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funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO
Memorial Funds: Helping with Funeral Costs

Funerals can be expensive. Flowers, caskets, memorial programs, funeral favors, and more can all add up quickly. If families had not made arrangements prior, it can all be overwhelming. This can be especially true if the death was sudden as many families may have a difficult time coming up with this extra money in such a short timeframe. As directors of funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO. we understand the burden this can sometimes cause families. That’s why today we are going to discuss memorial funds.

What is a Memorial Fund?

A memorial fund is an account where people can donate money to honor the deceased as well as help the surviving family. These accounts can be set up for many different reasons some of the most common beings:

  • Funeral Costs – As stated above, with funerals being able to be quite costly, many families will set up a memorial fund to help offset some of these costs.
  • Unexpected Expenses – Other than funeral costs, there may be additional expenses the family will need to pay such as getting the deceased’s affairs in order, securing their property and/or pets, etc.
  • Memorials or other Tributes – Setting up a memorial fund is a wonderful way to help pay for a memorial for your loved one. This could be anything from planting a tree to donating a bench.
  • Surviving Children – Memorial funds are often set up for surviving children of the deceased. This money typically goes to things like school supplies, tuition, and living expenses while they attend a school or a savings fund.

How to Set Up a Memorial Fund

Luckily, setting up a memorial fund is very easy and just about anyone who can use the internet can set one up. There are several sites that allow for free funds to be designed as well as ones that can be purchased that have additional features. No matter what site you choose for your fund, the setup is typically the same and includes these steps:

  1. Create an account
  2. Choose your webpage template
  3. Edit the template to include all of your image and text content
  4. Set up banking and personal information
  5. Publish the webpagefuneral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO

Once the webpage has been published, it will be live. This means that anyone with the link may visit the page and donate. One ideal place to place this link is in a post on social media. In this post explain what the fund is for as well as why it is important. Then include the link and invite people to share. This will ensure the posts gains the most traction.

How Long Can the Memorial Fund Last?

There is no set rule on how long the memorial fund can remain active. Some families may set a monetary goal and leave the fund active until that goal is reached. Other families may opt to only have it last a certain timeframe such as six months after the funeral. It is truly up to each family how long they wish to keep it active.

If you would like more information about memorial funds and how they can help with costs from funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO., call us anytime and talk one-on-one with one of our knowledgeable funeral directors.

funeral homes in Lakewood, CO
10 Unique Funeral Locations

While it is customary for funerals to be held in churches or funeral homes in Lakewood, CO., there are several other locations you might want to consider. Choosing an alternative location can not only make your funeral unique but also express your loved one’s personality or passions. For example, if they loved animals, hosting a funeral service at a zoo might be a nice tribute. Keep reading as we explore some more untraditional places to hold your service.

1. On a Boat

If your loved one adored the ocean or lake, why not hold a service on a boat? There are many boats that you can charter that come in all types and sizes. You can even make the service more special by timing it with the sunset.

2. Local, State, or National Park

Was your loved one an avid camper? Maybe they enjoyed hiking and could always be found on the trails each weekend. If they had a favorite park or hiking spot, this may be a beautiful setting for their service as being surrounded by trees and fresh air can be a very serene environment.

3. museum

Whether it was the art or the special exhibits, if your loved one enjoyed the museum this may be the perfect space to host their service. And with most museums having event spaces, it can make a lovely location.

4. Historic Home

A very unique location to hold your loved one’s service is in a historic city home or mansion as these historic homes are full of charm and beauty.

5. Family Home

If you would like to keep your loved one’s service very intimate and personal, why not have it at a family home?

6. School or University

For those who had deep ties with their college or university, holding the service on the school grounds can be a fitting tribute.

7. Theme Park

This location may not be for everyone since it is on the very unconventional side, however, if your loved one enjoyed rides and parks, this could be the perfect setting for their service.

8. Public Garden

If you are looking for a truly beautiful setting to hold your service, a public garden can be the ideal location. These gardens are full of flowers and foliage that make the most beautiful backdrop.

9. Sports Stadium

Holding a funeral at a sports stadium might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those loved ones who were passionate about sports, what could be more fitting?

10. Observatoryfuneral homes in Lakewood, CO

Were your loved ones into sci-fi? Did they marvel at the stars and galaxies? Holding their service at an observatory is a perfect location.

Final Thoughts

While some families may still prefer the more traditional locations for funerals such as churches and funeral homes in Lakewood, CO. it is nice to know there are other options for those families that want something a little more unconventional. Whether you hold your service in a church or a sports stadium is entirely up to you and your family as well as what your loved one would have wanted.

funeral homes in Denver, CO
Best Free Design Software for Your Funeral

When considering items needed for a funeral, design software is normally not the first thing you may think of. However, there are many cases when having this software will be extremely beneficial. Today we are going to look at some of the best free software that is available online as well as some of the instances where it may come in handy for your services with funeral homes in Denver, CO.

What is Design Software?

Simply put, design software is a tool to help you design materials like flyers, social media posts, programs, brochures, and even videos. It is easy to use and most often times comes with preloaded templates that are available for you to use.

Why Would I Need Design Software?

When it comes to funerals, there are many instances when having good design software can come in handy. Just some of the items design software can help you with are:

  • Designing of the memorial program
  • Creating images for a memorial website
  • Creating images for any social media posts
  • Creating and editing a video tribute
  • Creating a memorial website
  • Designing images for a table display

Best Free Software

Fortunately today there is a number of free design software that are available right online. While each one has its own set of features maybe making it more suitable for certain projects than others, they all can help you in creating and designing beautiful material for your loved one’s funeral. Some of the top free design software programs are:

  • Canva – Canva is by far one of the most popular choices. This is because it is extremely easy to use with drag-and-drop features. It also provides a ton of premade designs, images, templates, and more for users to have access to.
  • Design Wizard – This is a newer program that is gaining traction quickly as it is easy to use and has a wide variety of templates ready to go. They provide 24/7 support with chatbot features making it a great choice for those new to design software.
  • Crello – This software is outstanding for creating stunning graphics for use in websites and social media posts. With over 30,000 ready-to-use templates, users have more than enough templates to choose from.funeral homes in Denver, CO
  • BeFunky – BeFunky is perfect for editing images, and creating new ones as well as photo collages. The paid version offers users many more features, but the free version is plenty for the beginner designer to get the job done.
  • Vectr – New users will enjoy this software as it is easy to understand without a big learning curve. It is also nice because it has a web version as well as a mobile app to allow more flexibility on when and how you design.

Final Thoughts

While you certainly don’t have to have design software for your funeral, there are many times when it can come in handy. Creating things like the memorial program, images for a display table, designing a video tribute, and more can be much easier with the use of the software. And with so many free versions available right online, it makes it easier than ever to try them.

If you would like more information about designing material for your services with funeral homes in Denver, CO. give us a call and let us help you with whatever you may need.

cemetery in Aurora, CO
Keep These Things in Mind When Selecting a Casket

Making arrangements for ground burial in a cemetery in Aurora, CO. requires making several decisions. Other than the grave marker, one of the most important decisions is the selection of your loved one’s casket. With so many types and styles, as well as ways to customize them, this decision can be a little daunting. We are going to look at some of the major elements to keep in mind when making this important choice.

Casket Material Construction

One of the things you will need to decide is what type of material you want the casket to be made from. There are several different materials available with each having its own set of characteristics such as some being more durable with others may be more decorative.

Some of the most common types to choose from include copper, bronze, metal, gold, stainless steel, wood, veneer, laminate, wicker, bamboo, and even eco-friendly caskets.

Type of Casket Top

Caskets typically offer two choices when it comes to the tops. Either a half-couch or full-couch design. A half-couch design consists of the top half being able to be opened with the bottom half staying stationary. By contrast, a full-couch design allows the top to be opened fully on both halves.

Inside Lining

The inside lining of the casket is often satin but families can choose from other materials such as velvet, and polyester. These linings can be found in different standard colors as well as offer additional colors that can be used to customize a loved one’s casket.

Inside Design

Many caskets offer a design to be added to the inside top lid so that when it is open, the design can be seen. These designs can be found to include photographs, embroidered designs, and even decorations medallions may be added.

Exterior Design

Not only do families have options when it comes to interior design, but the exterior of the casket can also have a design. This design can be on just one part of the casket or wrap the casket entirely. Some popular designs include:

  • Having a cross or portrait of the deceased on part of the casket top
  • Adding a flag design to the entire top of the casket
  • Designing all exterior sides of the casket with a design such as flowers, clouds, or sunrise

With today’s technology, almost any design can be transferred onto the casket including old photographs and custom drawings.cemetery in Aurora, CO

Additional Elements

Once the design of the casket has been determined, there are additional elements that are available. Some of these include things like memory drawers and secret compartments where families can add personal mementos to be buried with their loved ones.

Other features are more decorative in nature such as the hardware used and embellishments added.

Final Thoughts

With so many options, selecting the casket to bury your loved one in the cemetery in Aurora, CO. can seem overwhelming. Just remember to take it step-by-step, one element at a time and you will be sure to design a casket as beautiful and unique as your loved one.

cemetery in Wheat Ridge, CO
Coping With Grief by Helping Others

Experiencing grief is hard, Plain, and simple. When we lose a loved one, the emotions we feel can be overwhelming. While time does help, this brings little comfort at the moment. One thing that can help us get through this grief is by helping others. The act of giving helps us redirect our focus to something good and positive. While we may not feel instantly happy, these feelings can provide a balance for our well-being. After your loved one’s services in the cemetery in Wheat Ridge, CO., here are some things you can do to help others.

Donate to a Charity

If your loved one had a favorite charity or cause they stood behind and supported, a wonderful act of kindness you can do is make a donation to this organization. This donation could be a one-time thing or you could set up a reoccurring donation to be made monthly or so. You could also make a donation in your loved one’s name as an extra way to pay tribute to and honor them.

Donate Old Items

Although cleaning out your loved one’s old items can be difficult, knowing they might help someone else can make the process a little easier. There are many places that will take these old items and put them to very good use. Some places include:

  • Organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army can use any household items
  • Police stations will often take old toys and stuffed animals (these items are often given to any children who are in their care due to emergencies or family issues)
  • Homeless shelters can use old clothes, pillows, blankets
  • Women and children’s shelters always need clothes, blankets, et
  • Schools and libraries will often take old books and videos

Volunteering Your Timecemetery in Wheat Ridge, CO

Finding a place to volunteer your time is a beautiful way to help others. You could offer your time to an organization that your loved one supported such as the local humane society. You could also offer your time to places that might have helped your loved one when they were alive such as the hospital or retirement home. If your loved one adored the outdoors, you could contact a local park and offer to help be on the clean-up or maintenance crew. The possibilities are endless.

Giving Food to a Food Bank

If your loved one had a kitchen full of food when they passed, take what you can to a local food bank. There are so many people that depend on these food banks for their family’s food. Knowing your loved one’s food can help these families stay nourished and can fill you with feelings of comfort.

Final Thoughts

While no one act will simply take away all of the sorry or grief you are feeling after your loved one’s passing, helping others and showing kindness can help. By performing these acts, our brain produces more of the “feel good” hormones. Although these hormones won’t be enough to completely take over, they are enough to at least help balance us out in this difficult time. That’s why after your loved one’s service in the cemetery in Wheat Ridge, CO., finding ways to help others is important.

funeral homes in Thornton, CO
Remembering Your Loved One: 8 DIY Upcycling Ideas

Feeling close to a loved one after they pass is a wonderful way to find comfort. This can be done in many ways but one way that is growing in popularity is upcycling an old item of your loved one. If you are not familiar with the term “upcycling”, it simply means taking an old, unused item, and transforming it into a new one that is used in a different way. Keep reading as directors of funeral homes in Thornton, CO. share eight DIY upcycling ideas.

1. Tea Cup Candles

Did your loved one have a teacup they loved or a collection? If so, taking these tea cups and making candles out of them is a wonderful way to upcycle this item. You can then use the candle as part of a memorial or simply pretty décor for your home or office.

2. Vinyl Record Clock

If your loved one was a music fan, why not take one of their old vinyl records and turn it into a clock? There are several DIY videos on YouTube as well as other online tutorials on how to complete this project.

3. Bicycle Planter

Add a touch of your loved one to your garden by making a planter out of their old bicycle. This is not a difficult project and will add a wonderful personal touch to your garden.

4. Make a Quilt

By using some of your loved one’s old clothes, you can make a beautiful memorial quilt. There are tutorials on how to do this or you could take the pieces of clothing to a professional and have them create the quilt.

5. Spoon Windchimes

Taking some of your loved one’s old silverware and creating a windchime is an easy afternoon DIY project. You could use only one type of silverware such as all spoons, or all forks, or get creative and mix it up.

6. Create a Pillowfuneral homes in Thornton, CO

A very easy and wonderful way to feel close to your loved one is to create a pillow out of one of their old t-shirts. There are instructions online on how to do this with or without sewing. Having this pillow to snuggle with can be a great way to feel comforted by your loved one.

7. Transform Furniture

If your loved one had an old dresser, there are ways to take the drawers and create a brand new side table. You can use this side table next to your bed, in your living room beside your couch, or any other place where you want to be reminded of your loved one. Finding these instructions online is easily done by performing a Google search.

8. Transform a Piece of Jewelry

A piece of jewelry can be transformed into several different new items. From using pieces to turn into hair clips to keychains, there are a ton of DIY videos to help guide you through whichever project you choose.

After your loved one’s services from funeral homes in Thornton, CO. finding ways to feel connected to them can go a long way in helping you to heal. Creating something new from something old also reminds us that even though they may be gone from this world, their spirit lives on in the next.

funeral homes in Aurora, CO
Using Journal Prompts to Cope With Grief

After making arrangements with funeral homes in Aurora, CO., grieving the loss of our loved one is normal. It is normal and it is necessary. It is our human way of processing what has happened, accepting it, and learning how to go on in this new way. Although grieving is natural, sometimes, if we are not careful, it can turn into depression.

Luckily, there are things you can do to help ensure you are processing and dealing with your grief in a healthy way. One of those ways is through writing and using journal prompts to help guide you.

Why Writing is Beneficial

Studies have shown again and again that writing-especially journaling- can be extremely effective when it comes to dealing with trauma, loss, and grief. Taking pen to paper and writing allows you to let go, get in your flow state, and connect with your emotions on a much deeper level than just thinking about them.

By exploring your feelings on paper you may discover new insights into them or even how they may connect with other emotions you are experiencing.. Because the physical act of writing helps your brain make these insights and connections, it is suggested you do not journal on your laptop or smartphone, but instead use pen or pencil and paper to physically write out your thoughts.

What Are Journal Prompts?

If you aren’t familiar with journal prompts, they are simply predetermined question or thought that gives you a topic to write about. They can be general prompts or they can be focused all around one main topic. Some examples of general self-discovery prompts are as follows:

  • Think back to your favorite day. What made it so great? What can you do to recreate it?
  • What do I know to be true now that I didn’t know a year ago?
  • When do I feel most in tune with myself?
  • How would my best friend describe me?
  • What makes me feel most grounded?

You can use prompts such as these or find more grief-specific prompts, or a combination of both; the choice is yours

How Journal Prompts Can Helpfuneral homes in Aurora, CO

When you first begin to journal, it may feel very uncomfortable. This is especially true if this activity is new to you. Using journal prompts can help because they give you direction and a focus to write about. Rather than think about what you should write, you can simply look at the prompt for direction and start writing.

You can find journal prompts online by doing a Google search. You can also find journals with preprinted prompts in them. Another source is online sites like Etsy where individuals design and sell prompts in both digital and physical formats.

Final Thoughts

While grieving is a natural process, it can be an extremely challenging one. Because of this, it is crucial to make a conscious effort to engage in activities that help you process your grief in the healthiest way possible. If you need further grief support after your loved one’s services from funeral homes in Aurora, CO., please reach out to us any time. We are always here to help and have sample resources we can assist you with.

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.

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.

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