Monthly Archives: October 2021

What is a Eulogy, and How do you Write One?

If you’ve been asked to read a eulogy, you may be experiencing some anxiety or uncertainty if you have never had to give one before. A traditional burial service regularly happens in funeral homes in Columbia, MD, so there’s a good chance that yours will be no different. The eulogy is to pay tribute to the individual who has passed away in a way that honors their memory.

If you are not comfortable with writing, this could be challenging. But it can also be a rewarding experience because it allows you to reflect on how the individual affected your life. It is meant to be used to reflect on memories, accomplishments, and anything else that might honor the deceased and create a farewell that is a healing experience.

How Long Does It Need to be? 

The traditional eulogy is anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes long, which is one to two pages typed out. It’s advised to spend some time editing it and practicing speaking it out loud, so you know how it sounds.

What do you Include?

The document can contain things like accomplishments, add any details to help describe individual positive light. Some examples might include:

your memories with them
personal goals or hobbies they enjoyed
things that they accomplished in their life
what their relationships was like with family and friends

You can include things like favorite songs or poems. In addition, if they had something they had written like a mantra, or you can add in a short version of their life story. It’s also good to be mindful of who will be attending the function because the eulogy will be delivered to all different ages, so making sure your information is appropriate. You also want to focus on the positive qualities and avoid any unfinished business or negative expressions.

Eulogy Specifics and Getting Organized

You can start by gathering memories you have, or others have contributed. What kind of a person were they? Highlighting specific things about them like, did they have hobbies or make the best lasagna you have ever had? You can also include things like how you met them and a favorite memory.

Your next step is to get organized and look for a common theme between the information you have, such as the individual being brave or friendly. Once that’s completed writing a draft, editing it, and practicing it will be your next steps before delivering it.

Ensuring your Service is the Best it Can Be

Even if you’ve never written a eulogy before, following these simple steps will make the process an easier one for you. And if you are looking at funeral homes in Columbia, MD, Snowden Funeral Home is here to help. We believe in providing the highest quality care and compassion that is marked a business that has been run for over 100 years. We want to help you get through the process and help you create a memorial that honors your loved one.

What is an Urn?

Urns are a particular purchase that will happen when you plan cremation services or funeral homes in Columbia, MD. You could be experiencing some confusion around what an urn is used for and where you start with finding the right one for your loved ones remains. The urn is a receptacle for the deceased ashes; and will become a permanent container to hold them. There are some biodegradable alternatives on the market depending on the service you are planning, but here is some more information on your choices.

Urn Options and Cost

The urn can vary and run from $50 into the thousands depending on how extravagant you want the receptacle to be. There are different sizes available so knowing the dimensions of what your needs are is a priority.

Standard

A standard-sized urn should hold around 200 cubic inches. This equates out to about the size of an average adult. But there is a smaller alternative called a keepsake urn. These urns are made for pets or children and when the family members are sharing the ashes.

Companion

These urns are made to promote keeping loved ones together even after they have passed on. These come in two options; the first is what word is large enough to hold two individual remains—the second consists of two separate urns that can sit together on the same foundation.

Jewelry

Another option since you have the loved one’s remains turned into a piece of art or a specialized piece of jewelry so they can carry them with them wherever they go. You can use these as keepsakes, and there is an option for turning the ashes into a wearable manufactured diamond.

Materials

You can use various kinds of materials, including bronze, ceramic, gold, marble, and these are just a few. You should choose based on personal preference, and if you are planning on burying the container, check with your cemetery to see if there are any regulations on materials.

Other Considerations

Another thing to look at is the size that is required. Typically, online sellers will provide the cubic meters or the specific weight that can fit in the container. The shape is also a consideration, with the standard being broader at the top and narrower at the bottom. Also, some people looking variety of unique urn ideas perfect for your loved one. With all the options available on the market now, you can have almost any shape created that you feel is appropriate. 

Making the Right Choice 

Your last steps would be to consider the purpose of whether it’s a long-term fit or temporary. Also, if you’re going to have the remains at the service for the loved one and where you will store it. You may need to ensure the contents are sealed to prevent spills, or you may have to take into consideration purchasing a biodegradable urn if you’re planning on burying them.

No matter the situation, Snowden Funeral Home is here to help you with all your cremation services in Columbia, MD. We understand the difficulty of planning these events and want to help make your experience more manageable with our compassionate care and support.

Nontraditional Burial Options for your Loved One

Traditionally funeral home and cremation services in Clarksburg, MD, is a go-to for individuals worldwide. They are a well-known, functional, and trusted choice to lay loved ones to rest, but there are now some alternatives on the market available now. In some situations, your budget may be an issue, and you may need a cheaper option, or the individual was incredibly unique, and you want to express this. Hence, you want to provide them with a ceremony that matches their presence. Here are just a few ideas to help you get started.

Water Burial

Traditionally the remains or scattered on the water or a whole body disposal can occur depending on where you reside. This event happens after the individual’s remains have been cremated and turned to ash. There are regulations from the EPA that would need to be addressed before moving forward with this ceremony.

There’s also another alternative to this option. It is taking the individual’s remains and mixing them into concrete that is eco-friendly, then turned into a reef formation and placed under the water.

Burial in Space

Another alternative that’s popped up in the market is to have the deceased’s remains transported into space. There are specific companies that offer private options and are reasonably priced.

Memorial Jewelry

A beautiful reminder that you can wear is to take your loved one’s remains and turn them into a memorial diamond. These are lab-grown alternatives to the natural form, and they are produced using your loved one’s ashes.

Art or Glassware

If your loved one was a fan of glass creations, this might be a great way to celebrate them. Glassblowing is a practice for thousands of years, and individuals can now incorporate remains into art pieces that can be put on display for remembrance.

Fireworks

This visually stunning end-of-life celebration can consist of having the remains placed in fireworks used in professional-level displays. The ashes are placed in self-firing rockets, or you can use them in a large public exhibition.

Tree Pod

This conservative act takes on life after death because the burial pods hold the cremated ashes or the whole body. After they are prepared, they are then buried, and a tree is planted above it, which nourishes the soil.

Biodegradable Option

This choice is great because it gives you another eco-friendly option where the remains are placed into a biodegradable urn and then placed into the water. The breakdown time is about 15 to 20 minutes and allows for the ashes to disperse over time.

Finding the Right Choice for you

With all the options in the market, it’s easy to find one that is the right fit for your loved one. Traditional funerals and cremation services in Clarksburg, MD, will always be the top choice because they offer a space for the loved one to reside where they will always be accessible. Snowden Funeral Home understands how difficult end-of-life decisions can be. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality customer service and are here to support you through your loved one’s funeral or cremation process.

What do you do When you Cannot Attend a Funeral?

Services are held for the deceased’s loved ones at funeral homes in Clarksburg, MD, regularly. It’s a traditional event that takes place for individuals to say their goodbyes. They can be emotionally charged experiences, and there may be times when you may not be available to attend. This can bring up feelings such as guilt or fear of judgment, but there are situations when it is acceptable not to go.

What are the Attendance Rules?

There may be specific rules or customs that need to be followed depending on the family. Most individuals know that not everyone will attend, so here is the etiquette we recommend you follow.

When you Should Go

There are a few situations when you should do everything you can to attend, and these are:

if you are an immediate relative
if you are close friends with someone immediately related
being able to get off work and afford the travel cost

Because the event isn’t necessarily about the loved one who’s passed away, it’s about showing support for the family. So generally, if any of these apply, then it is recommended that you attend out of respect, and it helps the family to know they are supported.

When you can Skip it

There are times when it is appropriate not to attend the event. Situations can vary, so taking into account when it would be wise not to go is also advised.

you are unable to schedule time off
going to the event will be too expensive
being there can upset the family
the event was made private
family or work-related obligations around the events time that cannot be changed

A few things to ask yourself is, will you be upset that you didn’t go? And is not going the right choice for you? Most individuals understand that life can be complicated, and it may be okay if you miss the event.

Alternatives to Attending

There are some alternatives if you are unable or decided not to go. One kind gesture is to call the family and offer support; this lets them know if they need anything, you are available. Another alternative is to send flowers. Culturally they can offer the symbolism of your presence without you physically being there. Another option is to send a card expressing your sympathy. Writing a note of remembrance about the loved one or kind words is always encouraged.

It is Never Easy

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to not attending one of these functions. The situation is all based on the families’ feelings, which will help make your decision an easier one.

Snowden Funeral Home understands how painful it is to lose a loved one. So if you need to look at funeral homes in Clarksburg, MD, we want you to know that we are here to help. Let our expert team guide you through the process to help you create a beautiful end-of-life ceremony for your loved one.

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