Sara Marsden-Ille As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Ohio are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Connecticut are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in New Mexico are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and it is important to decide what type of cremation service is required. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best … Read more
Tough economic times have left many families struggling with day-to-day expenses, with little savings to cope with an emergency. Unfortunately, death is still a taboo subject in our society, so often, a family member can pass, and there has been no preparation for their funeral. This can mean that no financial provision has been made … Read more
The first thing to remember is that a befitting and dignified funeral does not have to cost you a fortune. How much you pay for funeral services is not a reflection of how much you care about someone. The most important aspect of conducting a funeral service is to enable family and friends to be … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Kansas are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices … Read more
Memorial tributes form an integral part of how we commemorate the memory of the person we have lost. There are many forms of memorial tributes, and new ones are emerging as modernity fuses with the funeral industry and memorialization becomes an intrinsic aspect of death care rituals. Funeral homes offer various memorial tribute services as … Read more
A Complete Guide to Buying a Cremation Urn There is a wide array of Cremation Urns available on the market today, and as the cremation rate in the U.S. increases, so this market will expand. In addition to the market for Cremation Urns for human remains, there is also a large market for keepsake urns … Read more
Cremation is now the Nation’s preferred choice for a final disposition. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. This guide takes you step-by-step through all the questions you may have about cremation services and costs. Listed below are average direct cremation prices by city … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Michigan are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices … Read more
Below is a table of all the Medical Examiners in Michigan by county. You can use the search function to find a Coroner. A loved one may be taken to the Medical Examiner’s office if the death happened at a residential address, is the result of an accident or crime, or if there are any … Read more
Do you need to arrange for a memorial grave marker, headstone, or monument and are unsure where to start? The information outlined below provides a simple, basic guide to assist you. Understanding Cemetery Regulations One of the most important things to consider in purchasing a grave marker is the cemetery regulations. Cemeteries regulate the headstones … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Oregon are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what cremation service is required is important. Below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices by area in Oregon. … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Oklahoma are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what cremation service is required is important. Below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices by area in Oklahoma. … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Nevada are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices … Read more
Direct Cremation or Donating a Body to Science When it comes to dealing with a deceased person, there are various options available, each with its own costs and considerations. Two of the least expensive methods are direct cremation and body donation programs. It’s important to note that not everyone may qualify for body donation. For … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Utah are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Washington are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, more families in South Carolina are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation … Read more
This guide aims to help you learn about cremation costs in Arizona. We have included a price comparison for the major cities, along with tips for how to reduce your funeral expenses and what you need to know to arrange a cremation service for between $785 and $850. PHOENIX Direct Cremation $850 – Call now … Read more
A Guide to Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) Our death care rituals are moving through an epoch of change. Traditional funerals are in decline, and cheap direct cremation is in high demand. But, as the cremation rate grows exponentially in the U.S. (expected to reach almost 80% by 2035), it seems others are seeking out more … Read more
The National Funeral Directors Association 2023 Cremation & Burial Report presented interesting statistics for the funeral industry and consumers. Last year, the cremation rate reached 60.5% percent, with a forecast that the national cremation rate will now reach 80% (or higher) by 2035. How is this going to affect cremation costs this year? This is a … Read more
The cremation rate has reached almost 60% and is forecast to approach 80% by 2035. Although most of us now understand the basics of what a cremation disposition entails, families grappling with some quandary about cremation still ask us questions every day. So, we have put together this ultimate guide to cremation. Everything you need … Read more
Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices by area in Colorado. As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Colorado are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Indiana are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices … Read more
There are a significant number of United States citizens now living permanently or semi-permanently in Mexico. According to the U.S. Department of State (2023), approximately 1.6 million people born in the US now reside in Mexico. This is still an approximate figure, as it may not include many ex-pats who remain in Mexico without the … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in New Jersey are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. This guide will answer many of your questions about arranging a … Read more
Direct Cremation Service $995 Call (877) 833-3770 The cremation trend is sweeping across our nation as more and more families choose cremation as a lower-cost alternative to traditional burial. In New Jersey, the cremation rate has climbed steadily over the last decade and now represents around 5 out of every 10 funerals. This rate is … Read more
With a cremation service now the preferred disposition choice for over 60% of Americans, we have put together this guide to help you be better informed about making cremation arrangements. Read on to learn more about cremation costs in Tennessee, service options, legal requirements, pre-planning, financial assistance, and many more FAQs. Click to view the … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many Texans are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices by area … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many Virginians are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Read on to learn more about cremation costs in Virginia in 2024. Listed below … Read more
This guide will help you learn about cremation costs in North Carolina. We have included a price comparison for the major cities, along with tips for how to cut funeral costs and what you need to know when arranging a cremation service. Click Here to View the Table of Cremation Costs by City How much … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Kentucky are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what type of cremation service is required is important. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best direct cremation prices … Read more
More Americans are now choosing cremation as a preferred funeral option. The U.S. cremation rate has reached almost 60%. This guide will help you find out more about cremation services in Pennsylvania. Read on to learn about cremation costs and services, legal requirements, pre-planning, financial assistance, and many other FAQs. First, the primary reason you … Read more
Curious about what cremation costs? Do you need to arrange an affordable cremation service for a loved one? Or, are you looking to set up a simple, no-fuss, inexpensive cremation plan to have peace of mind and save your family the burden of funeral expenses? Click here to jump to Affordable Direct Cremation prices by … Read more
Are you researching cremation costs in California? Or need to find the best cremation price due to managing a funeral budget? Read on to learn more about funeral costs. How a direct cremation service can save you thousands of dollars in funeral expenses and give you more control over arranging a simple, inexpensive disposition. We … Read more
With a cremation service now the preferred disposition choice for over 60% of Americans, we have put together this guide to help you be better informed about making cremation arrangements in Illinois. Read on to learn more about cremation costs and services, legal requirements, pre-planning, financial assistance, and many more FAQs. What does a cremation … Read more
This guide to cremation costs in Georgia will answer many of your questions about arranging a cremation service. Including what cremation costs are by city location in Georgia, how to arrange an immediate low-cost cremation, and how best to pre-arrange for an affordable cremation plan. To find cremation prices in your city – Jump to … Read more
As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in New York are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Several different cremation options are available to families, and it is important to decide what type of cremation service is required. Listed below is a breakdown of average & best … Read more
The purchase of a casket or coffin is an integral aspect of making funeral arrangements. It is also typically the single, largest purchase related to a funeral. Unfortunately, most people are thrust into making a decision about buying a casket when they are feeling extremely emotional, and this means their buying decisions are not necessarily … Read more
¿Se encuentra en la necesidad de organizar un funeral o servicio de cremación con precios accesibles en el área de Greater Miami? Siga leyendo para saber más sobre costos de cremación en Miami, consejos y preguntas frecuentes que lo ayudarán a ahorrar dinero al planear su servicio. Si usted tiene la necesidad inmediata de un … Read more
Whole-body donation is a selfless act that allows individuals to contribute to medical research and education after their passing. In Florida, this noble act is further incentivized by the option of receiving a free cremation. Here, we will explore the numerous benefits of an anatomical donation in Florida, the positive impact it can have on … Read more
Green Funerals today – the shift from traditional funerals to cremation, to natural burial There is an increasing demand for more affordable and yet sustainable death care practices. Cremation completely disrupted the traditional death care industry in the United States over the last decade. Largely, cremation simply became a more affordable alternative for many families … Read more
BloomsToday is family-owned & operated. Call us now on (800) 317-4807 Funeral flowers and sympathy flowers are an important way that we convey condolences and enhance a solemn funeral service. Beautiful floral displays make excellent tributes to a lost loved one and bring comfort to the family. What kind of flowers to send, what etiquette … Read more
As cremation is growing in popularity as a disposition choice, we find that more people are searching online to discover the laws for cremation in their state. As a body is completely reduced to just ashes in the cremation process, there are quite strict laws governing the cremation of a body. There are licensing and … Read more
Listed below are the Medical Examiners serving Texas. Some ME Offices serve multiple counties. You can use the search box to find a Medical Examiner in a specific location or county. There are 13 County Medical Examiner’s offices serving 254 counties. Some counties appoint a Justice of the Peace, a court official, not a medical doctor, … Read more
Overview – the shift from traditional funerals to cremation, to natural burial There is an increasing demand for more affordable and yet sustainable death care practices. Cremation has completely disrupted the traditional death care industry in the United States in the last decade. Largely, cremation became a more affordable alternative for many families who could … Read more
How can you be prepared for the unexpected if you travel? We don’t like to think of our mortality, but it is fair to say that traveling can increase the risk of something ‘unthinkable’ happening while we are away from home. Have you considered just what would happen and how much it would cost if … Read more
Below is a directory of all ME Offices in New York State, including the County jurisdiction covered. You can use the Search function to locate a Medical Examiner near you.
Why do so many funeral homes not display funeral prices on their websites? Surely, to complete the process of selecting a service, we need to know the price. And aren’t more of us discerning consumers now using the Internet as a valuable means to research a purchase? The funeral industry calls the purchase of a … Read more
The Funeral Rule is currently under review by the FTC. In November 2022, an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was announced, inviting the public to comment on proposed changes and updates to the long-standing Rule. Who are the FTC? The Federal Trade Commission is a government agency established to enforce antitrust and consumer protection laws … Read more
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces a law known as the Funeral Rule to protect consumers in purchasing funeral goods and services. It ensures that there are clear guidelines for funeral homes to comply with when they are selling their services and products to the general public. Funeral homes that fail to comply with the … Read more
With a cremation rate at 59.3% in 2022 and rising, more families are exploring ash scattering options. You can use several ways to memorialize your loved one when scattering cremated remains. Here, we have outlined some ‘safe’ ash scattering guidelines and covered some options for families wishing to conduct an ash scattering ceremony or memorial. … Read more
We all travel. Not just for vacation but on a regular basis to visit family, for our work, to attend events, for sports, sightseeing, or to RV or snowbird for winter. Do you have travel protection that would cover all costs to bring you home if something should happen on a trip away from home? … Read more
When a loved one who was a member of the United States military forces dies, the family will sometimes wish to arrange a burial with military honors. There are 114 national VA cemeteries in the United States. However, not every state has a national cemetery. There are also a number of state-run Veteran cemeteries. The … Read more
Why opt for a natural burial? Our funeral rituals have been changing over the last decade. There has been a distinct shift towards cremation services, and cremation now accounts for just over 57% of dispositions. However, we are entering an era of rising societal concern about climate change and carbon emissions. Is it time to … Read more
The cremation rate in the U.S. has now reached almost 60% as more families are choosing cremation as an alternative to a traditional burial service. Many funeral service providers are reporting much higher cremation rates. Some funeral homes now report 70-80% of their funeral cases involve a cremation. It is even more interesting to realize … Read more
Times are changing, and rituals we once considered a fabric of our culture seem to be shifting. A typical American funeral used to involve traditional expectations of an expensive casket, flowers, embalming, and many other costly add-ons. All this was very detrimental to the environment but beneficial to death care profits. In the last decade, … Read more
Choosing between Burial or Cremation When it comes to arranging a funeral today, you have two main funeral options to choose between when selecting your disposition method – burial or cremation. A ‘funeral’ refers to the activity that takes place in arranging the disposition. A funeral or funeral service can be a burial or a … Read more
Arranging a basic cremation or natural burial and conducting your own memorial service Only a century ago, death care was largely a ritual performed in the domain of the family. A greater number of people died at home, and families generally cared for and prepared their deceased without the intervention of funeral directors. The introduction … Read more
You may have already heard of the term ‘life celebration.’ It is certainly becoming ingrained into our culture now. Life celebrations are ritualistic celebrations for life events, these can be births, engagements, marriages, and deaths. Holding a Life Celebration either in lieu of or as an integral aspect of a funeral is becoming much more … Read more
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience and one that no one wants to go through. However, honoring that individual and their legacy through a eulogy can bring some measure of comfort during a trying time. Writing a eulogy can seem like a daunting task, but with this step-by-step guide, you can create a … Read more
The funeral industry has witnessed many changes to tradition in recent years, one of which is the purchasing and selling of cemetery plots. The costs for a burial plot can vary enormously from area to area and even within a cemetery. In order to secure plots, many families buy cemetery plots well in advance to … Read more
Obesity has become a significant concern of modern society, and the effects of obesity are already impacting our healthcare industries in the United States. But how is the growing obesity rate impacting the deathcare industry? What does it mean if you are fat and need a funeral? How do funeral directors have to change practices … Read more
These days with the term “memorial service” more common, we are often asked just what the difference is between a funeral and a memorial service. A funeral service and a memorial service both serve the same purpose – they are the ritual through which we formerly say goodbye to our departed loved one. Both can … Read more
As a ‘Fast Food Nation,’ we have an ongoing obesity epidemic to contend with, and here at US Funerals Online, we are being asked more frequently about what happens when someone overweight opts for cremation. With over a third (44.3%) of the adult population in the U.S. classed as clinically obese and around 69% actually … Read more
We have been in the throes of a digital revolution for some time now, and it has slowly crept into a once very stoic funeral industry. Progressive funeral homes have seen the opportunity to embrace digital culture and technology and how it can enhance their business offering. Over twenty years ago, when we first launched … Read more
The ritual of lighting a candle to pay tribute to a life ‘passed’ has long been a part of our culture. Keeping a light burning in remembrance signifies that the memory still lives on and burns bright. It is a ritual that promotes reflection and signifies remembrance. It can be traced back to ancient pagan … Read more
Funeral services can be expensive. The National Funeral Directors Association estimates the average funeral cost today at $7,848, and for those who simply have no cash resources, paying for funeral expenses can put them into crisis. Traditionally funeral homes would ask for “cash advances” when negotiating a funeral contract with a customer. Cash advances had … Read more
How much is the U.S. Funeral Industry worth? The U.S. funeral market is currently estimated to be worth around $20 billion annually, with 2.4 million funerals taking place each year. Due to the increase in the U.S. senior population in the coming years, this death rate is set to rise. There are an estimated 19,000 … Read more
The table below lists by State what type and level of financial assistance may be offered by a State and/or County to assist families with funeral expenses. State State-level Assistance County Department County-level Assistance Limit of family contribution Alabama No County Dept. of Human Services Minimal – $400 According to Alabama law, each county needs … Read more
This is a question that frequently brings families to our website. Not only are more families now considering cremation, but they also want to weigh up the costs and, in many cases, find out what IS the best price for cremation. Read on to learn more about cremation services and costs in Southwest Florida. It … Read more
With a cremation rate at 59% and growing, we thought it is time to reflect on some important things that could affect cremation costs in 2023 and the continued demand for direct cremation services. Why has cremation become the popular disposition choice for families? There are several reasons cited as to why cremation has become … Read more
Although green burial is now considered an eco-conscientious disposition alternative, it is essentially a return to the natural burial practice that was once the ‘norm’. A natural burial with no chemicals, steel caskets, or concrete burial vaults. With minimum intervention, the body is carefully buried in a simple earth-grave plot. Why Choose a Green burial? … Read more
Cremation now accounts for almost 59% of all funerals in the United States, with industry watchdogs reporting that by around 2035, the cremation rate will hit just under 80%. This is a huge shift in the death care industry from traditional burial funerals to cremation. There are several reasons why cremation is gaining popularity, and … Read more
So what exactly is aquamation or resomation? Aquamation does basically as its name suggests and disposes of a body by water instead of fire. It is deemed a more natural, ethical, and environmentally friendly alternative to cremation or burial. It is also referred to as water cremation, hydro cremation, or bio cremation. Why is aquamation … Read more
Whole Body Donation in the United States Donating your body to science once you die is a unique way to deal with the disposition of your remains at the end of your life. It is, at once, both practical and yet an unequivocal way of making a human, ethical, and lasting legacy from your life. … Read more
Why choose body donation? A whole body donation can provide a compassionate and humane possible choice for a funeral. Although full-body donation is not as commonly known as organ donation, it presents an opportunity to donate a greater gift to the future of humankind. A body donation to science provides a vital learning mode for … Read more
Choosing cremation for a final disposition has now surpassed burial in the United States, with a cremation rate approaching close to 60% in 2022, and industry bodies forecasting a cremation rate of 80% by 2035. But, how sustainable is cremation as a disposition method if we need to consider climate change, and reducing harmful emissions … Read more
The cremation rate in the United States is now at 58% nationally [CANA], with some areas experiencing much higher cremation rates and some areas, such as Texas, experiencing exponential growth in the cremation rate year-on-year. The increased cremation rate means that more families are now faced with the question of what to do with the … Read more
Why Choose a natural burial? Our funeral rituals have been changing over the last decade. There has been a significant shift towards cremation services, which now account for 57% of all dispositions. But, at the same time, we are experiencing a rising societal concern about climate change and carbon emissions. Is it time to look … Read more
Cremation is now the preferred disposition choice for the majority of Americans. Yet, there can still be some confusion for families about exactly what a cremation service entails, and how to choose the ‘right’ cremation option for their needs. In this guide, we are going to explore the differences between a traditional cremation service and … Read more
This is a question often asked when a family needs to find the most inexpensive disposition option. In this article, we will guide you on how to find the cheapest cremation option you can select, help direct you to a local low-cost cremation provider, and provide tips on other options to help you save money … Read more
In April 2021 Congress passed legislation to authorize FEMA to provide financial assistance to those families who had incurred funeral expenses related to the passing of a family member from COVID-19. This relates ONLY to funeral expenses paid out after January 20th, 2020. FEMA is now accepting applications to claim back funeral expenses incurred. As … Read more
Dealing with a death & making funeral or cremation arrangements Dealing with a bereavement that has recently occurred, or is imminent, is an extremely distressing time. For those who have not had to deal with making the necessary arrangements following a family death, this can be additional stress, especially with the need to take care … Read more
This article covers all the aspects of arranging a Jewish Funeral Service. Understanding the ritual of a Jewish funeral How is the body prepared for a Jewish funeral? The Jewish Funeral Service Jewish Customs and Rituals that follow the burial Shiva – the immediate period of mourning after the death has occurred Shloshim – the … Read more
Cremation is fast becoming the preferred choice of many families in America today. In fact, the cremation rate has been steadily growing for the last 5 years and has now reached almost 60%. Of course, in some states the cremation rate is much higher (such as California), but in most states now the interest in … Read more
Green funerals cost less money and are friendlier to the environment. More people today have commented that they are unhappy with the way the funeral industry has convinced people that a traditional funeral is the only proper way to deal with a death. You know the kind of funeral service they mean, usually involves purchasing … Read more
If you decide to opt for a natural, green burial there are several options available in terms of purchasing, or indeed making, a natural, organic burial container. The whole idea with a green burial is that the body and container can decompose in a natural manner. In years to come all that should remain at … Read more
What is a ‘green’ burial site? There are currently approximately 166 registered green burial cemeteries and memorial woodlands in the United States. These are recognized natural burial sites, although some are hybrid cemeteries where both natural and traditional burials take place. A green burial cemetery is also sometimes called an eco-cemetery. As we explained in … Read more
Choosing to build or construct your own coffin is a unique alternative to purchasing a manufactured casket. It can also prove to be a personalized and inexpensive option. According to sources about coffin making, this can be quite easily done without specialist woodworking skills. With all our environmental concerns about the earth’s resources and pollution, … Read more
It may not be the ideal venue for all, but funeral homes are now moving into the market as life celebration event venues. It is not surprising when you consider that the industry estimates that around 50% of funeral chapel and gathering facilities are largely stood unused these days, and that many funeral homes have … Read more
Baby Boomers – a generation that has effected change! They are a generation that has been known for making their mark and choosing to do things differently, and there is no exception when it comes to death. The Funeral Industry has been eagerly anticipating the influx in what has been a declining death rate, when … Read more
With our lives so documented in a digital world today, the deceased are even easier victims of identity theft than ever. It can be extremely distressing to discover that your loved one’s identity has been stolen following their death. Not only can it be very emotionally tormenting, the financial implications to the good-standing of the … Read more
“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.” — John Lennon Have you created a ‘bucket list’? Have you consciously thought about all the things you want to do before you die? Urgh, no, you may say, that’s very distasteful! Why? Because in our culture the “D”words are still rather … Read more
‘Homegoing’ funerals have gained some notoriety of late, first The Learning Channel (TLC) aired a feature reality show based in a funeral home in Dallas where elaborate and unusual homegoing funerals were staged. Now, Christine Turner, a filmmaker in New York has made a documentary centered around an African-American funeral home in Harlem, NY that … Read more
Last month whilst on a trip to New York City, I took the time to visit Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. As I stepped off the noisy, chaotic streets of Brooklyn into the acres of quiet tranquility sitting above Brooklyn, it was like stepping into the ‘Secret Garden’. The history of Green-Wood Cemetery Green-Wood cemetery originally … Read more
Understanding the terminology used by funeral directors can sometimes be confusing. By law all funeral homes need to be able to provide you a general price list (GPL). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established this rule to ensure that consumers were given clear information about pricing when negotiating with funeral homes. Unfortunately the ‘al la … Read more
America’s first funeral home to cremate bodies by liquefying them has been ordered to stop performing the process. The process called alkaline hydrolysis, or also known as resomation, uses lye and heat, to speed up the natural process of a human body breaking down. In an age where ecological and environmental policies are rife, and … Read more
Funeral People Explained Funeral Service Terms Cremation Terms Explained Burial Terms Funeral Home Terminology Explained Funeral Merchandise Terminology Death Care Legal Terms explained Funeral People Explained – the different roles you may encounter when dealing with a death We have listed below some of the people you may encounter when you visit a funeral home, … Read more
Federal Trade Commission ‘Funeral Law’ conducts Undercover Investigations The ‘Funeral Law’ is a federal law that protects consumers. The Funeral Industry needed to be governed by trade laws just like any other retail industry, as funeral homes can take advantage of consumers and exploit them. Grieving families who don’t know their legal rights are vulnerable … Read more
Preplanning a funeral or cremation Visitor 77116313 04 Apr 2014, 02:31 PM My mother, perhaps unfortunately, signed up for direct cremation with PRENEEDS Family Service Eastern Region. The rate they charged her in 2006 is double what you cite here. Now they want to charge for death certificates. Is this a fee I can get … Read more
The old cliché resonates “Nothing is certain but death and taxes” and I have heard many talks about the ‘death’ industry as a “recession-proof” business. Yet the Funeral Industry is now feeling its own pinch as the current troubling economic times continue. This once very traditional industry has to move out of the dark ages … Read more
Bizarre, or just a sign of the culture of our times: Drive-thru Viewing at Funeral Homes The funeral industry that has often been criticized for being something of a ‘dinosaur’ is certainly now demonstrating some assimilation of modern cultural trends. The introduction by some funeral homes of web-casting of funeral services, was viewed by many … Read more
Our great shopping icon ‘Walmart’ always there to offer us “choice” and “value” has rocked the media and funeral world this week by announcing that they are to start selling caskets. Is this a good move? I am sure many funeral homes do not think so, but this nationalized news has brought one key message … Read more
Securing your DNA: A wise step to take before cremation! I was first introduced to the concept of securing DNA by a funeral director earlier this year. DNA has become a household word these days, one that we generally think of in terms of genealogy, genetics or paternity. This was the first time I considered … Read more
In the United States there is a rich cultural heritage of black owned and operated funeral homes. Indeed black funeral parlors were some of the first businesses to be set up by African-Americans after the abolition of slavery. How do you locate an African-American owned and operated funeral home? Often at US Funerals Online we … Read more
There seems to be a growing interest in the concept of a ‘living funeral’, that is holding a goodbye life celebration BEFORE a death occurs. Funerals have traditionally been somber events that occur once a person has died, an event for surviving family and friends to pay their last respects. Funerals often tend to be … Read more
How to cater to, and market to, the growing Hispanic and Latino population in the United States is something many industries and even government agencies are trying to understand and master today. Here at US Funerals Online, we wrote some time ago a short piece on ‘Funeral Homes Catering to the Hispanic Population’, and yet … Read more
CNN ran an interesting story today from Asia about the design project for a floating cemetery. The title of “A cruise for cremains” caught my eye as I envisaged that the Carnival Cruise Ship Line was introducing a service offering ash scattering cruises from the U.S. to the Caribbean. I recently read of a baby … Read more
Google is quite omnipotent, and has such powerful control over our everyday interactions in the digital world today. Whether you choose to, or not, it is likely you use a Google product almost every day, and probably multiple times. Facebook announced some time ago that they had introduced an option to facilitate an account being … Read more
We all are familiar with the term ‘poverty’ and what it implies. The US Census 2017 reported that 13.9% of Americans live below the poverty line or poverty threshold. The poverty threshold is defined as a household income of $16,240 for a family of 2. This, however, does not take into account the thousands of … Read more
This seems to be a growing trend among progressive funeral homes today. Since we first published an article in January 2011 about ‘US Funeral Homes Adapting to Host Weddings and Other Life Celebration Events’, it seems there are more and more innovative ways in which funeral homes are serving as community centers. The bottom line … Read more
According to the 2008 census, people of Hispanic origin are now the nation’s largest ethnic or race minority. Hispanics constitute 15% of the nation’s total population, with 48% of the Hispanic-origin population living in California and Texas. With an ever-increasing Hispanic population, even the Funeral Industry is now adapting to how to fulfill the growing … Read more
A lock of Michael Jackson’s hair owned by known Hollywood hair collector, John Reznikoff, is now going to be used to create a unique diamond by a company named LifeGem. Reznikoff, who secured a lock of Jackson’s hair that had caught fire in a freak accident during the filming of a 1984 Pepsi commercial, reportedly … Read more
Cremation has become a household term in the U.S. today, now accounting for 55% of all funerals conducted. Even those states traditionally very slow to accept cremation–Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama are now reporting significant increases in cremation cases. The funeral industry, known in the past for its slowness to respond to change, is starting to … Read more
On Thursday, January 31st, 2013, CNBC aired a documentary that went behind the scenes of the $17 billion death care industry in the United States. Tyler Mathisen presented the show that looked at how death care professionals profit from helping us make that final journey. It is already acknowledged by those within the death care … Read more
This is becoming an increasing dilemma today with funeral trust funds not always delivering, and the economy in such a dire state that so many are feeling the effects. Today more families are finding themselves dealing with something near a crisis when a family member dies without a funeral plan or any money to pay … Read more
We often get asked the question “What does the average funeral cost?” Of course, quoting an average price can be difficult as funeral prices do vary significantly, depending upon both an area and a funeral provider. Like many other commodities in our society, the average cost of a funeral has increased steadily over the last … Read more
Everyone knows they are going to die sooner or later. While we all hope it is “later”, we should put our affairs in order for the benefit of our loved ones. Great comfort can be achieved by knowing that advance planning for the inevitable will have eased the trauma of your passing for your family. … Read more
Most of us do not like to think about the need to create a will, it is often something we defer in our younger years, feeling it is not really necessary. However, if someone dies without a will, things can get very complicated for remaining family. It certainly helps if you have taken the time … Read more
It is no easy task to effectively plan and prepare for a funeral, especially if you are in a heightened emotional state following a bereavement. If the death was unexpected, then you are thrust into planning the funeral with very little time, and although it makes the task no easier if you were dealing with … Read more
Planning a funeral service can be a daunting task. There are a number of preparations to co-ordinate, important documentation to be located and completed, decisions to be made – and all this often in a short timescale. To help you we have listed below 5 top tips to help you plan a dignified, yet affordable, … Read more
Funerals can be unnecessarily expensive, in fact so much so, that a funeral is usually the 3rd or 4th largest single purchase you will make in your life behind a house, a wedding, and a car. Now would you go and purchase a house, or a car, without any research or planning? No, of course … Read more
The following funeral planning guide is designed to highlight many of the immediate decisions that need to be made when planning a simple, affordable funeral service. Did the deceased make any provisions for what they would like to happen when they die? This could include a funeral plan with a local funeral home, whereby they … Read more
The funeral industry has traditionally been slow to adapt to change. There are still funeral homes without a website. To those of us whose livelihood is based online, and better still spend the greater part of our working day ‘plugged in’, the notion of life without the Internet just seems…well unimaginable today. Although many funeral … Read more
So you’ve been named an executor of an estate, but what does that really mean? An executor is the person in charge of someone’s affairs after they die. This can include tasks such as making sure the deceased’s will is followed, cleaning out and selling a home, closing accounts and keeping the peace among beneficiaries, … Read more
Understanding the ritual of a Jewish funeral How is the body prepared for a Jewish funeral? The Jewish Funeral Service Jewish Customs and Rituals that follow the burial Shiva – the immediate period of mourning after the death has occurred Shloshim – the following period of mourning Yahrzeit – the anniversary of the death Can … Read more
The death care industry in the United States is presently experiencing a period of significant change. Americans are turning to cremation as a funeral alternative at a much higher rate than was originally forecast. Tradition is eroding, environmentalism is expanding, and the memorialization aspect of the funeral ritual now presents boundless possibilities when the body … Read more
As the cremation rate continues to rise, and people continue to seek out new and personalized unique services to mark their passing, memorial diamonds are gaining popularity. So what is a Memorial Diamond? A memorial diamond is an artificially created diamond made using the carbon DNA extracted from the cremated remains of a human being. … Read more
This guide to shipping cremated remains aims to highlight exactly what you need to know to transport cremated remains, either within the United States or to another country. As the cremation rate increases and families are more dispersed, there is a growing demand for the easy transportation of cremated remains. In some cases, the family … Read more
We all spend more waking hours in the ‘digital world’ these days, and with 89.4% of the U.S. population online(1), living our life, and indeed our eternity, in a virtual space is becoming an intrinsic aspect of our culture. Culturally the ‘space’ of online memorials is becoming our virtual cemeteries! For those of you who … Read more
There are many life assurance companies in the U.S. who offer Burial Insurance. Here we have outlined some basic information about what burial insurance is, and why it can be an essential element of planning ahead. What is Burial Insurance? Burial insurance, also referred to as Funeral Insurance or Final Expense Insurance, is a … Read more
Cremation is storming our funeral industry as more and more Americans choose cremation for their final disposition. The cremation rate in the U.S. has risen from around 20% in the mid-1990s to over 42% in 2013. Forecasts expect it to reach over 60% by 2020. Pet Cremation: A convenient final disposition for lost furry loved … Read more
We all know that cremation is on the increase in the United States. Cremation only accounted for 4% of dispositions in the 1960s. Today industry observers forecast the rate to now reach over 60% by 2025. Not only is the cremation rate on the increase, but also cultural attitudes have shifted. The lavish, full-service ‘traditional’ … Read more
For much of its history, the Catholic Church banned cremation as a means of disposition for deceased Catholics. Cremation was not allowed according to the Catechism of the Church, as it was not a proper way to respect the dead and respect the human body. This is related to the notion that man was created … Read more
Funerals can be expensive, so much so, that these days a traditional funeral service can be beyond the means of most families. The average funeral costs around $8,000 and the average cremation costs in the region of $3,500. With many families struggling to make ends meet, laying out thousands of dollars for a funeral is … Read more
When you first receive news of a death, be it expected or unexpected, the initial reaction is shock. Even if you have nursed a loved one through illness or old age, it can still be numbing and distressing when they finally pass away. If you are the next-of-kin and responsible for making the funeral arrangements … Read more
The transition from a home funeral to funeral home What we consider a ‘traditional’ American Funeral today is quite different from the practice of funerals that occurred across our nation over two hundred years ago. Before the American Civil War home funerals were the general practice. By the mid-nineteenth century, the preservation of bodies by … Read more
Cremation is on the increase in North America, and forecast to rise considerably over the next fifteen years. It appears that Americans are shifting in their preference for tradition and burial. The Cremation Association of North America CANA (2010) conducted research that has evidenced the following nine factors as considerations as to why cremation is … Read more
Dealing with a death & making funeral or cremation arrangements Dealing with a bereavement that has recently occurred, or is imminent, is an extremely distressing time. For those who have not had to deal with making the necessary arrangements following a family death, this can be an additional stress, especially with the need to take … Read more
What can you expect to pay for a funeral or cremation? A funeral is an expenditure that most of us do not give any thought to until faced with the role of making arrangements for a lost loved one. However, it is usually the third largest one-time purchase we will make, following a home and … Read more
Crestone, Colorado is the location of the only outdoor human cremation facility in the United States. Some may consider it an archaic tradition, but the facility in Crestone will perform a funeral pyre for anyone, regardless of their religion. Funeral industry professionals say that this facility is the only one of its kind in the … Read more
A cremation society is an organization, made up of members, who through their membership ensure their future cremation wishes are met. Society members usually pay a subscription fee to become a member and can either preplan and prepay their cremation, or merely pre-register. In some states, state law allows a funeral business to use “society” … Read more
The ‘fusion funeral’ – the alliteration works well doesn’t it? As Dan Katz rightly points out in his post ‘The emergence of the fusion funeral’ we are witnessing some amazing examples of innovation by some funeral companies now. It is an interesting time for this industry, with the huge shift towards cremation, a radical shift … Read more
The death care industry is undergoing some significant changes at present, and what most of us thought of, as the ‘traditional American funeral’ is maybe something of a dying ritual. Although I believe there will always be a place in American culture for the full-service traditional funeral, it certainly seems that more options are available … Read more
With a more transient population today, and with the size of the United States alone, the need for the transportation of human remains has been growing in demand. As families have moved away from their State of origin for employment, relationships or retirement so has the issue of ‘repatriating’ their remains following death become a … Read more
A smooth and cooperative relationship is required between the Medical Examiner’s office and local funeral homes in order that funeral directors can liaise with families, provide prompt information about the examination process, and make arrangements to schedule the collection of the deceased for a funeral or cremation in a timely manner. Why is a body … Read more
The Baby Boomer generation has already made its mark upon the death-care industry, the first generation to demonstrate a changing attitude towards funerals. This post-war generation, that has been attributed to being radical and revolutionary in all aspects of their lives, is now impacting on the death-care industry as they face their ‘final curtain’ or … Read more
