10 Interesting Facts about Funeral Services

on March 31, 2014

Most people do not think about funeral services very often, except when they are at one. As a result, there are tons of interesting facts about funeral services that people do not know. Here are ten of them.

Funeral Services Facts

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #1:

In centuries past, people used to hire professional mourners for funerals. These mourners would cry and wail and add to the general feeling of sadness at the funeral.

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #2:

In 2012, the cremation rate was 47 percent. This is up considerably from only four percent in 1960.

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #3:

Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, actually had two separate funerals. One was in London, and one was in New York.

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #4:

The most expensive funeral on record was that of Princess Diana. It cost over 10.5 million dollars, and over three billion people watched it in person or on television.

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #5:

Humans aren’t the only ones who bury their dead. Elephants and chimpanzees bury their dead by throwing leaves and branches on them.

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #6:

Embalming is only required when the deceased will have an open casket and a funeral, or when the body will be transported across state lines. People who are cremated or who will be buried within a short time frame do not have to be embalmed.

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #7:

You don’t have to buy your casket from the funeral home. You can buy it from a cheaper source, such as Walmart.

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #8:

Flowers were originally put on graves to earn good will from the spirits of the deceased.

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #9:

The Irish play loud music at their funerals. This tradition started because people believed that the loud music warded off evil spirits.

Interesting Funeral Service Fact #10:

In eighteenth century Paris, there was not enough room in the cemeteries for all of the dying people. Bones were removed from graveyards and piled in underground Catacombs to make more room.

We’d like provide everything for your funeral service, from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns & caskets. Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society is prepared to cover you when the end of life has come for a loved one.

Proudly Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

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Funeral Etiquette

on March 17, 2014

Whether you have just lost a close, loved one or you are attending the funeral of a more distant acquaintance, exercising the right funeral etiquette is crucial. During this difficult time, it can sometimes be hard to decipher what the appropriate and inappropriate behavior is. Because of this, we have outlined some of the universal funeral etiquette musts. In this two-part blog series we will begin by discussing what preliminary action, if any, should be taken on your end upon hearing about the death of a loved one.

Tips for Mastering Funeral Etiquette:

Send a Token of Sympathy

Although it’s not required of funeral attendees to send flowers and notes, expressing their sympathy to the survivors of the departed, it is encouraged. Tokens of sympathy were traditionally expressed through flower arrangements, plants, or prepared food; however, we have seen a transition toward a preference for donations. Although many still appreciate the sentiment of a nice flower bouquet, contact the funeral home before sending anything to see if the family has expressed a preference.

Be Supportive

What may seem like a basic, straightforward task, like supporting survivors of the deceased, can sometimes prove difficult when you are mourning. Personal feelings aside, showing your support for the funeral arrangements loved ones make is always proper etiquette — it’s as simple as that.

Educate Yourself

Depending on the deceased’s personal beliefs and cultural or religious background, the surviving family may opt to celebrate the departed’s life in a manner that honors these traditions. Unfamiliar with a practice that is scheduled to take place? One of the best ways to show support and exhibit proper funeral etiquette is by educating yourself about end-of-life traditions you may be unfamiliar with.

How We Can Help

Need help maintaining proper funeral etiquette? Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida can help. With everything from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns & caskets, we are prepared to cover your funeral needs.

Proudly Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

 

Filed Under: Funeral Services Tagged With: , , ,

Should Children Go to Funerals?

on February 13, 2014

In our last post, we addressed how parents can talk to their children about death. When a loved one passes, it’s important for parents to provide their children with the support and answers they need.

Still, even when parents are willing to talk to their children about difficult subjects, they might hesitate before taking their child to a funeral. Often we hear the question “Should children go to funerals?”

Sometimes, parents and older relatives want to shield children from grief by excluding them from death rituals or avoiding talking to children about death. But in reality, kids need to work through their grief just as adults do. Denying them closure that they desire or refusing to start the discussion about death will only stunt children emotionally.

Not every child will want to attend the funeral of a loved one, and that’s fine. But if your children decide that they would like to celebrate their lost family member or friend at their memorial services, here are some tips to help you prepare.

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Filed Under: Funeral Services, Grief Management Tagged With: , , , ,

Tips for Writing a Memorial Speech

on January 3, 2014

Memorial speeches can be difficult to craft, especially when you are coping with the loss of a loved one. At Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society, we understand how difficult these times can be. Because of this, we have provided some tips that should make writing a memorial speech easier. A memorial speech is the perfect opportunity for you to pay your respects to the deceased, so you will want to be sure to make sure you have the tools you need to write a memorial speech that makes you proud.

Guidelines for Memorial Speech Writing:

Express Your Feelings

For many, the opportunity to share their feelings about the loss of a loved one acts as a helpful grief management mechanism. The memorial speech is the perfect outlet for doing just this; however, it is important to remember a few guidelines. For example, while the goal of a memorial speech is to express how you feel about the recently deceased, you will want to make sure your speech stays focused on this factor. Sometimes, people write a memorial speech about THEIR feelings, something that is inappropriate in these circumstances.

Touch of Humor

In times of adversity, everyone handles grief differently. If you feel up to the occasion, try integrating some humor into your memorial speech, especially if the deceased had a good sense of humor. Although you and other mourners are likely feeling sad during this period, humorous undertones act as a way to lift the spirits of those who are grieving. Again, it is important to use your judgement and not do anything that makes you uncomfortable. It is also best to err on the side of caution, not overdoing the humor during your memorial speech.

Keep It Conversational

When it comes to memorial speech writing, be sure to keep your tone conversational. The ability to engage with your audience allows for the messages in your memorial speech to resonate more with your onlookers. The trick? Keep your memorial speech conversational. Don’t worry that this tone will not undermine the importance of what you are saying. In fact, it will help you. When people are grieving, they often seek support from others, which makes it all the more important to approach your audience as a friend.

Learn More

The most important thing to remember during this process is that there is no right way to give a memorial speech. During this difficult time, listen to your heart, doing what feels best.

For information about our end-of-life preparation tips, visit our blog, or call (407) 569-0992 to speak with a professional at Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida.

Proudly Serving All of Central Florida.

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake - (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Funeral Services, Grief Management Tagged With: , , ,

Is Cremation Right for You?

on December 27, 2013

When a loved one dies, we go through a difficult mourning process. Unfortunately, though most people only want to be with their family and begin the grieving process, there are important decisions to make about your loved one’s final resting place. This is why it’s important to think about whether cremation is right for you and your loved ones now, so that making these decisions during mourning will be a bit easier. If you decide that you prefer cremation to traditional burial, you can tell your loved ones now so that they can honor your wishes in death.

Though it has been around as long as traditional burial, cremation is now emerging as a more common burial option. Considering whether cremation is right for you or a loved one is a deeply personal decision: here are some questions to help you make the best choice.

Is Cremation Right for You or Your Loved Ones?

Did your loved one share their views on burial?

If you are considering cremation for yourself, you can weigh your views on burial, including your religious beliefs. If you are considering cremation for a loved one, it is vital that you take their wishes into consideration. If they specifically asked for a traditional burial, then cremation would not be appropriate. However, if they did not specify their wishes, consider their religious beliefs. Most religions accept cremation, except Orthodox Judaism, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Islam.

Do you want to hold funeral services?

You might worry that cremation would prevent you from having a traditional visitation and funeral service. This is not true, however. Cremation can be accompanied by services that resemble those of a traditional burial, so that friends and family can come and pay their respects. You can even choose to bury the cremation urn in a cemetery so that people can visit your loved one’s grave as with traditional burial.

Are your loved ones concentrated in one region or spread out?

Cremation allows family members who are geographically spread out to take part in the mourning process. Your loved one’s ashes can be shared with various members of the family, whether stored in individual urns or in cremation jewelry. A traditional funeral and burial leaves your loved one tied to one area so that those who live far away may feel disconnected from them. If a loved one’s ashes are shared after cremation, even family members halfway around the world can feel closer to your departed loved one.

More help with considering cremation.

At Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida, we know these times can be difficult. We can help, though. We will meet with you to discuss cremation and whether it is right for you or your loved one.

Have you lost a loved one? For information about our cremation services, contact Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida.

Proudly Serving All of Central Florida.

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake - (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Cremation, End-of-Life Preperations, Funeral Services Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Choosing Cremation Jewelry

on December 17, 2013

Cremation jewelry serves as a way to honor the life of a deceased loved one. With so many styles available, we know it can be difficult to choose the cremation jewelry that is right for your needs. Although we cannot make this decision for you, we are here to provide you with considerations that should make the cremation jewelry selection process easier.

What to Consider When Selecting Cremation Jewelry:

The cost of cremation jewelry

The cost of jewelry should be the first outstanding factor that you consider when planning to buy cremation jewelry. Because there are so many jewelers, you have a number of options to choose from when it comes time to select something. This makes it important to have patience and shop around for cost-effective jewelers.

The kind of cremation jewelry

This is another very significant factor to keep in mind before choosing cremation jewelry. Cremation jewelry can be comprised of a number of things; it does not just need to hold the deceased’s ashes. Locks of hair or funeral flower remnants can both be used as alternatives or additions to cremation jewelry.

At Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida, we know how hard it is to lose a loved one. And while cremation jewelry will not make your loss any less painful, it acts as an excellent coping mechanism. If you choose to purchase cremation jewelry, the above guidelines can help.

For details about cremation jewelry, contact Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida at (407) 569-0992.

Proudly Serving All of Central Florida.

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake - (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Cremation, End-of-Life Preperations, Funeral Services Tagged With: , ,

How to Write an Obituary for a Loved One

on November 26, 2013

If you have lost a loved one, you may be wondering how to write an obituary. An obituary encompasses many things, such as the notice of one’s death, their life story, a record of the family, information about the funeral service, or a thank you to those who helped the life of the departed. Although obituaries are written every day, they can sometimes be difficult for survivors to write upon the passing of a loved one. Unsure about how to write an obituary? Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society has details about how to write an obituary.

Tips About How to Write an Obituary:

If you are wondering how to write an obituary, basic information should be covered accurately and completely. If you are wanting other ideas about how to write an obituary, try including a compelling story about the deceased’s life that inspires other people to live their lives with more purpose and hope.

How to Write an Obituary Tip #1 - Accuracy & Completeness

The most important things in an obituary are accuracy and completeness. Although this may seem obvious, things become difficult when you aren’t certain about how to write an obituary. Despite this, it is important to preserve the memory of your loved one by way of the inclusion of accurate information. Fortunately, proofreading can help with this. As a rule of thumb, set aside the document, and look at it another day.

How to Write an Obituary Tip #2 - Recreate The Deceased’s Character

Knowing how to write an obituary is not second nature for most people, but it can be learned. In addition to being accurate and thorough, make an obituary interesting and compelling, focusing more on the life that was lived than the death that occurred. As a rule of thumb, think of writing an obituary as storytelling. This is your opportunity to let others learn about the life your loved one lived. Simply put: If you’re wondering how to write an obituary, think of it as a celebration of life.

Learning How to Write an Obituary Can Become Easy

By including accurate biographical and funeral-related information, as well as an all-encompassing summary of the individual’s life, obituary writing will be easier. During these difficult times, we understand that the last thing a deceased’s surviving family members or friends will want to do is learn how to write an obituary. By following these guidelines, you won’t have to stress.

For information about other end-of-life preparations, contact one of Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society’s locations.

Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: End-of-Life Preperations, Funeral Services Tagged With: , , ,

Funeral Etiquette | How to Ask for Donations

on November 21, 2013

The passing of loved ones is always a difficult time, but when you add asking for donations to the mix, it can seem like an impossible task. However, with proper funeral etiquette, you can ask for donations and receive them in a painless manner. Believe it or not, asking for funeral donations instead of flowers is not an uncommon request. For many, the cost of a funeral can be debilitating. Because of this, any financial reprieve can help. Unsure how to ask for donations? We have some funeral etiquette tips that can make this sometimes uncomfortable process easier.

Funeral Etiquette Tips: Collecting Donations

Flowers are beautiful, but when funeral costs become too expensive for a family to finance, donations are more helpful to the deceased’s surviving loved ones. If you are hesitant to ask for funeral donations, don’t be. With the right funeral etiquette, family and friends will welcome the opportunity to help you. So, what funeral etiquette do you use when asking for funeral donations?

Funeral Etiquette Pointer #1 - Include your request in the funeral announcement.

Your first step of funeral etiquette should be making a funeral announcement with a brief but to-the-point message about funeral donations. A simple note, such as “The family is accepting funeral donations in place of flowers,” is a polite and acceptable addition to an obituary. Furthermore, this same message can be communicated by email, phone, or in person to close family and friends.

Funeral Etiquette Pointer #2 - Choose somewhere for the funeral donations to be sent.

Although choosing a location for the money to be sent may be the last thing on your radar, it is crucial that you make this consideration prior to sending a funeral announcement. Chances are your loved ones want to help; however, they will need a firm idea of where to send any donations before they can assist your family.

Funeral Etiquette Pointer #3 - Send a Thank You Note.

Although it can be difficult, sending a thank you note is proper funeral etiquette. These notes do not need to be rushed. Sometime after the funeral, send a simple note of thanks with a message as brief as “Our family thanks you for your donation during this difficult time.” In addition, making an announcement of thanks at the visitation or funeral is also polite.

When it comes to the acquisition of funeral donations, funeral etiquette is essential. Though these times can be trying, funeral etiquette is still important. Your grace will encourage family and friends to unite, helping you through this difficult time.

Have you lost a loved one? For information about our end-of-life services, contact Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Winter Park, Florida.

Proudly Serving All of Central Florida.

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: End-of-Life Preperations, Funeral Services Tagged With: , , ,

Choosing Fall Flower Arrangements

on November 14, 2013

As you plan a life celebration, you have the opportunity to create a special environment for family, friends and loved ones. Honor the memory of your loved one with a fall foliage arrangement.

The fall colors have a special charm. The simple shapes and colors create an easy and gorgeous altar arrangement. Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society helps you organize all the details, including floral arrangements, as you handle funeral arrangements.

Fall Altar Arrangements

Autumn Hues

When selecting your flower arrangements, focus on autumn-inspired colors and flowers. Reds, oranges, rust and earthy greens are common this time of year. Mossy green, whites and creams are appropriate, as well.

Harvest Bouquet

Gather earthy nuts and seeds to fill a vase. Form a bouquet with branches, flowers and leaves.

Gourds on Display

Gather gourds of different sizes, shapes and colors to form a dynamic altar arrangement display.

Autumn Flair

To add an autumn feel to the flower arrangements at the funeral, add leaves and twigs to the display. Branches, red and gold leaves add a special touch.

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society is honored to serve you as you plan a life celebration for a loved one. This is a special time for you and your family and friends to gather and honor the memory of a dear friend or family member. We are here to help. We will help you finalize the details to create a welcoming environment. To learn more about the funeral flower arrangements we provide, contact Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society. We provide high quality custom floral arrangements — we want to make the process simple for you.

Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach - (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake - (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Funeral Services Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Funeral Planning

on October 18, 2013

Funeral planning needs to be done well since the deceased, who is a loved one, deserves the best memorial service possible. Timely funeral planning is of utmost importance after the passing of a loved one. However, there are other factors that need to be put into consideration, too. Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society understands how difficult this time can be, but we are here to provide you with funeral planning tips that will help you along the way, from start to finish.

Funeral Planning Pointers:

Flower Arrangements

Different communities choose to show respect to the deceased in various ways, such as via sending flowers, having announcements published, and hosting memorials. If flowers are of importance, a funeral director can have flowers prepared for the deceased’s surviving family and friends.

Announcement

In addition to flowers, it is important to consider creating and issuing an announcement. Oftentimes, obituaries with death and funeral details of the deceased are placed in local papers as a sign of respect. And if the family of the deceased is financially stable, the funeral director typically arranges a post-funeral acknowledgement notice, which thanks people for their donations and attendance, for publication on their behalf.

Burial vs. Cremation

Burial or cremation should remain a focus during funeral planning. These plans should be made in accordance with the wishes of the deceased prior to his or her death. In the event that a new graveyard is required, arrangements for acquiring space can be done by the funeral director or directly with the cemetery department.

Transportation

Funeral planning often entails having the funeral director organize for the transportation of the deceased and their surviving family and friends to and from the service. On this same note, the director has to take into consideration various factors, such as the number of vehicles needed, the acquisition of wheelchairs if there are any elderly or disabled mourners, etc.

In addition, if you choose to bury your loved one, the bearing of the coffin is normally also taken care of by a funeral home. Although families may decide to bear the coffin themselves, the deceased’s colleagues, funeral director’s staff, or friends of the deceased can bear the coffin, as well.

Music & Eulogy

As far as funeral planning is concerned, music is another factor that should be addressed. Music is very powerful in terms of expressing emotion. Because of this, it is important to make a music selection that will honor your loved one as you wish. For an even more personal touch, have a close family or friend write a speech for a eulogy. Need some inspiration? A poem or a passage to mark memories of the loved one can also be cited during this time.

Catering Service

If you plan to invite loved ones for food and refreshments after the service, catering service should be also be addressed during funeral planning. During this difficult time, it can be helpful to have a catering team. People are usually invited over after the funeral. Because of this, the catering company should be situated near the funeral or post-funeral gathering site.

Let Us Help You With Funeral Planning.

When it comes to funeral planning, having the help of a funeral home like Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Winter Park, Florida, can make a world of difference. If you need help during this time, know that you are not alone.

For more information about our funeral planning services, contact Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society.

Proudly Serving All of Central Florida.

Winter Park - (407) 569-0992
New Smyrna Beach - (386) 957-1693
Lady Lake - (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Funeral Services Tagged With: , , ,
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