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.

Wake, Viewing, Visitation, and Funeral: What Each One Means and How They’re Different

Wake, Viewing, Visitation, and Funeral: What Each One Means and How They’re Different

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling wake vs viewing or visitation vs funeral at 1 a.m., you’re not alone. Families often inherit a swirl of terms in the days after...

Traveling to a Funeral: Etiquette, Planning, and Making the Most of Time with Family

Traveling to a Funeral: Etiquette, Planning, and Making the Most of Time with Family

Traveling for a funeral is one of those trips you never wanted to make and yet feel deeply compelled to take. You may be staring at flight prices, juggling childcare...

What to Write in a Sympathy Card: Messages for Friends, Coworkers, and Acquaintances

What to Write in a Sympathy Card: Messages for Friends, Coworkers, and Acquaintances

Staring at a blank sympathy card can feel strangely intimidating. You care about the person who is grieving, you want to say the right thing, and yet every phrase you...

What Happens at a Visitation or Viewing?

What Happens at a Visitation or Viewing?

A visitation or viewing is a time for family and friends to come together, share memories, and offer support after a loss. For those attending for the first time, the...

Is It Okay to Wear Cremation Jewelry?

Is It Okay to Wear Cremation Jewelry?

You’ve likely found yourself holding a pendant or bracelet that carries ashes and wondered, “Is this really okay?” For many people, cremation jewelry isn’t about fashion, it’s about having a...

Is It Okay to Take Photos at a Funeral? Etiquette, Boundaries, and Alternatives

Is It Okay to Take Photos at a Funeral? Etiquette, Boundaries, and Alternatives

Why This Question Comes Up So Often In the past, funerals were private, camera-free spaces. Today, nearly everyone carries a phone with a high-quality camera, and moments of grief often...

Pets at Funerals and Memorials: When It Works, When It Doesn’t, and How to Prepare

Pets at Funerals and Memorials: When It Works, When It Doesn’t, and How to Prepare

Bringing a pet to a funeral or memorial can be a profoundly moving and comforting experience, offering a sense of companionship and emotional support during a time of grief. For...

What to Wear to a Funeral, Wake, or Celebration of Life: Dress Code Made Simple

What to Wear to a Funeral, Wake, or Celebration of Life: Dress Code Made Simple

Grief does not come with a wardrobe checklist. Most people only attend a few services in their lifetime, so it is completely normal to wonder what to wear to a...