Five Things You Must Do Before Traveling With a Loved One’s Ashes

on October 15, 2014

If your loved one has chosen cremation services and to have their ashes spread in a specific location, chances are that you will need to travel to bring their ashes to their desired destination. Traveling with ashes after cremation services isn’t as simple as packing the ashes in your suitcase, however. Here are five tips you’ll need to know before you transport a loved one’s ashes via plane.

Travel Tips with a Loved One’s Ashes

1. Make Sure the Airline Allows Cremains

While most airlines will allow you to travel with ashes, certain airlines may have guidelines or restrictions that affect how you travel. For example, some may not allow you to carry on the cremains, some may not allow you to check them, and most have guidelines for the type of container the cremation services staff should use.

2. Alert the Airline Ahead of Time

Even if you know that the airline allows you to travel with ashes, you will still want to let the airline know in advance that you will be traveling with them. This will help you reduce or eliminate the chances that you’ll encounter a problem on your travel date.

3. Research Current Laws, Guidelines and Procedures

Laws can vary widely depending on your location, and they are liable to change at any time. Make sure you research the latest laws, guidelines and procedures by speaking to the cremation services staff and the airline and by researching that latest Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements.

4. Bring All Documentation with You

Before you go to board the plane, be sure that you have all of the documentation that you will need. This includes, but is not limited to, the death certificate and the cremation services documentation.

5. Contact the U.S. Embassy if Traveling Overseas

If you are traveling overseas with your loved one’s ashes, don’t forget to check the laws of the country where you are headed. You will likely want to speak with someone at the U.S. Embassy overseas about your cremation services and transportation plans.

We Can Help with the Details

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida wants to help you celebrate the life of your loved one with honor and dignity. With everything from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns & caskets, we have your needs covered.

Proudly Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Cremation Services Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Feed a Grieving Soul: Six Comforting Foods to Make for Those Who are Planning a Funeral

on September 28, 2014

Funeral planning is often a long and very sad process. No one enjoys funeral planning, and yet it has to be done. If one of your loved ones is in the process of funeral planning, help brighten their day a little by offering to make a meal for after the funeral or by bringing a meal to their home. Here are six comforting meals that are perfect for the grieving.

Comfort Food for Funeral Planning

1. Chicken Pot Pie

Healthy and comforting, chicken pot pie is the perfect meal to make for a family during the funeral planning process. It is easy to make, easy to reheat and very delicious.

2. Spaghetti and Meatballs

During times of grief, people often revert back to eating the foods they ate when they were kids. A grown-up version of spaghetti and meatballs is the perfect food for comforting those who are grieving. Plus, it is easy and inexpensive.

3. Chicken and Dumplings

When it comes to comfort food, it is hard to top chicken and dumplings. This dish is sure to comfort anyone in their time of grief.

4. Ham and Macaroni Casserole

If you are baking for a large and hungry crowd, ham and macaroni casserole is the perfect choice. It is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and easy to make in batches. Plus, it’s a dish that is well loved by pretty much everyone, making it a safe choice.

5. Baked Ziti

For a noodle casserole that is just as comforting but a little more sophisticated, baked ziti is the perfect choice. This dish is easy and inexpensive to prepare, and it reheats well too.

6. Roast Chicken and Vegetables

Funeral planning can take so much time and energy that people often don’t feel like cooking for days. If you want a dish that will last for a while, choose roast chicken and vegetables. Not only is this funeral planning dish perfect the first time, but roast chicken is also perfect for leftovers.

We Can Help with the Details

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida wants to help you celebrate the life of your loved one with honor and dignity. With everything from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns & caskets, we have your needs covered.

Proudly Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Funeral Planning Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Eight Unique Ways to Honor Your Loved One at The Funeral

on July 30, 2014

Your loved one was one-of-a-kind. Honor their life and their memory by making their funeral arrangements one-of-a-kind as well. Here are eight ways to make your funeral arrangements perfectly reflect the loved one you are wanting to remember.

8 Ways to Honor the Personality of the Departed

1. Showcase Their Collectibles or Hobbies

Did your loved one love super heroes, fishing or a certain sports team? Set out action figures or a fishing pole, or choose flowers in team colors.

2. Play Their Favorite Music

Whether your loved one listened to country, gospel or rock and roll, be sure to incorporate some of their favorite songs into the funeral arrangements.

3. Create a Slide Show

Relive all of your favorite memories with the deceased by sharing a beautiful slide show of their life from birth through old age.

4. Have Guests Share Their Favorite Memories

Alternately, let all of the guests share their favorite memories by providing an open mic as part of the funeral arrangements. People will love sharing their favorite heartfelt and funny moments.

5. Serve Their Favorite Food and Drinks

Did your loved one always eat sandwiches or drink Jager bombs? Serve them at the meal after the service, or take everyone out to the deceased’s favorite restaurant to get them.

6. Create a Monument or Memorial

If your funeral arrangements include cremating your loved one instead of burying them, you will need a place to visit. Plant a tree or build a small stone statue in their honor for a lovely place to visit.

7. Make a Donation in Their Name

Honor your loved one and help others at the same time by making a donation in your loved one’s name. Choose an organization that works to fight the disease they died from or one that helps a cause they cared about deeply.

8. Pass Out Thoughtful Mementos

Give your guests something thoughtful to remember the deceased by. Seedlings, charms and photo candles are all thoughtful memorial gifts to include in the funeral arrangements.

Plan a Thoughtful Remembrance Ceremony

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida wants to help you remember your loved one the way they would want to be remembered. With everything from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns & caskets, we have your needs covered.

Proudly Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Funeral Arrangement Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Hidden Meaning of Flowers in Funeral Arrangements

on May 30, 2014

Ordering floral funeral arrangements is a wonderful way to express sympathy and respect for a departed loved one. While everyone appreciates artfully displayed funeral arrangements, most people don’t realize that the flowers used in these bouquets have a language all their own.

Experienced Funeral Arrangement Services

Many funeral arrangements include lilies. In fact, white stargazer lilies are some of the most commonly seen blooms in funeral arrangements. These flowers are undoubtedly lovely, but they are so frequently used because of the innocence and purity they symbolize. Many mourners believe that the soul of the departed has been washed clean, and the lily is a tangible reminder of this.

Carnations also are popularly chosen for funeral arrangements. Many different colors may be seen, but those most often used are pink for remembrance and red for admiration. White is another typical choice when the giver wants to express the purity of their love for the departed.

Gladioli are a tall, majestic bloom, and they are available in a wide selection of hues. A deceased loved one who exhibited moral integrity and tremendous strength of character can be symbolized with gladioli. With multiple blossoms and straight, elegant lines, a gladiolus is always a good choice.

Chrysanthemums, sometimes called mums, are widely used around the world as a flower of mourning. In fact, the mum is so closely associated with death in some cultures that its use is reserved exclusively for funeral arrangements. Mums are used less selectively in the U.S. Nonetheless, they frequently make up a part of funeral arrangements.

The rose is among the most precious and enduring symbols of love. As such, it is often seen among funeral arrangements. Roses grow in a great variety of colors, and each carries significance. Yellow demonstrates the enduring bonds of friendship while white signifies reverence and humility. Pink might show appreciation and red courage.

Whichever blooms they may contain, funeral arrangements connote a world of sentiments and are a tangible expression of grief.

We’re Here to Help.

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida helps you through every detail of funeral planning. With everything from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns & caskets, we are prepared to cover all of your needs.

Proudly Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Funeral Arrangement Tagged With: , , ,

What Should You Look For in Cremation Services?

on May 23, 2014

Comparison shopping is advisable under almost any circumstances, but especially so when you’re looking for something as important as cremation services. Doing your research is important because not every company that offers cremation services provides the same level of quality and service. Of course, it’s hard to know what to look for in reliable cremation services. Here are a few tips to get you started in the right direction.

Affordable Cremation Services in Central Florida

Many consumers are looking for value when they are comparing cremation services. While price is important, it shouldn’t necessarily be the final deciding factor. Genuine value comes from a meeting of price and service. While a low price might look attractive on paper, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. What is this service provider leaving out in order to offer you that extraordinarily affordable price?

It’s important to ask plenty of questions of any potential provider of cremation services. Some will lure you in with a low price, and you only discover farther down the line that the initial price didn’t include the full package. For instance, the initial quote may not have included the fees for services rendered or the cost of transporting your loved one to the location where the cremation services are performed.

Don’t rush your selection of cremation services providers. Meet with each one in person. If possible, ask to view the cremation facilities. A clean, well organized facility and a compassionate representative can tell you whether or not this service provider is the one you want to use.

Resist the temptation to think that every company that provides cremation services is the same as the next. Even if you like the first provider that you interview, schedule a visit to a second facility. The better informed you are, the better decision you can make. When you do your comparison shopping for cremation services, you can have peace of mind knowing that you made the right decision.

We’re Here to Help.

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida helps you through every detail of funeral planning. With everything from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns & caskets, we are prepared to cover all of your needs.

Proudly Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Cremation Services Tagged With: , , ,

The Future of Funeral Planning

on May 18, 2014

Funerals are no longer formal, uncomfortable events. Innovations in funeral planning allow for greater customization. These changes to traditional funeral planning are making the grieving process easier and allowing the person doing their own funeral planning to ensure that their final wishes are fulfilled.

Giving flowers is part of the traditional funeral, but modern funeral planning allows family members more latitude. An increasing number of families are asking for charitable contributions in lieu of flowers and funeral homes are making it easier for mourners to donate instead of giving flowers. Some funeral homes now have websites that link to a charity chosen by the deceased.

Most people don’t want to deal with funeral planning until it’s absolutely necessary. For them, the funeral planning process remains a mystery until a loved one passes away. This can be a distressing introduction to funerals. To make the process more comfortable, a growing number of funeral homes are hosting open house nights that members of the general public may attend. Funeral directors may offer a brief seminar and answer questions that guests may have. This makes funeral planning feel more accessible, and can encourage attendees to make their own arrangements.

Many funeral homes are now adopting a homier atmosphere. From relaxed decor to the presence of a coffee shop, these funeral homes are trying to remove some of the stress from the funeral planning experience. Family members can gather in comfort over a cup of coffee to discuss arrangements or reminisce in a more familiar atmosphere.

Eco-friendly practices are also taking a more prominent position in funeral planning. More people are choosing biodegradable caskets and deciding to forego embalming. Recycled paper products are used whenever possible, and mourners are encouraged to carpool.

While funeral planning may not be an enjoyable topic, it is also not one that needs to be feared. These modern innovations are making it easier to contemplate your own passing or that of a loved one.

We’re Here to Help.

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida helps you through every detail of funeral planning. With everything from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns & caskets, we are prepared to cover all of your needs.

Proudly Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Funeral Planning Tagged With: , , ,

Start Each Day with Motivation to Be Successful

on April 4, 2014

Are you having trouble getting motivated? You know that it takes hard work and dedication to achieve your dreams, but getting started is never easy. The next time you have dreams but you lack the motivation to get started, start by reading these powerful motivational quotes. These motivational quotes might just give you the kick in the pants you need to get going.

Motivational Quotes For Success

Motivational Quote #1:

“Good things come to people who wait, but better things come to those who go out and get them.” –Anonymous

Motivational Quote #2:

“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” –Wayne Dyer

Motivational Quote #3:

“The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.” –Anonymous

Motivational Quote #4:

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” –Aristotle

Motivational Quote #5:

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” –Robert Collier

Motivational Quote #6:

“Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier — wish you were better.” —Jim Rohn

Motivational Quote #7:

“If you don’t value your time, neither will others. Stop giving away your time and talents — start charging for it.” –Kim Garst

Motivational Quote #8:

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” –John D. Rockefeller

Motivational Quote #9:

“Opportunity does not knock; it presents itself when you beat down the door.” –Kyle Chandler

Motivational Quote #10:

“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” –Jack London

Getting motivated to get started can be difficult, but it is always worth it when you go out and achieve your dreams. Put in the hard work now, and you will surely reap the rewards later.

Feel free to check back to our blog frequently to read inspirational quotes, motivation for your day and more!

Along with motivational quotes, we provide everything 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

Filed Under: Daily Inspiration Tagged With: , , , ,

A New Era in Burial Services

on April 2, 2014

Have you ever wandered around a cemetery when a burial service wasn’t taking place, looked at all of the tombstones, and wondered about the people buried there? While attending a burial service can tell you a great deal about the person and the life that he or she had, if you get there after the burial service is over, there is little to learn. Instead, all you see is a name, two dates, and a little hyphen that encompasses the person’s entire life from birth to burial service.

Well, thanks to modern technology, this is about to change. Now, you may be able to learn more about the deceased long after the burial service is over. This is because some tombstone manufacturers are starting to make tombstones with Quick Response (QR) codes on them.

People who choose to purchase tombstones with QR codes on them preserve the memory of their loved ones long after the burial service is over. They do this by creating a website, photo gallery or video of their loved one and putting it online. They may choose to include anything from letters to the person, photographs of the person, a biography of the person or even video from the person’s burial service. Then, when passersby notice tombstones with QR codes on them, they simply have to scan the codes with their smart phones in order to see the content.

This new technology is a great way to help preserve a person’s memory long after the burial service is over. It allows people who were not present at the burial service, or who may not have even known the person at all, to learn more about him or her. It is also a great way to commemorate a life.

While this new technology is still uncommon and expensive, it is expected to grow in the coming years. Then, the next time you find yourself in a cemetery, you can learn all about the people buried there, even after their burial services are over.

We’d like provide everything for your burial service, from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns. 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

Filed Under: Burial Services Tagged With: , , , ,

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

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

Seven Habits of Happy and Successful People

on March 28, 2014

Happiness and success do not just come to the lucky. Instead, the people who experience happiness and success are the ones who work hard and follow the following keys to success. If you follow these keys to success, you can be happy and successful too.

Seven Keys to Success and Happiness

They Keep the Right Perspective on the Past, Present and Future.

Don’t dwell on your past; it’s over. Live in the moment so you don’t miss it. Plan for the future so you have a great future waiting for you when you get there.

They Take Action.

Don’t complain about your present circumstances; take action to change them. Create the life you want. Put these keys to success in action.

They Surround Themselves With the Right People.

If you are surrounded by people who tear you down, who are miserable themselves or who are going nowhere, their attitudes will rub off on you. Surround yourself with happy and successful people instead.

They Follow the Golden Rule.

If you walk all over everyone on your way to the top, you will find yourself on a very shaky foundation if you ever get there. Instead, treat everyone with love and respect, and you will receive the same in return.

They Have a Purpose and a Plan.

It is hard to be happy or successful if you wander through life without purpose. Determine your purpose and motivation, set goals, make a plan and follow it.

They Have a Healthy Attitude Toward Criticism.

It doesn’t matter who you are — someone will always be ready to criticize you. Instead of beating yourself up over it, use criticism as a way to improve.

They are Able to Adapt.

The only thing that is constant is change. If you are able to adapt to changing circumstances, you will be ready for whatever life throws your way.

These are keys to success that will help drive and motivate you to be happy. Happy and successful people may not have all of the keys to success, but these keys to success are a good place to start.

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

Proudly Serving Central Florida

Winter Park – (407) 569-0992

New Smyrna Beach – (386) 957-1693

Lady Lake – (352) 639-2563

Filed Under: Daily Inspiration Tagged With: , , , ,
Next Page»