Funerals and Eulogies Questions

1. What Is a "Green Funeral?"

   A green funeral involves conducting final arrangements and disposing of a body in ways that restore and conserve the environment, without using the harmful chemicals and nonbiodegradable materials commonly used by the funeral industry.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer

2. How Does Embalming Work?

   Embalming is a process in which blood and gases are removed from a body and replacement fluids are pumped in to temporarily retard its disintegration.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

3. Can a funeral home check if life insurance policy was paid out without my consent?

   It's understandable to be concerned about your privacy rights when a funeral home checks without your consent to see if a policy was paid out.
   1 Expert Answer

4. What to Wear to a Memorial Service?

   I've seen people be self-conscious about just coming from work and not wanting to stop by the funeral home in work clothes. Go anyhow! People will appreciate more that you cared enough to come than about what you're wearing.
   FAQ 2 Expert Answers, 5 Community Answers

5. How Is a Protestant Funeral Service Different From Other Funeral Services?

   There are many Protestant denominations, including Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian. Traditional Protestant funeral ceremonies (of any denomination) are preceded by a visitation period of a day or two, at which the deceased's body may not be present, or may be present in either an open or closed casket...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer

6. If Medicare and Medicad offer funeral benefits, are there restrictions if someone committed suicide?

   Medicare and Medicaid vary from state to state, so for an exact answer you'll need to contact a benefits adviser in your state. That said, Medicare and Medicaid do not, as a rule, pay death benefits beyond the Social Security program's $255 one-time payment to surviving spouse or children...
   1 Expert Answer

7. Should I Bring a Young Child to a Funeral or Memorial Service?

   Take your cues from the child. A child who is four to nine years old or so, who has formed a relationship with the deceased person, will also be likely to grieve the death. Depending on the specific age, maturity level, and emotional makeup of a particular child, attending a funeral or memorial service may be extremely helpful or unduly frightening...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 6 Community Answers

8. How Is a Catholic Funeral Service Different From Other Funeral Services?

   There are many differences between the dictates of traditional Catholic funerals, to which many still adhere, and more relaxed modern practices.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer

9. How Is a Jewish Funeral Service Different From Other Funeral Services?

   Jewish funeral services are generally held very soon after a death occurs -- often on the same day, but within 24 hours if possible -- at a chapel, the gravesite, or both. A closed wooden casket containing the deceased is usually present, draped in a simple cloth. There's no public or private viewing of the body...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer

10. How Is a Muslim Funeral Service Different From Other Funeral Services?

    Although there are some variations due to regional interpretations and customs, Islamic funerals follow fairly specific rites that include washing and shrouding the body, funeral prayers, and burial.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer

11. Should I bring my four-year-old to my father's funeral?

    In general, I think it's a good idea for your daughter to attend the service. Participating in a celebration of your father's life will help her accept and grieve the loss, and as you point out, it will give her a fuller picture of who your father was...
    1 Expert Answer, 5 Community Answers

12. What are the requirements for an open coffin viewing for someone who wants to be cremated?

    There are no specific laws or regulations that control this. Such arrangements are up to the survivors -- or must be carried out according to the wishes of the deceased, if he or she left binding wishes.If the deceased or survivors wish to have an open casket viewing, you should be able to arrange one...
    1 Expert Answer

13. What sort of refreshments should I have at a wake?

    This is an interesting question. And I think it has a simple answer: Whatever you want. A wake is a vigil, a time for watching over or being with the deceased before burial. Wakes are social events that almost always include refreshments, food and drinks. Alcoholic beverages are perfectly appropriate...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

14. Who is responsible for funeral costs?

    Burial costs are generally covered by the estate of the person who died if there is enough money and property of value in the estate to cover those costs. Survivors are often asked to pay the costs to a funeral home before or soon after goods and services are provided, then those costs are reimbursed to them from the estate...
    1 Expert Answer

15. What is the standard donation for a minister who performs a memorial service?

    Thank you for telling me your area. Like most services, the price can be quite different depending where you live. In your area, the current fee ranges between $200 and $250.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

16. Can I legally use Dad's money for funeral expenses after his death?

    What happened in your situation is perfectly common and understandable—especially since some creditors, such as those providing funeral goods and services, are less than likely to accept delayed payment plans these days. And the fact that you are fretting over the possibility of getting into troublele almost assures that you won’t...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

17. Shouldn't I have been included in the obituary of my ex-husband?

    Please accept my condolences. Just because your relationship was as an ex-spouse, it doesn't change that you grieve and feel a sense of loss. That is probably exactly why you feel left out to have not been mentioned in the obituary.
    1 Expert Answer, 8 Community Answers

18. How do I write a short, heartfelt speech to honor my father at his memorial service?

    What a nice way for you to word your question! A heartfelt speech is always the best, and when you speak from your heart, what you say is felt by the listeners.
    1 Expert Answer

19. We used Mom's credit card for funeral and we can't pay the difference, what should we do?

    To be sure I understand the situation, you're stating that you made arrangements at the funeral home for future services for your mother who is still living. The charges came to $5800 and there is $3000 in life insurance with no other assets to cover the remaining $2800.
    1 Expert Answer

20. Who's Responsible for Paying for a Funeral?

    Final expenses, including the costs of a funeral and burial or cremation, are generally paid out of the estate of the person who died -- if there's enough money and property of value to cover the bill.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer