The Funeral.com Journal
Resources to help you create tributes as unique as the people (and pets) you love. Learn how engraving, photos, colors, and symbols add meaning; discover scattering rituals and at-home memorial ideas. We focus on the details that matter—because small choices can carry a lifetime of comfort.
How Long Does Cremation Take and What Families Can Expect Next
When a loved one passes away, families often wonder how long cremation takes and what to expect during the process. Because cremation is not a daily experience for most, it’s...
What Size Cremation Urn Do I Need? Easy Guide to Matching Urn Capacity to Body Weight
A lot of families think they’re shopping for an urn, when really they’re trying to answer a more tender question: “How do we do this in a way that feels...
Embalming: What It Is, When It Helps, and When You Can Skip It
If you’ve found yourself searching for information about embalming during a period of grief or urgent funeral planning, you’re not alone. Most families aren’t curious about the technical process, they...
Cremation Jewelry: A Gentle, Practical Guide to Keeping Someone Close
There comes a quiet, reflective moment for many families after a cremation, when the urgent tasks have eased and most of the paperwork is complete. The temporary container of ashes...
Tombstone Words in a Cremation-First World: What to Write, Where to Place a Marker, and How Ashes Fit
A single word like “tombstone” can carry a surprising amount of weight. Sometimes the question is practical—what should it say, how much space do we have, what will the cemetery...
What to Put on a Pet Memorial Stone
A pet memorial stone is more than a marker, it is a lasting tribute to a cherished companion. It provides a quiet, dedicated place for reflection, remembrance, and connection. Choosing...
What Actually Happens During Pet Cremation?
For many families, the idea of pet cremation can feel like a mysterious process. Your pet leaves your care, and later, a container of ashes is returned. The time in...
How to Honor a Pet’s Birthday or Adoption Day After They’re Gone
The first time your pet’s birthday or adoption day comes around after they’re gone can feel unexpectedly heavy. The date carries a strange gravity, pulling memories forward, the “gotcha day”...
What Should I Put On My Dog’s Grave?
Standing at your dog’s grave is a moment filled with emotion, memory, and the quiet ache of a bond that shaped your life every single day. It’s where silence feels...
Bereavement Leave and Time Off Work After a Death: What Employees Should Know
Experiencing a death in the family can make work feel both distant and urgent at the same time. Balancing funeral arrangements, paperwork, and family communications while managing job responsibilities often...
Short-Notice Funerals and Quick Cremation Services: What’s Realistic on a Tight Timeline
The hours after a death can feel urgent and overwhelming. Families often juggle travel logistics, faith-based timelines, and the emotional weight of saying goodbye. In these moments, questions about short...
Cremation vs Traditional Burial: Pros, Cons, Costs, and Family Considerations
Deciding between cremation and traditional burial goes beyond logistics—it is a reflection of your family’s values, emotional needs, and how you want your loved one remembered. The choice touches both...
How Quickly Do I Have To Decide About Cremation or Burial?
Time moves strangely after a pet passes. Minutes stretch into hours, yet decisions can feel rushed. Facing a veterinarian or pet cremation provider, you may be asked where your pet’s...
Average Funeral and Cremation Costs Today: Updated Price Guide and Ways to Compare
Hearing funeral costs for the first time can feel overwhelming. One funeral home may quote a packaged service while another provides a long, itemized sheet. Articles online reference the average...