cremation services in Lakewood, CO
Design a Memorial Program in 3 Easy Steps

After your loved one’s cremation services in Lakewood, CO. you may wish to hold a memorial service. An important item in this service will be the memorial program. This program is a pamphlet that is given to guests to let them know the order of service. This program may also include additional information as well as serve as a keepsake of the service.

While creating this program is not difficult, it can be a little overwhelming if you haven’t made one in the past. If you find yourself needing to make one, keep reading for step-by-step instructions to guide you right along.

1. Gather the Information

Even though memorial services may be customized and unique, the programs typically follow a pretty standard format. This format is:

  • Front Cover – Includes an image of the deceased as well as birth date, date of passing, and any information about the service including date and location
  • Inside Pages – Here you will find the order of service as well as possibly the obituary
  • Back Cover – This space is used for special acknowledgments and announcements from the family

Looking at the format you can see what information you will need to gather. Things like:

  • Portrait of deceased as well as birth date and date of passing
  • The order of the service
  • Names of anyone delivering any parts of the service (such as the eulogy or music)
  • Name of the officiant
  • The official obituary
  • Name of any pallbearers (may appear on the back cover)
  • Any special thank you messages or acknowledgments from the family

2. Design the Program

Don’t worry if you are not a graphic designer by trade. Luckily today there are hundreds of online templates you can choose from. These templates come in several formats such as Word, Photoshop, Canva, and more, and can be easily customized. Simply add the information and images that you have gathered to replace the ones in the template and you are ready to go!

If you would like to have an original program designed, you could do so by reaching out to a graphic designer either locally or online as well as talking with print shops as they often have in-house designers.

3. Print the Programcremation services in Lakewood, CO

All that is left is to print the programs. If you only need a small amount, you might be tempted to print these using a home printer. While this may sound like a good idea, it is not recommended. It is true that home printers have come a long way and can print in very good quality, but they are still no match for a professional printer. With this being such an important item, you want it to look it’s very best so make sure you take it to the professionals.

Final Thoughts

After your loved one’s cremation services in Lakewood, CO., holding a memorial service is a wonderful way to honor and celebrate them. Having an informative and beautifully designed memorial program is a lovely addition to this service. It offers guests a way to know what the service will be consisting of, and who will be speaking at various times, as well as serve as a memorial keepsake.

funeral homes in Lakewood, CO
What to Say After a Death Has Occurred

If you are like most people, you have a difficult time finding the right words when it comes to expressing sympathy after a death. It may be that a friend or coworker has lost a loved one and whether you are looking for words to write in a card or say directly to them, your mind goes blank. You want to make sure what you say is appropriate and meaningful, yet you don’t want to ramble or say something inappropriate. Don’t worry as directors of funeral homes in Lakewood, CO. has some tips to help.

After a Death Has Occurred

It can always be an awkward moment when you see someone who has recently lost a loved one. After all, do you bring it up? Do you ignore the topic? If they bring it up, what should you say?

While it may feel uncomfortable to bring it up, it is polite to do so. Know that by doing so you are giving them an opportunity to talk about what they are going through. While they may or may not open up, providing them the chance to do so shows your support and will be appreciated.

Whether they open up or not, follow their lead. If they begin to talk about the passing, let them by listening patiently and offering your support. If they move on to another subject quickly after mentioning the passing, then move right along with them.

If you are most likely not going to see them in person, then sending a handwritten card or calling them on the phone is always a nice way to express your condolences.

Examples of Things to Say

When talking with the bereaved family either at the funeral or afterward, there are some simple things you can say that is appropriate, kind, and show sympathy. Some of these include:

  • He was a wonderful man and will be missed greatly
  • You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
  • I’m so sorry for your loss
  • She will be missed by everyone who knew herfuneral homes in Lakewood, CO

If you knew the deceased more closely you can add something more personal such as, “I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister, Amy. She was always such a bright soul at work and she will be greatly missed.”

Examples of What Not to Say

One common thing that people say if they have also suffered a past loss is, “I know what you are going through”. While this is meant as a way to connect with the grieving person, it really isn’t helpful and should be avoided. Even if you have suffered a similar loss, everyone processes and works through grief in different ways. Therefore, you cannot truly understand what they are going through.

Additionally, stay away from general statements such as “He’s in a better place”, or “At least he had a great life”. You may mean well, but these words do little to provide comfort.

Hopefully, these tips from directors of funeral homes in Lakewood, CO. have allowed you to feel more comfortable when talking with someone who has recently suffered a loss. If you need further information or help on how to help a grieving friend, please reach out to us as we have several resources we can point you to.

cremation services in Denver, CO
Placing Remains in a Columbarium Niche

While cremation services in Denver, CO. are accepted by many religions, the way the remains are handled may vary. In the Catholic faith, it is preferred that the remains stay together and not separated or scattered. Because of this, many families in this religion may choose to have their loved one’s remains interred in a columbarium niche.

What is a Columbarium?

For many, the word “columbarium” may be unfamiliar. While you may have seen one before either in person or maybe in a movie, you may be unaware of what it was at the time.

A columbarium is a structure that can be found as a wall, building, or part of another structure. What makes this structure unique is that it is made up of individual spaces called “niches”. These niches can all be the same size or vary in height and width. It is in these niches that families will have their loved one’s urns placed.

Types of Niches

With most all columbariums there are typically two types of niches, one being a metal front niche. This means that the front-facing wall of the niche is made of a type of metal. Because of this, the contents inside the niche are hidden from view. Most metal front niches will offer the families an opportunity to have a plaque or other marker engraved that will be on the outside of the niche.

The other type of common niche is the glass front niche. Because the front-facing wall of the niche is made from glass, the contents of the niche are able to be seen. Many families enjoy this type of niche because it offers them a chance to add photos or other special mementos in the niche to be seen.

Because of the glass front, some of these niches may have the ability to have an outside marker Due to this, families may have the actual urn engraved with the deceased’s name and other important information.

Considerations When Choosing a Columbarium Nichecremation services in Denver, CO

If you are considering a columbarium niche for a loved one there are some key factors you should keep in mind. These include:

  • Location – You want a location that is easily accessible for those who wish to visit. If there are many family members who live far from one another, finding a niche in a central location so that it’s easier for everyone to visit may be a good idea. Also, think about if you would like a niche in an outside or inside columbarium.
  • Size – If you are in need of an oversized urn, make sure the columbarium can accommodate one. Many niches may not fit the larger size.
  • Condition – You want to make sure the columbarium you choose is in good condition. If you see cracks in the wall, weed overgrowth, or any other signs of damage or poor upkeep, choose another one.

Final Thoughts

Columbariums can be a great option for many families in the Catholic religion as they offer a beautiful setting to place their loved one’s remains. If you need more information about columbariums, niches, or cremation services in Denver, CO. feel free to reach out to us anytime as we welcome the opportunity to help you in any way you need.

funeral homes in Denver, CO
Funeral Flowers vs Sympathy Flowers: What You Need to Know

Flowers have played an important role in funerals for hundreds of years. They are looked upon as a way to honor the deceased, represent the fragile nature of life, and bring comfort to those left behind. Today you can find flowers being used in funerals in the way of sprays and other arrangements, referred to as funeral flowers, as well as smaller arrangements referred to as sympathy flowers being sent to the family in mourning. Directors of funeral homes in Denver, CO. share more about what you need to know about these two types of arrangements.

Funeral Flowers

As mentioned, funeral flowers are used as part of the funeral. They can also be used in other services such as wakes, viewings, and visitations. Most all funeral flower arrangements will be sent by family or very close family friends. Because these arrangements are used in the funeral they are delivered to the funeral home or church rather than an individual family member’s home.

Most often funeral flowers will be in arrangements that include:

  • Standing sprays
  • Baskets
  • Wreaths
  • Casket Mounds
  • Shapes such as hearts and crosses

Sympathy Flowers

While funeral flowers are a visual tribute to the deceased, sympathy flowers are meant to offer support and express sympathy for the grieving family. These arrangements are typically smaller and are delivered straight to the family member’s home.

Funeral flowers are typically only sent by family or very close family friends, but sympathy flowers can be sent by friends, extended family, and even acquaintances. Anyone who wishes to send their condolences can do so with sympathy flowers.

You can find premade arrangements through online retailers and florists. You can also visit a local florist or retailer and have them create a special one-of-a-kind arrangement to send.

Best Types of Flowers

No matter what type of arrangement you are sending, there are some types of flowers that are more appropriate than others for this circumstance. Some of the most popular and common flowers and their meanings are:

  • Lilies– represent rebirth
  • Orchids– express hope, peace, and courage
  • Tulips– signify peace, love, and hope
  • Daises– represent hope and peace
  • Snapdragons– excess grace and strength
  • Iris– show faith, courage, admiration, and wisdom
  • Gladiolus– express integrity and strength
  • Lavender– represents devotion, grace, and purity

Things to Considerfuneral homes in Denver, CO

When sending funeral flowers, you will want to make sure you send them directly to the church or funeral home. Make sure to include the name of the deceased or the family on the card so that the location will know which funeral they are for.

Also, because these flowers are being used in the funeral, you will need to make sure you send them in a timely manner so they will arrive in time.

With sympathy flowers, you have more flexibility when it comes to sending them. You can feel free to send these flowers anywhere from right after the passing to a few weeks afterward. Don’t hesitate to send an arrangement because you think too much time has passed as the delivery of flowers is always a welcomed gift that brightens anyone’s day.

If you would like more information on flowers for funeral homes in Denver, CO, give us a call as we are always here to help answer any questions you may have.

Immediate Need

303-425-9511

General Inquiry

303-502-9179

X

*** In observance of Holy Thursday and Good Friday, Cemetery and Funeral Home offices will close at 2PM on March 28th and are closed on March 29th. Cemetery visiting hours remain the same. Our immediate need phone number, 303-425-9511, is available anytime, day and night (24/7). ***

X