Category: Cremation

 

After your loved one’s cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX., you may wish to reach out and thank those who were there for you in this difficult time. While you can always call or reach out to these individuals in person, you may choose instead to send sympathy thank you cards. This can be a good option if you have many people to thank or simply do not feel up to talking to people in person just yet.  Since these cards are not something we often send, we are going to cover what you should know about sending them. 

What Are Sympathy Thank You Cards

First let’s discuss what sympathy cards are as many people are not familiar with them. These cards are thank you cards you send out to those who expressed their sympathy and condolences when your loved one passed. They are handwritten and offer a short message of gratitude to the recipient.  

When Should the Cards be Sent?

There is no hard rule as to a certain timeframe the cards must be sent out by. Honestly it is when you feel comfortable doing so. If it feels like it has been a while, you can always add a simple note such as “sorry for the delay, but I wanted to thank you for the beautiful flowers you sent for John’s passing, they meant so much and we are grateful for fiends like you”. 

Most people will understand of the card arrives late as you are having to deal with a lot on your plate. Even if you think it has been too long, but you still want to send them, feel free to do so as a card expressing gratitude is always a welcomed piece of mail no matter how much time has passed.  

What Should I Write in the Card?

You don’t need to feel as if you have to write a lot inside the card. A simple heartfelt thank you is all that is needed. This could look like: 

• Thank you for the flowers. Your kindness added some joy into my day. 
• We are so grateful for friends like you, Thank you for the support your have given our family. 
• Your card and sweet words were just what I needed. Thank you. 
• Thank you so much for your donation in honor of Steve. It was such a lovely way to pay tribute to him. 

Who Should I Send Cards To?

You can send cards to whoever you wish. You may decide to send them to only those people who sent flowers or helped with the funeral reception. Or you could send them to any and everyone who sent a card or showed any type of support.

Do I Have to Send Cards?

There is absolutely no rule that says you have to send out these cards. Nobody is going to fault your for it or think badly of you. Your friends and family will understand that after your loved one’s cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. you may have other things to take care or simply do not feel up to writing cards..  

 

 

 

 

There are many ways to personalize a memorial service for your loved one. One of these ways is by creating a memorial video to be played during the service. This video can also be shared on social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter, as well as posted on a memorial website if one has been made. To learn how to make the most of this tribute, providers of cremation services in Irving, TX. have these tips.  

How to Create the Tribute  

The first thing you will need to decide is how you will be creating the video tribute. If you have a family member or close family friend that is familiar with creating videos, enlisting their help might be helpful.. 

If there is not anyone you know that has experience, don’t worry as there is a wide variety of free and paid software you can use. This software is fairly easily to learn with much of it being as simple as dragging or dropping the content you want to add right into the premade format.  

Gather Good Content

The nest thing you will need to do is begin to collect all the content you wish to add. Finding the perfect photographs, videos and other elements to include can really help to express your loved one’s personality, life, and what they were all about.  

Things to look for to include are: 

• Favorite photographs- These could include photos you have or photos from others 
• Videos- these could be videos you took or videos from other sources such as family, friends, or event you loved one’s own videos they took on their phone  
• Awards / Certificates- If you don’t have a digital file to add, simply take a picture of the paper image and add that photo in 
• Other important Mementos- If there are any other personal mementos you want to add, simply take a picture like you did with the certificate and add that digital image in. This could be for things such as trophies you want to show off, or many they had a car tor other project hey were working on, etc.  

Choose Fitting Music Selection

Most video tributes will have a music selection playing in the background as the images are being displayed. Make sure to choose a song that reflects the mood and personality of your loved one. You could also choose to add one of their favorite songs or a song by their favorite band or artist. Even better, if they were in a band or were a singer, you could play one of their original songs.  

Add Extra Elements

Most of the software that you will be using will offer extra features such as adding things like captions, stickers, and transitions. While you don’t want to go over the top with these elements, used in the right way, they can enhance the video for your loved one.   

Final Thoughts

Creating a memorial video tribute for your loved one is a great way to express their personality and show people who they were, what they loved, and what they were all about. Not only that, but creating this video also gives you a chance to feel close to your loved one after their cremation services in Irving, TX. 

 

Each year more and more people are choosing cremation services in Dallas, TX. over in ground burials. If you are thinking about cremation as part of your final plans, there are some things to consider when preplanning these arrangements. Here are some tips to help you when preplanning your cremation.

1. Know Your Options

Many people may think there are only a couple of ways to handle ashes after cremation. The two most common that most people are aware of are holding the remains in an urn or scattering them. However, there are several more options available than that.

Ashes today can be made into glass sculptures, paintings, records, and even diamonds. You can have the remains sent into space, buried in a cemetery, of kept in a columbarium niche.

It’s important that you explore these options so that you can make the best, most informed decision of how you would like your remains to be handled.

2. Choose Your Services

There is more to decide than how you would like your final remains to be handled after your cremation. You also need to decide on services held before and after the cremation. The services before the cremation could include a viewing, visitation, or a wake and will depend on your religion and/or preference. After the cremation services could be a memorial service, celebration of life event, burial, or casting ceremony.

3. Consider Your Family

While it is true that these final arrangements are for you, you should consider the needs of your family. For example, you may believe that a visitation is not needed and see it as just an added expense. However, these services can help those left behind to process your passing and begin to heal. Make sure to discuss your plans with your family and keep their needs in mind.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Preplanning your cremation needs is not something you do every day. It can be difficult, and you may need help and/or guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask for this help. Providers of cremation services as well as funeral directors are experts and know exactly what needs to be addressed and how to do so. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for hep when you need it.

5. Make All Documents Accessible

Once you have finalized your arrangements, gather all of the documents together and file them in a safe place. Make sure your family knows where this place is and that they can access it easily. When the time comes when your family needs these papers, they will be able to collect them with no issues.

Final Thoughts

While it can be difficult to preplan your final arrangements as we tend to not want to confront our own death, it is an important step to take to help your family when the time comes. Having everything planned and arranged not only takes the burden off of your family, but it also ensures your last wishes are carried out the way you intend.

If you would like more information on preplanning your cremation services in Dallas, TX., give us a call or come by anytime and talk with our helpful and knowledgeable staff.

When a loved one passes away, one of the things we can do to honor them is to create a memorial. This memorial could be large such as an entire garden, or small such as a shelf in our home. If you would like to create a memorial for your loved one after they have passed, check out these ideas from providers of cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX

1. Create a Memorial Wall

A memorial wall is a wall or section of wall in your home that is decorated with framed photographs of your loved one. There could also be a shelf or two included that display things such as personal items or other mementos, or even a plant or candles. This wall can serve as a beautiful display and tribute to your loved one.

2. Plant a Tree

Planting a tree is a lovely way to remember your loved one. This could be done in your own yard or in a public space (just make sure you have permission). Not only will the tree serve as a tribute, but watching it grow over the years can bring a sense of comfort.

3. Create a Memorial Scrapbook

Memorial scrapbooks are great for getting the whole family involved and creating an item that will be a keepsake for years to come. A memorial scrapbook is much like a photo album except you can add other items such as ribbons or certificate your loved one earned, pieces of fabric from their clothing, drawings they created, and more. Also, these tend to be decorated with things like stickers, ink stamps, and pretty scrapbook paper.

4. Commission a Portrait

If you would like an original piece of artwork that serves as a tribute, consider contacting an artist and having them paint a portrait of your loved one. You can find artists locally or online by performing an online search. When you find an artist, make sure you ask to see their past work to ensure both of your styles match.

5. Upcycle and Item

Taking an old item your loved one had and upcycling it into something new is a wonderful way to keep their spirit alive. This could be anything from making a pillow or stuffed animal from their old clothing to turning their old bicycle into a garden planter feature.

6. Write Their Biography

Writing your loved one’s biography can be a lovely way to remember them as well as create a record of their life. This biography could be in intense detail and very long or an overview and shorter in length. You can ask other family members to help as they may have additional information they can add.

Final Thoughts

After your loved one’s cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX., creating a memorial can be a healing and therapeutic activity. The size and scale of the memorial don’t matter as any tribute will keep your mind and hands busy and help you to feel connected and close to your loved one.

If you have been tasked to help plan a funeral reception after a loved one has passed away, you may be nervous and not sure exactly where to start. While these receptions can be held in a variety of ways, you want to ensure you create one with dignity and creates a comfortable space for guests to mingle and support one another. Providers of cremation services in Irving, TX. know this can be a daunting task and share these steps for getting started.

1. Decide on a Budget

It is important to set a budget before you even begin planning the reception. This is because the budget will be your guide when it comes expenses for things like the location of the reception, food costs, table and chair rentals, and any other costs associated with the reception. If you do not have a set budget, the cost for a reception can get out of hand very quickly.

2. Select the Location of the Reception

While most funeral receptions are held in churches, funeral homes, or a family member’s home, they certainly don’t have to be. Many families may choose to hold the event at a local park or museum, hotel, restaurant or other event space.

Things to consider when deciding on the location, consider things such as:

• Is the space able to accommodate all of the guests?
• Does the location have a kitchen or can food be catered in?
• Does the location have things like chairs and tables or will those need to be rented?

3. Set the Menu

With most funeral receptions, guests will expect some sort of meal or refreshments. This could be anything from cookies and punch to a full blown three course meal. Some options that families may choose include:

• A buffet being offered
• Having a sit down meal catered in
• Catering in sandwiches and other “lighter” options
• Having guests bring in dishes for a potluck style reception

What you decide to serve and how you decide to serve it is entirely up to you as these are all appropriate options. Some factors that may impact your choice are

• Cost– Catered meals can be more expensive than lighter refreshments
• Space– Does the room have ample space for tables and chairs for a sit down meal? Is a buffet style table better for the space?
• Tone of the reception– If you want more of a casual environment where guests walk around and mingle then serving lighter refreshments may be good whereas a catered sit down meal has a more formal feel.

4. Invite the Guests

The final step is inviting the guests. This could be done as an announcement on a social media post or at the end of the memorial service. You could also send paper invitations in the mail. Just make sure however you invite your guests, you provide the day and time of the event as well as the address and directions.

After your loved one’s cremation services in Irving, TX. having a reception after the funeral or memorial service is a wonderful way for guests to gather, honor the deceased and support one another. Planning such an event can be stressful but if you take it step-by-step it can make the process much more manageable.

Making sure you choose the right provider for the task at hand is important. The same is true when it comes to your provider for cremation services in Dallas, TX. In fact, this is a case when you want to go above and beyond to ensue you are working with a trustworthy and reputable provider. Whether it is for your preplanning needs, or immediate needs for a loved one, you want to ensure the provider will treat your situation with the utmost respect and dignity.

With cremation rising in popularity over the years, more and more cremation providers are opening businesses. With so many providers how can you feel confident that the one you choose is a good one? One way is by asking questions. You can tell a lot about a provider by simply asking the right questions. If you aren’t sure what you should ask, keep reading as we cover the top three questions to ask.

1. Can My Family and I Tour Your Facility?

Visiting a location in person can tell you a lot about the business. Asking if you can tour their facility is not an odd question and any reputable facility will be more than happy to show you around. If they provider tries to discourage you from visiting or dodges the question, find another provider.

When touring the location, while you may not be able to enter in every area, you can still get a clear idea of things like their cleaning standards, how organized they are, even how they treat their staff. Take note of these things and see if you feel comfortable letting them take care of your loved one.

If you take a tour and notice the facility is dirty or staff is acting unprofessional, choose another provider. The way they handle their facility says a lot about the way they will handle your loved one. You want a clean, professional service.

2. How Will my Loved One be Taken Care Of?

Cremation providers that are reputable will have systems and processes in place to ensure the correct handling of your loved one while in their care. This will include things like how the body is handled and processed when it arrives at the facility to the cremation itself and how the cremains are handled and processed afterwards. Make sure to ask questions so that you fully understand their practices and even more so, that you feel comfortable and confident with them.

3. Do You Have Reviews and/or Testimonials?

Knowing how a cremation provider has treated their past clients can be a very good indicator of how they will treat you and future clients. You can often times find such reviews online by searching the cremation provider’s name.

If you cannot find any reviews online, simply ask them directly as they should be more than happy to share them with you. If they do not have any past testimonials or dodge your request to see them, find another provider.

Whether your are searching for a provider of cremation services in Dallas, TX. as part of your preplanning needs or immediately for a loved one, you want and need one that you can trust. Don’t be afraid to visit the facility in person and ask as many questions as you need to allow yourself to feel confident with your choice. Any reputable provider will be more than happy to help you feel comfortable.

As providers of cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX, we often get asked how to make a loved one’s memorial service unique and personal to them. While these services all tend to follow a standard order of service, there are several ways you can add a unique touch to them. Today we are going to talk about some of the main ways you can customize your loved one’s memorial service.

Create a Personal Memorial Tribute Video

A very common element you will see in a lot of services is a tribute video being played. These videos typically show a slideshow of photographs of the loved one and their life with a nice background music track playing.

This is a perfect opportunity to truly make this video special and personal to your loved one. By selecting photographs that express their personality, hobbies, and passions, you can let guests see more of your loved one that just the standard portrait photos. You could even include video clips that are from favorite times.

And when it comes to the background music, instead of selecting a general track, select something your loved one would have listened to. This could be a certain song, a song from a certain band, or even a type of music.

Create a One-of-a-Kind Display Table

Along the same lines as the video is a display table. Rather than a video, this is a still display and can include things that showcase their life and personality such as:

• Favorite photographs
• Awards, trophies, or other achievements
• Personal items they enjoyed such as a musical instrument, skateboard, sewing supplies, etc.
• Military honors
• Favorite books

Bring in Your Loved One’s Favorite Colors

If your loved one had a favorite color or color combination, consider using that as a theme throughout the service. You could have guests incorporate the color in their clothing, or use the color in things such as flowers, décor, or even in the memorial program pamphlet.

Play Your Loved One’s Favorite Music

Most services have several times when music is played. This could be in the beginning before the service gets started as the guests arrive, or even in the middle of the service when time is taken to play a specific song. Use these opportunities to play something your loved one would have wanted.

Consider Creating a Themed Service

To make a truly unique and personal memorial service, you could consider having an overall theme for the entire event. For example, if your loved one was an avid sports fan, you could use sports décor and colors throughout the service. Perhaps the loved to travel and were always visiting exotic places. You could use some of the places as inspiration for the décor, food, etc. Think about what your loved one adored and build a theme around that.

As providers of cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. We understand that you want your loved one’s service to be unique and personal to them and we are here to help create your ideal service to honor and pay tribute to them.

We often hear of death certificates and know we need them when our loved one passes, but what exactly are they and what are they used for? Today we are going to look at death certificates, what they are, how to obtain them, and why you need them after your loved one’s cremation services in Irving, TX.

What is a Death Certificate?

A death certificate is the official declaration of death when one passes. It is a document that states information regarding the death such as the person’s name, and date, time, and cause of death. These documents are required by law to be issued and are done so by the government.

Who Completes the Certificate?

The death certificate may completed by a variety or people. This could be a medical practitioner, such as doctor, hospice nurse, coroner, etc., and a licensed burial agent, funeral director, or family member.

Why Are Death Certificates Important?

Death certificates serve to verify your loved one’s death. They are also used on a broader scale to help track things such as overall mortality and society trends.

What Other Information Do I Need to Provide for Completion of the Certificate?

To complete the death certificate, the funeral director, family member, or licensed burial agent will need to know the following about the deceased:

• Their full name
• Social security number
• Date and Place of birth
• Address at time of death
• Marital status
• Spouse’s name (if applicable)
• Military information (if applicable)
• Father and mother’s name (with maiden name)
• Highest level of education
• Race
• Occupation

What Accounts Will Need a Certificate?

One of the biggest reasons you will need a death certificate is to show for proof of death when dealing with your loved one’s accounts. Some of these accounts include:

• Social security
• Bank accounts
• Credit cards
• Cell phone companies
• Utilities
• Student loans
• Mortgages
• Insurance
• Property transfers such as with vehicles or houses
• Retirement accounts
• Social media accounts
• Credit agencies
• Department of motor vehicles
• IRS/Taxes

These are just some of the accounts you may need to contact. The specific accounts will depend on what your loved one had open. Also note that some of these accounts will only require a copy of the certificate while others may need an original.

How Do I Obtain a Death Certificate?

If you are working with a funeral home or cremation provider, you can typically order the death certificate directly from them. It’s important to consider you may need more than one certificate for dealing with the different accounts your loved one had. If you need more copies you can get them from the county or state vital records office.

It is important to note than not anyone can order a certified copy. These are typically only allowed to be given to immediate family members, executors, and others who can prove they have a direct financial relation to the estate.

If you would like more information about cremation services in Irving, TX. or how to obtain a death certificate afterwards, give us a call and let one of our directors assist you one-on-one.

If you walk through a cemetery, you may notice not only headstones, but cremation benches as well. These benches act as a tribute to a loved one much in the way a headstone does. However, these benches differ in that the inside has a place that holds cremains after a loved one’s cremation services in Dallas, TX. Today we are going to explore these benches more as well as what types are available.

What is a Cremation Bench?

As mentioned earlier, a cremation bench houses the cremains of a loved one inside the bench structure. These benches are most often seen in cemeteries and cremation gardens but can also be found in parks and other memorial sites. They can contain the cremains of just one person or multiple people. These benches may also mark where ashes were scattered or buried.

Different Types of Cremation Benches

Just as there are several types of headstones marking a burial, there are several types of bench designs. These can include:

• Straight-Leg Bench- These benches are very simple and have minimal lines. The legs are straight with a stone slab serving as the seat. These benches typically house one to two loved ones with the cremains being held in the legs of the bench. Because of the simple style, a straight-leg bench can be one of the least expensive bench options.
• Panel Bench- A panel bench can house multiple cremains with many holding up to four loved ones. This bench also typically has more surface space to be able to be customized than other options.
• European-Inspired Bench- These benches have a seat that comes off so that the ashes may be placed inside. Instead of having legs, this bench as a single granite support. It is in this support that the ashes are placed.
• Memorial Bench- These benches are different in that the ashes of the loved one are not placed inside. Instead, these benches are just like other park benches and not hollow. Memorial benches are most often seen in places where a loved one’s ashes have been scattered, or in parks as families may wish to donate a bench. Most all of these benches will be engraved or marked in some way to honor the deceased. It may have their name, a poem, or other information engraved on it.

Choosing a Cremation Bench

With so many types and styles of cremation benches, it may be difficult deciding which one to choose. To help gauge which type would serve you best, you can ask yourself some questions such as:

• How much customization do I want?
• What is the location where the bench will be placed?
• What is my overall budget?
• How large is the designated space for the bench?
• How many urns do I want the bench to hold?

After your loved one’s cremation services in Dallas, TX., a cremation bench may be a perfect tribute and memorial to them and their life. If you have further questions or need any more information, feel free to reach out to us anytime as we are always available to help.