Funerals 101

Top 10 Funeral Terms to Add to Your Preplanning Vocabulary

Preplanning can alleviate a significant amount of stress for both you and your loved ones. To simplify your preplanning experience, here are ten terms to add to your vocabulary.

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Know the Lingo: Demystifying 7 Funeral Words and Phrases

Anyone who has found themselves in the position of having to make funeral arrangements for someone else or planning their own end-of-life care...
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Last Rites: Meaning, Purpose, and What to Expect

Discover the meaning and purpose of Last Rites in Catholicism, including the sacraments involved, their spiritual significance, and how to arrange them for a loved one.
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Our Complete Guide to National Cemeteries

Get comprehensive information for Veterans on national cemeteries, learn about eligibility, and uncover fascinating facts about these sacred and often historical places.
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Next of Kin and Cremation: Who Can Make the Plans?

Discover who can make cremation decisions, next of kin laws, and how to preplan to ensure your final wishes are honored.
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How to Tell Someone a Loved One Died

Not sure how to tell someone a loved one died? Gentle advice on what to say and how to share the news with family, friends, and coworkers.
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Outer Burial Containers: Making Informed Decisions

If you are planning your own or a loved one’s burial in a cemetery or want to have ashes placed in a container underground there, you may be asked to buy an outer burial container, a vault, grave liner or grave box.
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Planning a Cemetery Visit? Here’s What to Know

Visiting a loved one’s grave? This simple guide covers everything from finding the cemetery location to memorial etiquette and what to bring.
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Planning a Graveside Burial Service: What to Know

Learn what happens during a graveside burial, how to plan one, how long graveside burial services last, and why many families choose this intimate ceremony.
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Just What Is a Green Funeral?

Discover what makes a funeral “greener,” from natural burials to water cremation. Learn eco-friendly options, costs, and considerations for a sustainable farewell.
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Probate 101: What You Need to Know

Notoriously slow and expensive, you might know probate is something you want to avoid, much like a speeding ticket, an IRS audit or root canal. But what exactly is it?
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Thank You Cards Made Easy: What to Say After a Funeral

Discover thoughtful tips for writing funeral thank-you notes, including etiquette for printed and digital messages, sample wording, timelines, and heartfelt ways to express gratitude.
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The 13 Places You Absolutely Must Notify After Someone Dies

Ensure you're covering all necessary steps after a loved one's passing with this comprehensive 13-point notification checklist.
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