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

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A Brief History of the Calla Lily and It’s Meaning

on September 14, 2014

Calla lilies are a beautiful flower commonly seen in wedding and funeral planning. How did this flower become so popular? Read on to learn more about the calla lily’s interesting history.

Calla Lily Origins

Calla lilies are originally from Southern Africa, specifically around South Africa, Madagascar and Malawi. The flower eventually made its way to Europe, to the United States and to many other parts of the world.

Calla Lily Symbolism

The calla lily is a common symbol that has held significant, yet diverse, meanings for various people groups over time. In ancient mythology, the calla lily represented the goddess Hera, who was believed to be the originator of flowers. According to the ancient Romans, the calla lily symbolized lust and sensuality. According to the ancient Christians, the flower symbolized purity, virtue, chastity and the Virgin Mary. Today, calla lilies symbolize innocence, sympathy and the purification of a departed soul. This makes the flower perfect for funeral planning today.

Calla Lily Uses

Calla lilies are commonly used at weddings and in funeral planning, especially in funeral planning for young people who have died before their time. They can also be found in many flower arrangements, since they keep well and last for a long time.

Calla Lily Varieties

While white is by far the most common color of calla lily available, other colors exist and are used in funeral planning as well. Calla lilies are also available in pink, purple, yellow, orange and green. All of these varieties are quite beautiful, which is fitting since the name for the flower actually comes from the Greek word for beauty.

If you have funeral planning to do, be sure to include calla lilies in the service somewhere. The beautiful flowers are sure to add a small glimmer of beauty and hope on an otherwise sad day.

Partner With Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida wants to help you get through a difficult time as easily as possible. 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

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How Having a Bucket List Can Change the Way You Live

on August 14, 2014

Most people think of a bucket list as a list of activities to make their lives better in the proverbial “someday,” but did you know that having a bucket list can actually improve your quality of life today? It’s true. Don’t wait until it’s time to start your funeral planning to start your bucket list. Here are four ways that having a bucket list can change the way you live today.

Four Ways a Bucket List Can Make Every Day Better

1. It Will Help You Focus on Your Priorities

Without clear priorities, it is too easy to just spend your money and time frivolously until it’s time to begin your funeral planning. With a bucket list, however, you can start putting your time and your money towards those activities you can’t wait to accomplish before it’s time to start funeral planning.

2. It Will Give You Something to Look Forward To

With work, bills and family responsibilities, it can be easy to fall into a boring routine of doing the same old thing every day until it’s time for funeral planning. This kind of life can seem hopeless. With a bucket list, however, you have goals to look forward to and to strive for.

3. It Will Help You Expand Your Horizons

While making your bucket list, the world is your oyster. You can put absolutely anything on your list that you want. After you fill it in with all the usual things, you may start thinking of new things you would like to try before it’s time to start funeral planning.

4. It Will Help You to Start Taking Steps in a Positive Direction

Without a bucket list, you are stuck with the feeling that things will get better “someday,” but someday never seems to come. Instead, it’s time to start funeral planning before you know it. With a bucket list, however, you have a clear plan of what you want to do, which is the first step in actually making it happen.

Partner With Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida

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

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Four Ways You Can Prepare Your Child for a Funeral

on August 7, 2014

One of the many decisions you may have to make during the funeral planning process is whether or not you will allow your small children to attend. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue, and the choice is ultimately up to you. If you do decide to bring your children to a funeral, make sure that you prepare them in advance. Here are four ways you can prepare your child for a funeral as part of your funeral planning process.

Preparing Your Child for a Funeral

1. Explain What Your Child Will See There

Since most small children do not participate in funeral planning, they generally have little idea of what to expect. Spend some time before the big day talking about what your children will see and experience. Prepare them for seeing the body and for all the various reactions that people are likely to have.

2. Spell Out Behavior Expectations

Next, make sure that your child knows exactly how he or she is expected to be behave at the funeral. Oftentimes, something as simple as setting expectations and consequences during the funeral planning process can make a dramatic difference in a child’s behavior. While crying, being upset and getting angry are all acceptable behaviors, running throughout the funeral home and being generally disruptive are not.

3. Answer Any Questions Your Child May Have

Funerals can bring up many questions in children, especially questions about what happens after you die. Handle these questions during the funeral planning process, when you will have time to discuss them properly. If your beliefs differ from others’, you may want to explain their beliefs as well.

4. Keep Your Own Reactions Appropriate

Children generally don’t know how to respond to death and funerals, so they will pick up on subtle cues from you. While it is good to show some emotions, you may want to keep your most vulnerable displays for once they are in bed, if possible. This will help funeral planning go more smoothly for everyone.

We Can Help with Funeral Planning Issues

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

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Should You Send a Funeral Gift?

on July 20, 2014

While funeral gifts are not always expected, there are times when a gift may be appropriate. If you prefer to skip the traditional funeral home flowers and offer the grieving family something a little more meaningful, here are four great ways to do so.

Ideas for Funeral Gifts

1. Memorial Gifts

Instead of sending flowers to the funeral home, you may wish to send a monetary donation to a charity or an organization in the deceased’s honor instead. Common choices for where to send the money include an organization that is searching for a cure for the disease or condition the person died from, the college the person went to, or a cause that was near and dear to the person’s heart. It is appropriate to give the family a card at the funeral home letting them know about the donation.

2. The Gift of Help

Funeral planning can be a huge and overwhelming task for the family, especially as they are grieving the loss of their loved one. You can make life easier on them by offering the gift of time. Clean their house, watch their children, run an errand or make a few phone calls so the family can deal with the funeral home arrangements. They will appreciate this gesture immensely.

3. The Gift of Food

One of the best gifts to give a grieving family is the gift of food. Bring a meal by their home in the days before or after the service or volunteer to bring food to the funeral home for after the service. Bring paper plates to minimize clean-up as well. Any family would love this kind gesture.

4. Gifts for Children

Going to the funeral home can be especially difficult for young children who may not fully understand what is going on or where their loved one went. Getting a small gift for grieving children is a very sweet gesture. Appropriate gifts include a small stuffed animal, book or other quiet toy.

Learn More

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida is an experienced funeral home that can help you through every part of your arrangements. With everything from flower arrangements to memorabilia and urns & caskets, we have everything you could need to celebrate the life of your 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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Five Things You Should Consider When Choosing Music for a Funeral

on July 16, 2014

Choosing the music to be played at a funeral isn’t the worst part of funeral planning, but it isn’t a particularly fun task either. You want to choose music that sets an appropriate level of sadness without being overly depressing, and it can be difficult to find just the right balance. Here are a few guidelines you should consider during your funeral planning.

5 Helpful Tips For Choosing Funeral Music

1. Consider the Mood You Want to Create

Do you want a mood that is sad and reflective or a mood that is hopeful and uplifting? Either is appropriate, but you need to stay consistent. Take time during your funeral planning process to make sure that all of the songs you choose fit in well with the type of atmosphere you are trying to create.

2. Take the Deceased Person’s Personality into Account

Funeral songs are not a one-size-fits-all part of funeral planning. Honor the deceased by taking his preferences into account. Whether he loved classic hymns, rock and roll or smooth jazz, incorporating his favorite songs into the service is a great way to cherish his memory.

3. Stick to Popular Funeral Songs

If you are not sure which songs to pick, play it safe by sticking to the most popular choices. Common funeral songs include: “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan, “Memory” by Barbra Streisand, “Tears In Heaven” by Eric Clapton and “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. It is hard to go wrong with these common favorites.

4. Listen to the Words Carefully In Advance

No matter which songs you pick, be sure to listen to them ahead of time as part of your funeral planning process. You want to make sure that all of the words are appropriate so you won’t be surprised during the ceremony.

5. Consider Instrumental Music Instead

If you truly don’t know which songs to pick, consider going with strictly instrumental music. It is difficult to go wrong when there are no words. Choosing instrumental music makes your funeral planning that much easier.

Learn More

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida helps you through every part of funeral arrangements. 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

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Tips for Celebration Slide Shows

on June 27, 2014

If a family or friend member has passed away, then the funeral arrangements become a priority. Many of the traditional methods of ceremonies leave out the memories or the fulfillment of an individual’s life. Today, family and friends are adding into the funeral arrangements with a personal touch for the individual that has passed away. Slide shows are one of the ways that many are embracing the life that one had. If you are planning a slide show with funeral arrangements, then you can use the following tips for a better presentation.

Funeral Arrangement Slide Show Tips

Tip 1: Explore Life. While putting together the slide shows, you will want to look at all areas of the individual’s life. Creating a chronological presentation of the individual with family, career and achievements offers an overview that everyone can honor from the funeral arrangements.

Tip 2: Highlight the Best. A picture is worth a thousand words. Make sure you add in pictures to the slide show that highlight the individual’s life, what made them happiest and what their strongest memories are. This part of funeral arrangementshelps to honor and remember the individual that has passed away.

Tip 3: Add in Favorites. Slide shows have the capability of adding in music, voice overs, poetry and art. You can add in the favorite artistic shows and commentary during slide shows. Doing this with the funeral arrangements creates a memorable collage of the deceased.

Funeral arrangements for an individual that has passed away offers a way to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased. If you want to contribute, then piecing together slide shows in honor of the individual gives a full scope of memories that everyone can embrace.

Learn More

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida helps you through every part of funeral arrangements. 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

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How to Write a Remembrance Speech

on June 13, 2014

Preparing for a loved one who has passed away can often become difficult. If you have been asked to provide a remembrance speech during funeral planning, then you will want to know how to create the moment with a sense of honor for the individual. Creating a memorable and light speech that allows friends and family to remember the highlights the individual’s life assists with a smooth transition from the individual who has died.

Compassionate Funeral Planning Assistance in Central Florida

When working with funeral planning for a remembrance speech, you will want to add in the factual details about a person. A brief overview of their life, what they achieved and details about friends and family creates a simple introduction for the individual. You can then move into stories, memories or favorite poems or songs of the individual who has passed away. This offers a lighthearted memory for the funeral planning and honors the person who has died.

Typically, a remembrance speech should be an average of 5 - 10 minutes because of other ceremonies with funeral planning. You will want to keep the other ceremonial aspects in mind while you are looking at the funeral planning and your speech. Creating an overview of the individual’s life and making sure you add in a personal touch with your memories or in honor of the individual can then help you to create the perfect last memories.

Remembrance Speech to Honor a Life

Funeral planning for a friend or family member that has passed away is often difficult. Honoring the individual with a remembrance speech allows you to offer more for the family and friends as well as for the deceased. While working with funeral planning, you will also want to consider the approach for a remembrance speech. By creating a specific approach, you open a door at the funeral to highlight the best parts of one’s life.

Learn More

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida helps you through every detail of funeral arrangement. 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

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Funeral Planning Checklist

on June 6, 2014

The passing of a loved one also creates a focus on the best way to remember them. You want to make sure that the final ceremony of their passing is remembered with a smooth transition. Funeral planning is an essential part of the last moments for a friend or loved one. Using a funeral planning checklist is a simple way to prepare for the needs of someone who has passed away.

What to Remember

The first step to funeral planning is to prepare the details. Typically, a family member will have requests and expectations with their final wishes or a will and testament. You can add into this flowers, decor and other accents to compliment the funeral. You will want to combine this with preparations for the ceremony, such as meeting with a funeral director and others that want to contribute to the last wishes of the family member. Keeping a program in order offers the best, final compliments to one who has passed and assists with simple funeral planning.
The ceremony compliments add in with the expectations for family and friends. With funeral planning, you will need to invite other friends and family members to the final ceremony. You will also want to piece together parts of the ceremony for friends and family to contribute to. Many will add in pictures, memoirs and even creations on a website. These all make the memories of those passing remain present.

Funeral Planning Assistance in the Villages, Water Park, and Orlando

If you are facing the death of a friend or family member, then you can work with a checklist. This assists with a smooth ceremony, memories that contribute to the passing and with a peaceful set of last wishes from friends and family. With the right planning, you will easily be able to offer more to those that have come to wish the best for those who have passed away.

Learn More

Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society of Central Florida helps you through every detail of funeral arrangement. 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

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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: , , ,
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