looking for an alternative to the traditional funeral? Those in need of cremation services in the Bedford Heights, OH area may be interested in learning more about Memory Gardens.

These days, more and more people are opting for a more customized cremation service as a way to honor the memory of their departed loved ones. Memory gardens, often called memorial gardens, are gaining popularity as a place to disperse cremated remains in a serene and beautiful setting.

Gardens dedicated to remembering departed loved ones are a common sight in parks and other public areas. The gardens often have benches or other seating so that visitors can stay for a while and reflect on fond memories. Hence, the use of memorial gardens is something to think about if cremation is being considered for a loved one. This type of service allows you to create a beautiful shrine in honor of the deceased that future generations of family and friends can continue to visit.

How It’s Done

The garden may be created by the family of the deceased person, or it may be created by a funeral home or other organization. They can be constructed on the grounds of the crematorium, or elsewhere, and then have the cremated remains transported to the location where the memorial garden is located.

Memory gardens can take many different forms, but they typically include some type of memorial marker for the person who was cremated. The benefits of creating a memory garden include providing a tangible reminder of the deceased person and allowing for personalized memorials that reflect the individual interests and memories of the person who was cremated.

Upsides for Families

There are several reasons why families are opting for memory gardens. For one, the natural setting of a memorial garden may be a soothing and healing location for grieving families. Second, memorial gardens can provide families with an opportunity to participate in the process of remembering a loved one through the planting and upkeep of the garden.

Upsides for Cemeteries

Amenities such as memory gardens are becoming more common in cemeteries, funeral homes, and mortuaries. They come in a variety of designs, but the majority of them include plants and flowers that were selected for either their symbolic value or to memorialize the person who has passed away.

There are several advantages to having a memory garden in a cemetery which include the following:

1. Gardens can help improve the mood and atmosphere of a cemetery.

2. People often find peace and comfort in nature, and gardens can give people this feeling in a setting that is not only unique, but also different and personal.

3. Memory gardens are a creative and therapeutic approach to help mourners connect with the people who have passed away in their lives.

4. They are also able to provide help for fundraising activities made on behalf of cemeteries and funeral homes.

Clearly, memory gardens provide a special and personalized approach to honoring the memories of departed loved ones. With a focus on celebrating life, rather than mourning death, memory gardens are a refreshing take on saying goodbye.

If you are considering creating a memory garden for your loved one, please contact our team for cremation services in Bedford Heights, OH. We would be honored to assist you in creating a memorial that does justice to the departed’s life and legacy. Were here to help in making arrangements now.

Family-Friendly Suggestions for Coping with a Loved One’s Death

No one ever really knows how to cope when a loved one dies. The pain is inconsolable, and the hole in your heart feels like it will never heal. But time does eventually help to ease the pain, and you will be able to think about your loved one without feeling so much pain. Here are some family-friendly suggestions from funeral homes in Bedford Heights, OH.

1. Be patient with yourself.

Allow yourself time to grieve in whichever manner serves you best. No one else can make you feel better, and trying to force yourself to mourn in a specific way will only lead to frustration. Let go and allow yourself to experience your grief in its entirety.

2. Talk to someone.

When you’re grieving, it’s natural to want to avoid all social interaction. But if that’s something you can’t do, something as simple as talking to a family member, friend, or therapist can be very helpful. Talking about your thoughts and feelings can help you work through them.

3. Visit a support group.

Grieving families often find comfort in sharing their experiences and feelings with others who are also going through a difficult time. Get involved in a support group or counseling if you feel like it would help. Talking to others who are going through the same thing can be very helpful.

4. Talk about your loved one as often as you’d like.

Don’t feel like you have to put on a brave face and act like everything is okay. It’s perfectly normal to want to talk about the person you lost.

5. Talk about your loved one’s death with those who were close to them.

This can be extremely helpful in processing the grief, and it can also provide support for each individual. It is also important to remember that everyone responds differently to grief, so don’t feel obligated to share your entire story with everyone.

6. Write or journal about your thoughts and feelings.

Keeping a diary or writing poems or letters can be therapeutic.

7. Make a Memorial dedication.

Some families choose to make a memorial dedication for their loved one in a place where they can visit often, such as a garden, park, or special place in their home. This way, their loved one will always be close by.

8. Participate in activities that honor your loved one’s memory, such as creating a photo album or planting a tree in their honor.

9. Finally, remember your loved one in a manner that brings you joy: reflect on your loved one’s many endearing qualities and work to ensure that those memories are never forgotten.

Losing a loved one may leave you feeling numb and confused. But there are different approaches to dealing with the loss of a loved one. Organizing memorial service may be a meaningful way to pay tribute to the deceased and provide closure to you and your family. Thus, we recommend our family-friendly funeral home in Bedford Heights, OH. We provide a wide range of services designed to help you through this difficult time. Reach out to us now.

How to Plan A Meaningful Memorial Service

There are many types of events available with cremation services in Cleveland Heights, OH. One popular option is a memorial service. This event is typically held after the cremation has taken place and the cremains of the deceased may or may not be present in an urn during the service. While it may be difficult to plan such as service while grieving, the overall end result will be well worth it. To help you in this process, here are steps you can follow for planning a meaningful memorial service.

1. Select a Funeral Home

Selecting a funeral home to help with the arrangements can make the entire process much less difficult. With funeral directors have the knowledge and expertise needed to know what needs to be done and how, they can guide you through the process and be there when you need questions answered or more information about something.

2. Choose the Officiant

The person who will lead the service is called the officiant. This person will begin the service with a welcome and opening remarks as well as ensure the service flows correctly from one speaker to another. The officiant may also talk with speakers prior to the service to ensure everyone is prepared. They may also talk with the family the day of the service and let them know what they can expect as well as offer support.

3. Select the Readings and Songs

Throughout the service, there will be times for people to deliver readings as well as songs to be played and/or sung. Choosing songs and readings that are personal to your loved one who has passed can make the service much more meaningful than using general songs and readings.

4. Choose Someone to Deliver the Eulogy

A eulogy is a speech given about the deceased. This is most often delivered by a family member or very close friend. These speeches tend to be a bout 3-5 minutes and share insight about the loved one. The person delivering the eulogy often times will tell their relationship to the deceased as well as a story or memory that expresses how the deceased lived their life. A powerful eulogy can truly make the service very special.

5. Customize the Service

Even though memorial services tend to follow the same outlive of events, it doesn’t mean they all have to be the same. Consider personalizing the service in anyway you can. This can be from the song and reading selections to the flowers and décor. You can even have the guests wear a certain color or sports jersey that your loved one was a fan of. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and make the service truly special for your loved one.

If you would like more information about cremation services in Cleveland Heights, OH. call of come by anytime. Whether it is for immediate need or preplanning for future cremation arrangements, our caring and compassionate funeral directors are here to talk with you one-on-one anytime. Contact us now.

4 Ways to Honor Your Mother

As directors of funeral homes in Cleveland Heights, OH, we understand that losing a loved one is devasting. This can even be more of a blow when it is your mother who has passed away. Not only are you going to be dealing with the feelings of sadness and loss, but you also may experience feelings of fear or losing your identity. This is understandable as your mother is part of who you are anchored you in the world. One thing that can help you in your grief is finding ways to honor you mother’s life and memory.

Honoring your mother and her memory can be done is several ways. From very small tokens of love to larger, more elaborate actions of love, there is something for every person. If you are not sure what to do or simply need some ideas to help inspire you, keep reading as we share some of our favorite ways to honor your mother.

1. Create a Memorial Website

Creating a memorial website may seem intimidating to some, but with today’s options of software, this can be done easier than ever. Also, many of these software tools have free versions that will be perfectly adequate for most families.

To create a website, simply choose which software platform you would like to use. (You can find several options by searching online). Then gather the information you would like to include on the site such as any images and other content and pick a template from the platform options. Replace the template with your content and you are ready to go.

2. Create a Memory Quilt

Memory quilts can be made from a variety of materials such as your mother’s old clothes, blankets, and more. This will create not only a way to honor her memory, but provide a cozy, soft keepsake that you can cuddle with. If you cannot sew or not sure how to create a quilt, you can find someone locally or online to make it for you.

3. Start a Family Tradition

Start a new family tradition. We love this ideas because it is something that can continue on for future generations. This could be something as simple as cooking their favorite recipe on their birthday to something more elaborate as taking a yearly family trip to one of their favorite vacation spots. You could also choose to have it be a tradition for just immediate family, or include other distant family members as well.

4. Make a Donation

If your mom had a cause of charity she supported, consider making a donation in her name to the organization. This could be a one-time donation or a recurring one. If you would like to do something a little more, you could volunteer your time or services to the organization as well.
As directors of funeral homes in Cleveland Heights, OH, we, we know how difficult it can be to lose your mother. We hope these ideas have helped inspire you on how you can keep their memory alive. Reach out to us.

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