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Niche Tribute Inspiration

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Your loved one was unique, so why not celebrate exactly what made them special at the funeral home? Use this list of niche tribute ideas to inspire your plans.

These days, families often seek ways to make a service at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL more personalized for the deceased. In other words, modern funerals, memorials, and other services are moving away from tradition and towards celebrating the deceased in unique ways.

One common theme for this shift is honoring what made the deceased special by celebrating their interests or hobbies. Take this list of niche tribute ideas as inspiration so you can plan a personalized service to honor and remember your lost loved one:

Boating Tributes – Did your lost loved one enjoy boating or being out on the water? Celebrate that interest with boat-themed touches at the service. For example, you can have the service at a beach or dock, or even on a boat. You could also play tracks of ocean waves, display boat models, or display a large piece of sail cloth for attendees to sign or notate memories of the deceased.

Golf Tributes – You can easily celebrate golf! If your loved one was a golfer, there are many ways you can include the golfing theme as part of the service, from having the service at the country club and setting out their golf bag as decor to setting up a golf memorabilia table with scorecards, collectibles, photos, and more.

Fishing Tributes – Who doesn’t love fishing? If the deceased was a big fishing fan, celebrate that in the service by serving fish at the reception, donating fishing kits to local charities in honor of the deceased, or displaying photos of all their great catches.

Antiquing Tributes – Many people get into antiquing as an expression of their love of decorating, the enjoyment of the style of a particular era, or as a fun way to make a little side money as they discover, fix up, and resell antique furniture and collectibles. If your loved one was into antiques, showcase the hobby at the service by creating an antique scrapbook or decorating the space with some of their favorite pieces.

Photography Tributes – From snaps on a smart phone to old-school photo shoots, there are many ways to be interested in photography. Similarly, there are many ways to celebrate the life of someone who loved photography, like displaying pictures the deceased took, playing a slideshow of their work, or encouraging attendees to snap photos and share them.

Gardening Tributes – Flowers and other plants are always welcome at services, especially if the deceased loved to garden. Celebrate their love of gardening by filling the service with flowers, giving guests seed packets, displaying a casket or an urn with a flower motif, or using a memorial tree urn or casket to bury the remains.

No matter if the service is traditional or alternative, it should be just as unique as the person its honoring. Do you want more information on planning unique services or Palos Heights, IL funeral homes? Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or preplanning, also check out our private on site crematory .

Leaving Your Legacy

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

How can you craft a life worth passing on and remembering after your death and cremation service in Mokena, IL? Keep reading for tips on how to leave a legacy.

Your legacy is, in simplest terms, a life worth passing on and remembering after your death and cremation service in Mokena, IL . Therefore, leaving a legacy can mean two things. First, a legacy can be money or property left to someone in a will. Second, a legacy can also mean the outlook, values, or training that you pass on to other people in your family and beyond. But no matter which type of legacy you’re referring to, it can be said that a legacy is always creating something valuable in your life that can be passed on to other after your death.

You can leave one, either, or both kinds of legacies to help people remember and honor you after you’re gone. But how do you actually leave a meaningful legacy? These tips can help:

1. Consider what matters most to you - Where do you spend your time and money? Those are the things you treasure most, and are most likely going to be what you’re remembered for. For example, if you spend most of your time at work, you’ll be remembered as a hard worker.

2. Give your time to people you care about – Work, hobbies, and social events can make us busy, maybe even too busy to spend time with those you care about most. Show your loved ones that they’re priorities for you by making them priorities in your schedule.

3. Write a legacy statement – Write down what you want your legacy to be to help guide your actions. Consider what you’ll be remembered for, what characteristics or skills you want to pass down, what traditions you want your family to continue, and a main belief or worldview you’d like to pass on. Then, make a plan for how you’ll accomplish what you wrote in your statement.

4. What you want written on your tombstone - Consider how you want to be remembered, and then live that way.

5. Be your best before you work on others – It will be pretty hard to pass on some idealistic torch if you don’t live that way yourself. Work on living your beliefs and ideals. That way, others will be inspired by the example you set and might then choose to live that way as well.

6. Share memories – The stories you tell reflect your values and make others smile. Tell stories from your life, your family’s lives, and others you remember to make happy memories, reflect your values, and put smiles on people’s faces.

7. Consider what others want – You might think that spending all your time at work to provide for your family might be what they want, but it also might not be. Perhaps your children or family would rather have more quality time with you than new toys or a fancy car. Take time to understand what would really make others happy and encourage them. If you don’t know, just ask!

Leaving a legacy seems overwhelming, but it’s really as simple as living the way you want to be remembered. Call or visit us today if you want more legacy tips or information on Mokena, IL cremation services .

Committal Services and Funeral Homes

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

What is a committal service? Why do you have them? How do you plan one? Keep reading for these answers on committal services and funeral homes in Mokena, IL.

Do you know what a committal service is, or how they relate to funeral homes in Mokena, IL ? Keep reading to find out!

To begin, a committal service is a graveside service in which you commit the body to the ground, or bury the body. These services are generally the final goodbye for the family before the deceased is buried. The origin of the phrase “committal” in this context is thought to have been derived from a burial sermon in the Book of Common Prayer that states, “We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life.” As the ritual is usually brief, about 15 to 20 minutes, many families choose to have a committal right after the funeral service, but you can have a committal without a funeral or memorial.

Here are tips for planning committals:

1. Choose a burial site – Does your family have a plot with other family members? If so, call the office and reserve a plot for the deceased. If not, do some research and choose a cemetery in which you’d like your loved one to be buried. You can often buy a plot directly from the cemetery or from an individual.

2. Connect with the cemetery sexton – The cemetery sexton is the person in charge of running the cemetery’s day to day operations. As such, he will take care of the details for the commitment ceremony like making sure the grave is dug and prepared, bringing the casket or urn to the grave and placed on a lowering device, and getting the surrounding area ready for the service with chairs and other decorations.

3. Plan the service – You must find an officiant to run the committal, whether that means your pastor or priest or even a family member, friend, or other loved one. Once you gave an officiant, work with them to choose what you want to service to include, such as readings, prayers, eulogies, or a sermon. If you don’t want a formal service, that’s ok. You can just have attendees say a few short words about the deceased.

4. Mind the weather – As committals are usually outdoors, the weather plays a big role. Be sure to plan for heat, snow, rain, or wind.

5. Consider Cremation Committals - You can have a committal service for cremated remains. You can commit the cremated ashes to the ground in a burial urn, or have them inurned in a columbarium niche. In fact, cremation committals often look and feel almost exactly the same as a service for a full body. The urn is often set on a table before the commitment, and some families choose to decorate the table with flowers , photos, and memorabilia.

Committing your lost loved one to the earth or another burial location is a wonderful way to say goodbye. For more tips on committals or information on Mokena, IL funeral homes, get in touch with us today.

Companion Urns and Cremation Services

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Do you love someone so much that you don’t want to be apart from them, even after cremation service? A companion urn might be the answer. Keep reading to learn more.

Companion urns are large containers that hold the remains of two people after their cremation services in Chicago Ridge, IL . Often intended for a husband and wife or other partners, these urns generally have two separate compartments or one open area large enough for both sets of cremated remains.

Do you love someone so much that you don’t want to be apart from them, even after you’ve both passed on? A companion urn might be the answer. Keep reading for some companion urn facts to give you a better idea if they’re right for you or not.

To begin, companion urns have double the capacity of standard adult urns. Standard adult urns usually have a capacity of 200 cubic inches, while companion urns have 350-400 cubic inch capacity to hold the cremated remains of two people. Wondering if your companion urn will be large enough? Assume that 1 pound of a person’s body weight will leave about 1 cubic inch of cremated remains. So, for example, if someone who weights 200 pounds wants to be buried with a 150-pound person, they need a 350 cubic inch companion urn.

You can personalize companion urns even if one or both of the people are still living. Pre-planning for your eventual passing can also include personalizing your future companion urn. Try inscriptions with a personal sentiment, important dates, or even a special message from you to your loved ones.

Companion urns also come in many different materials. You can find companion urns in almost any material, from metal and granite to wood, glass, ceramic, marble, and more. In order to narrow down your options, consider how the urn will be used. For example, do you want it to be buried? Choose a durable material like stone, granite, or marble if you want it to last, or wood or another biodegradable material if you want it to decay naturally. Companion urns come in two standard shapes. There are two standard companion urn shapes: vase-style, rounded and box-shaped, rectangular. The vase-style, rounded urns are often ceramic as they are made on a potter’s wheel, while the rectangular urns are often made from metal, stone, or wood as square, cornered construction is easier with those materials.

Want to be sure generations to come know who is in the urn? Add a photograph! You can personalize a companion urn with individual photos of who is inside or, even better, a photo of the two people together. Try a photo-etched stone or granite urn that has the picture carved directly into the urn’s surface. You can also look into photo frame urns that allow you to change out the picture as often as you’d like. Are you into saving the environment? Biodegradable companion urns can be released into the ocean. Biodegradable companion urns are eco-friendly vessels that allow you to bury or scatter the remains out in nature. They are made from natural materials that will decompose over time, returning your loved ones’ remains to the earth.

We are here to help if you’re curious about companion urns or other Chicago Ridge, IL cremation services . Simply call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning. We’re honored to do whatever we can.

10 Simple Ways to Express Sympathy

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT

How do you show support and sympathy for someone who recently went through a loss and a funeral at a funeral home? Use these 10 simple ways to express sympathy.

Losing a loved one and going through their service at a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL is never easy. If someone you know and love recently lost someone, you probably want to help them however you can. But how?

Use these 10 simple ways to express sympathy to inspire your actions:

Offer Condolences – Even saying something as simple as, “My condolences” or “I’m sorry for your loss” can go a long way towards helping someone feel supported and not as alone in their grief.

Attend the Service – Attending the funeral or memorial service will show the bereaved that you care enough to take time of out of your busy schedule to show up for them. If you can’t make it, be sure to send a card, note, or at least make a phone call to express your sadness at missing the event.

Send Flowers – While sending flowers after a funeral or memorial might feel stereotypical, its tradition for a reason. Flowers are a lovely, simple way to show the bereaved you care and are thinking of them in their time of loss.

Bring a Meal – Simple, easy, and straightforward, bringing a meal helps meet the bereaved’s physical and emotional needs. Cook something comforting like soup, casserole, or pasta, or try something the deceased loved.

Offer Help – When offering assistance, be specific. The bereaved won’t take you up on a general “let me know how I can help.” But they will most likely accept specific help. For example, offer to watch the kids, mow the lawn, or bring by groceries.

Send a Sympathy Gift – If you can’t be there in person to support the bereaved, try sending gifts like practical items or memorial keepsakes.

Pray for Them – While not everyone believes in a higher power, knowing that someone cares enough to pray for you always feels good.

Acknowledge the Loss – You might go back to life as usual after the funeral, but the bereaved won’t. Remember, your friend will still mourn long after the funeral is over. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge the loss and talk about the deceased. Ask how they're doing, share a memory of their loved one with them, let them know you miss him or her, too. This will mean a lot.

Offer Patience and Understanding – Grief can feel impossible, leading some people to seek company, others to find alone time, and yet others to lash out. Be patient and understanding with the bereaved and don’t be offended.

Be Present – Oftentimes, the best thing you can do for a grieving person is just be with them. Sit with them at home, bring by coffee or baked goods, call, text, or simply listen to them talk. Don’t try to fix the grief or offer advice. Instead, listen, acknowledge, and be there for them however they need. Your presence alone can be a genuine comfort during this difficult time.

These are just a few of the many ways you can help someone going through a loss. For more information on grieving or Chicago Ridge, IL funeral homes, pay us a visit or give us a call.

Death Positivity and Cremation Services

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT

What is death positivity and what does it have to do with cremation service? Learn more about the death positive movement and cremation services in Palos Heights, IL.

What is death positivity and what does it have to do with cremation services in Palos Heights, IL ? When you think about funerals or cremations, you most likely picture somber, dark rooms full of grief, formality, macabre moments, and feelings of loss. Like most, you probably associate death with negative feelings and thoughts.

The death positive movement, however, seeks to accept death as a natural part of life without treating it as taboo. Now gaining popularly around the world, the death positive movement is thought to have first been derived from the work of anthropologist Ernest Becker in his 1973 book “The Denial of Death.”

The term “death positive” was later created by coined by author and mortician Caitlin Doughty, who was heavily influenced by Becker. The movement centers around the concept that, as death a natural part of life, we need to be comfortable with talking about, planning for, and generally accepting death. The movement’s leaders give examples including having honest discussions with loved ones and family about the process of dying, what happens to bodies after death, death rituals and traditions, options for burial, funerals, body disposition, and ceremonies to honor a person’s legacy.

No matter how or what you do as part of the death positive movement, its main idea is that if we talk about and approach death from an open and honest place, we won’t be so afraid and anxious about it. Here are more of the movement’s integral ideas and beliefs to help you decide if its right for you.

To begin, family-centered funerals should be the norm. Instead of written in a will or discussed after a death with a funeral director, end-of-life wishes should be openly and honestly discussed with the family. This encourages positivity and normalcy around death and also helps ensure the deceased’s final wishes are carried out. The idea that hands-on participation in the service , body preparation, and burial or cremation can be healing is another core death positivity belief. Modern generations are very uncomfortable with death and dead bodies. However, the positive death movement believes that personally taking care of a loved one’s body after death results in open and healthy grief. They also believe green or natural burial options should be available for all. Natural burials are when the body or cremated remains are buried without embalming or a shroud and in a simple pine casket or cremation urn. This does necessitate a quick process after a death, but it is most similar to how our ancestors lost and grieved.

Finally, the death positivity movement also believes in the incorporation of meaningful rituals and ceremony into the activities surrounding a death. Science has shown rituals such as eulogies, readings, songs or singing, donating a body to science, or even the simple act of burial or cremains scattering offer closure, aid in grief, and lead to healthier mourning.

We are here to help if you want to learn more about the death positivity movement or have questions about Palos Heights, IL cremation services . Please call or visit us today for more information on how we can help .

2022 Funeral Home Trends

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT

A new year brings new trends in Palos Heights, IL funeral homes, cremation services, memorials, and more. Learn about upcoming trends in the funeral industry for 2022.

2021 was another year for the books. How will the changes and challenges of the past year affect the funeral and cremation industry? A new year will certainly bring new trends in Palos Heights, IL funeral homes, cremation services , memorials, and more. Here is a list of possible funeral home trends for 2022 to inspire your planning and preplanning:

Virtual Services – Virtual funerals, wakes, and memorials became popular in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we predict they will remain popular well into 2022 as virtual services offer many benefits from ease of scheduling to allowing out-of-town family members and loved ones to easily attend.

Personalized Services – Funerals have slowly been moving away from tradition and becoming more and more personalized to the deceased and their loved ones. Unique, creative personalization of the funeral service has become the new norm. This means you’re free to choose the services, products, and traditions you want for the deceased’s funeral or memorial, whether that means hosting a celebration of life or putting them to rest in a cremation urn that will turn into a tree.

Direct Cremation – Direct cremation is when the body is cremated directly after death without any embalming, wake, or other services. Direct cremation is the most affordable body disposition method, which is perhaps why its gaining popularity. Beyond savings, it also allows the family to hold a memorial, scattering, or any other kind of service whenever they want as opposed to right after the death.

Green Funerals – As consumers, we’re becoming more aware of the affect we have on the environment. This has led to an uptick in sustainable or environmentally-friendly funeral and cremation services like green burials, eco-friendly cremation caskets and runs, and a general increase in sensitivity surrounding sustainability and renewal after death.

At-Home Funerals – DIY is moving from home improvement to funerals and memorials. An at-home funeral is when the memorial or funeral service is held in the home rather than in an official facility. A home funeral cuts down many of the common funeral costs and can be much more eco-friendly, but there are still many benefits to hosting a funeral or memorial at a funeral home.

Natural Burials – Unlike more traditional burials with embalming, heavily decorated caskets, and imported flowers, natural burials are all about keeping things simple. They use simple biodegradable urns, bamboo caskets, or cotton burial shrouds to minimize environmental impact and increase the speed of decomposition.

Memorial Gardens – A memorial garden is a community garden dedicated to the deceased. Oftentimes the dedication is made official through donations and made known through a plaque or a memorial bench. These gardens are becoming more and more popular as ways to remember the deceased and honor them for generations to come.

Preplanning – Preplanning or advance planning funeral arrangements is a great trend as preplanning offers many benefits including savings, reduced stress, more control over your own funeral, and the ability to plan a more personalized service.

Do you have more questions on industry trends or funeral homes in Palos Heights, IL? We are here to help . Call or visit us today.

How to Become a Tree When You Die

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Can you become a tree after your death and cremation service? Yes! Keep reading to learn more about cremation tree kits, their benefits, and how you can become a tree after your passing.

Can you become a tree after your death and cremation service in Mokena, IL ? Yes! This internment option is when cremated remains are buried with tree seeds, and the remains nourish and sustain the tree as it grows. Cremation tree kits are easy, eco-friendly, and beautiful ways to plant trees from a loved one’s remains while honoring and celebrating your lost loved one’s life for generations to come.

Cremation tree urns are biodegradable urns designed to hold cremains, fertilizer, and tree seed. They also come with pH-neutralizing agents and fertilizers to help the cremains nourish the tree seed as it grows and flourishes into a free. When planted in the ground with cremains, cremation tree urns incorporate the cremains into the tree’s nourishment, turning your lost loved one’s remains into part of the tree, like a living memorial.

There are many different types of trees you can plant with a cremation tree urn, including:

Blue Spruce

Deodara Cedar

Dogwood

Eastern Red Bud

Flowering Cherry

Ginkgo Biloba

Jacaranda

Japanese Maple

Mexican Fan Palm

Palo Verde

Ponderosa Pine Tree

Quaking Aspen

Sugar Maple

Tulip Poplar

Interested in planting a cremation tree with your lost loved one’s cremated remains? Each cremation tree kit will come with complete, specific instructions, but here’s a basic rundown of the process. Before you plant, look up the best type of environment for the tree, including sun exposure, water needs, and soil type, as you want to ensure that you set the tree up for success. After all, you want your lost loved one’s tree to be big and beautiful for generations to come. Then, prepare the urn by removing the plastic wrap and locating the lower vessel for the cremains and the cap, which contains the nutrients for the tree. To prep the urn for planting, soak the seed packet as instructed, then place the wood pulp bag into the lower vessel along with no more than 1-1/4 cup of ashes, leaving enough room to fold it over and get the cap on.

To plant the urn, place the cap or lid over the lower vessel, dig a six- to seven-inch-deep hole, and place the run upright into the hole so the lower vessel touches the bottom. Replace the soil so there’s no more than one inch of dirt covering the urn. Next, simply follow the watering directions for the tree type to ensure it will grow big, strong, and beautiful.

It’s important to note that cremated remains don’t “expire”, so you can use your loved one’s cremains to plant a tree at any time, even years after their passing. However, after placing the cremains into the urn, you should plant the tree as soon as possible to ensure the seeds germinate and grow properly.

Want more tips on cremation trees or Mokena, IL cremation services ? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help . Call or visit us today for more information on what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning .

All About Burial at Sea

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Have you ever been curious about burials at sea after services at funeral homes in Mokena, IL? Keep reading to learn more about the practice, regulations, and more.

Have you ever been curious about burials at sea after services at funeral homes in Mokena, IL ? You might be surprised to learn that burial at sea isn’t just for sailors and pirates, but it does come with a lot of rules. Keep reading to learn more about burial at sea and the accompanying regulations.

Who can be buried at sea? Anyone! You don’t have to be a military member to be buried in a large body of water. The most common type of burial at sea today is the scattering of cremated remains, but full body committal is also an option

What are the rules for being buried at sea? While the laws around sea burials vary from country to country and sometimes state to state, there are a few that remain the same almost everywhere. For example, all sea burials must be performed at least three nautical miles from shore and must be reported to the EPA within 30 days of completion.

Are there rules for full body burial at sea? Anyone from sailors to fisherman and ocean enthusiasts can be buried at sea with a full body burial. According to federal law, a full body burial at sea can only be completed in an area that’s at least 600 feet deep and at least three miles from shore. Also, a licensed funeral director must be on board the vessel.

Are there ruled for cremation burial at sea? There are two main ways to bury cremated remains at sea: in a biodegradable urn or by scattering the cremains. Biodegradable urns made for water burials float for a few minutes, then sink into the water and slowly disintegrate. Scattering cremains at sea can be done with a scattering urn or with your hands.

How do you hire a boat for a sea burial? There are two ways to request a burial at sea: through the Navy or through a civilian charter company. Navy sea burials are only used for sailors who die when a ship is deployed, and the family wishes for their loved one to have a sea burial. Civilian ocean burials are when civilians charter a private boat, hire a funeral director to come along, and bury a loved one on the water.

What happens when a body is buried at sea? A full body will float to the surface in three to four days, upon which it will begin to decompose. The bones will sink under the surface again in about two weeks.

What are the EPA Regulations for Burial at Sea? You can find the full rules and regulations for sea burials under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). It is important to note that sea burials are some of the most environmentally friendly burials possible, as they don’t use embalming fluid, don’t require a crematory fire, and don’t use up space on land.

Want to learn more about burials at sea or Mokena, IL funeral homes? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help . Call or visit us today.

Creative Funeral Alternatives for Before or After Cremation Services

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Your lost loved one was unique, so why honor their life with a cremation service and standard funeral? Here are creative funeral alternatives to inspire a unique service.

Your lost loved one was unique, so why honor their life with a standard funeral or memorial after a cremation service in Chicago Ridge, IL ?

Thanks to new technology, flexibility in tradition, and creative people, there are many ways to celebrate your lost loved one with a funeral alternative. Here are creative funeral alternatives to help inspire you:

1. Donate to Science – If your lost loved one consented, you can donate their body to science. This donation comes at no cost to you or your family and goes a long way towards advancing medicine and healthcare. Plus, donations often come with a free cremation.

2. Celebration of Life – A celebration of life is all about celebrating your lost loved one’s life instead of mourning their passing. Most celebrations of life include sharing memories, jokes, and anecdotes about the deceased to help remember the good times.

3. Scattering Ceremony – Scattering ceremonies are when you scatter or release your lost loved one’s cremated remains. There are many different ways to scatter cremations, from in the air or on the ground to in the water.

4. Memorial Ornament – From homemade personalized ornaments to custom, store-bought pieces, it’s easy to honor your loved one every holiday season with a memorial ornament.

5. Cremains Portraits – Professional cremains portrait artists will mix some of your loved one’s cremated remains with paint and create a special portrait of him or her. It doesn’t take a lot of cremains, but the portrait will surely be cherished by family and friends for generations to come.

6. Virtual Memorial – Virtual services became popular in 2020 and 2021, but they’re not going anywhere because of the opportunities for creativity they offer. Not only does no one have to travel for a virtual service, but you can create videos, slideshows, and other digital additions to make the memorial special.

7. Memorial Tree – You can plant a tree in memory of your lost loved one. Memorial trees are meaningful tributes that your family and friends can enjoy for generations to come. The memory of your lost loved one will live on for years.

8. Cremation Fireworks – Cremation fireworks take around three tablespoons of cremated remains, load them into a shell, and launch them into the sky. These beautiful displays are perfect send-offs for deceased who loved being the centers of attention.

9. Reef Burial – Did you know you can bury cremated remains in coral reefs? The cremated remains are mixed with cement and then placed in the reef. The cremains help nourish and build coral, contributing to the marine ecosystem and helping the deceased’s memory live on in nature.

10. Memorial Diamonds – You can order a diamond made from your lost loved one’s cremains. The process uses about a half teaspoon of cremains, depending on the diamond size you want, and takes seven to 10 months. However, it’s well worth the wait to have a stunning memorial you can wear always.

These are just a few ideas to inspire you for your loved one’s service. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want more inspiration or desire more information on Chicago Ridge, IL cremation services . Call or visit us today .

No Funeral Home Service?

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

How can you honor a lost loved one if they don’t want a funeral service at a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL? Here are some ideas to inspire you to honor your lost loved one.

How can you honor a lost loved one if they don’t want a funeral at a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL ? Sometimes people don’t want a big “goodbye” after they’re gone, and that’s OK. But without a service or memorial, it can be tough for their friends, family, and other loved ones to honor and celebrate their life. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to traditional funerals and memorial services . With a little thoughtful planning, you and your family can figure out what will work best. Here are some ideas for what you can do to honor your lost loved one or the passing of a friend without a service:

1. Dedicate a Tree – Not only will dedicating a tree help replant and forest and provide homes to forest animals but it will also honor and remember the deceased for generations to come.

2. Send Flowers – Sending flowers is a thoughtful, traditional way of remembering the deceased and giving their loved one’s support.

3. Send Food – This thoughtful gesture of support helps the bereaved grieve without having to worry about cooking or ordering food. Be sure to check with the family about dietary restrictions or needs before sending food. Aside from homemade food, you can also use meal delivery apps to send takeout or even send credits so they can order their own meals at their leisure.

4. Create a Memory Book – Using pictures, notes, drawings, or clippings, build a memory book of the deceased. This book will help you remember the good time with your lost loved one and will serve as a reminder of their life for future generations.

5. Build a Slideshow – Slideshows about the deceased’s life are common at funerals and memorials, but you can still make one even if there won’t be a service. Feature lots of pictures, videos, and memories. You can even include your lost loved one’s favorite music.

6. Write an Obituary – Obituaries are traditions for a reason, as they provide the chance to remember the deceased, honor their life and accomplishments, and help the bereaved grieve.

7. Get Creative – There are many ways to remember and honor a lost loved one through the creative arts. If you like drawing or painting, draw or paint a portrait of your lost loved one or of an item or image that reminds you of them. If you like to write, write a poem, short story, or even a letter about the deceased.

8. Post a Tribute – Social media, from Facebook to Instagram, offers wonderful opportunities to honor the deceased without a service or memorial. Write a tribute post about the deceased and the impact they had on your life, or simply post some of your favorite photos of the deceased.

There are many ways to get closure after a death beyond a traditional funeral or service. No matter how you may feel about a loved one who does not want a funeral, it is important to honor their last wishes.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want more ideas on mourning in unique ways or information on Chicago Ridge, IL funeral homes. Call or visit today !

Should You Donate Your Organs?

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

While organ donation is a great choice for before cremation services in Palos Heights, IL, it’s not necessary right for everyone. Here are reasons to or not to donate.

Every day, at least twenty people in the United States alone die due to a lack of organ donations. Tissue and organ donation has wide-reaching benefits, as those who need skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, heart valves, and more often have no other options. While organ donation is a great choice for before cremation services in Palos Heights, IL , it’s not necessary right for everyone. Should you donate your organs or not? Here are some common reasons to or not to donate to help guide your choice.

Reason Why You Should Not Donate Your Organs:

Religion – Many religions forbid organ donation, oftentimes because they believe the body needs to be whole in order to reunite with the soul in the afterlife. The most common religions that discourage organ donation include Native Americans, Shintoists, Confucians, Roma Gypsies, and some Orthodox Jews.

Personal Beliefs – Some feel that organ donation doesn’t save lives, but instead that it only puts off the inevitable. Organ donation is your choice, so this belief is well within your right.

Medical Conditions – Certain diseases or conditions including HIV, heart or kidney disease, cancer, and diabetes make organ donation unsafe for the donor and the recipient.

Distrust – Many people don’t want to donate their organs because they’re worried that medical professionals won’t work as hard to save their life so the doctors can harvest their organs. They don’t trust that doctors or hospitals will look out for their best interests.

No Control Over the Recipient – In most cases, organ donors have no control over who will receive their organs or tissues. Instead, organs go to the next person on the list, no matter the donor’s preferences.

Whether any or all of these reasons apply to you, or you’re not comfortable donating for another reason, you don’t have to do it. Simply make sure your family and loved ones are aware of and understand your feelings.

Reason Why You Should Donate Your Organs:

Save Lives – It’s a fact that organ donation saves lives. Depending on your donation preferences, your organs can save up to eight different people if you choose to donate your heart, intestines, pancreas, liver, two lungs, two kidneys. If you choose to donate tissue, eyes, and other parts, your donation can improve and save the lives of even more people.

Advance Science – Whole body donation to research is how most medical and scientific advancements are made. Your body can be used to study and treat diseases, development new medical procedures, and educate future generations of healthcare providers.

Find Meaning – Death is scary, but choosing to donate your organs will ensure there’s meaning in your death.

Move the List - The organ donation list has over 107,000 people! By donating, you are moving the list so those people can get the help they need and so there’s more room on the list for new people that need help.

Help People of All Ages – Everyone from newborn babies to grandparents need organ and tissue transplants, so your donation will help people of all ages. If they’re otherwise healthy, no matter the donator’s age, their organs will be viable for donation

Organ, tissue, and body donation is a personal choice. No one can decide for you, and no choice is wrong. To learn more about body donation or Palos Heights, IL cremation services , get in touch with Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory today.

Common Types of Grief

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Everyone mourns differently after a loss and a service at a funeral home, but there are several types of grief that can help define feelings and provide roadmaps to healing.

We all mourn in different ways, for different reasons, and for different periods of time. Everyone mourns differently after a loss and a service at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL . However, there are certain types of grief that are common throughout the world. Professionals identify types of grief to give people a better understanding of their feelings and actions so they can better heal and move forward. Here are some of the most common types of grief:

1. Chronic – As the name denotes, chronic grief is long lasting. While most people mourn for years after a loss, those with chronic grief have debilitating symptoms for long periods of time.

2. Complicated – Complicated grief is best characterized by grief that worsens over time. While it might start out simple, it deepens as the months pass into a disabling and sometimes life-changing feeling.

3. Traumatic – This type of grief is common after the sudden loss of a loved one as this type of unexpected death can be considered traumatic for most people.

4. Anticipatory – Anticipatory grief is what you feel when you know a loved one is going to die but they haven’t passed yet, such as when they’re suffering from a terminal illness.

5. Disenfranchised – This type of grief comes when you lose a relationship that’s considered outside the normal family structure or outside the normal definition of recognized relationships. Sometimes called hidden grief, disenfranchised grief is common after an abortion, the loss of a pet, or even the death of a casual friend.

6. Abbreviated –Most common after the loss of someone that you weren’t particularly close with, abbreviated grief is when the grief is short but real.

7. Delayed – Delayed grief, like the name denotes, is when grief is postponed for a period of time because you haven’t accepted the loss, you feel like you can’t feel the loss, or another reason for putting off your feelings.

8. Exaggerated – For many, exaggerated grief starts normal but grows in intensity as time passes, often leading to anger, self-harm, and other destructive feelings or actions.

9. Inhibited – This type of grief is feelings of loss that manifest as physical ailments like muscle aches, headaches, stomach pain, or other issues.

10. Distorted – Distorted grief is characterized by feelings of anger and guilt instead of common feelings of loss and sadness. For example, a parent who feels angry after the loss of a child.

11. Collective – Collective grief is a loss felt by a large group of people, such as when a celebrity dies or there’s a tragedy like 9-11 or the COVID-19 pandemic.

12. Cumulative – Cumulative grief is when a new loss brings back feelings of grief from a previous loss, such as another death, a move, or even the loss of a job, and those feelings compound one another.

13. Absent – Absent grief is when you show few or even no signs of grief. Sometimes used as a defense mechanism, absent grief is easy to write off. But it’s important to remember that there’s no way to tell from the outside how someone is truly feeling.

These are just a few of the many types of grief. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want more information on loss, grief, or Palos Heights, IL funeral home services . Call today.

All About Funeral Donations

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

A funeral donation is money collected to pay for funeral or cremation service expenses in Mokena, IL. Learn more about funeral donations and how to collect them for your lost loved one.

How can you pay for a funeral or cremation if you don’t have the money? A funeral donation is money collected to pay for funeral or cremation service expenses in Mokena, IL . This collection is not to be confused with memorial donations, which are when the family asks for donations to a charity in the deceased’s name.

Instead, funeral donations help the bereaved with costs associated with a service, from cremation and urns to burial, wakes and more. Here is some helpful information on funeral donations:

How Do You Ask For Donations? Asking for donations of any kind can be tough. To help, here are a few wording ideas that will inspire your own ask on whatever platform you choose: “We were simply not prepared for the cost of a funeral service. Any donation size is helpful as we try to give him the simple yet beautiful funeral he deserves.” “In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the funeral home to help cover costs.” “Many of you have asked how you can help my family during this very difficult time. We appreciate your consideration. We would also appreciate contributions to help pay for funeral expenses.” “The family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider a donation to help with funeral costs.”

Where Can You Ask People to Donate? While you can set up a donation anywhere or in any way you choose, there are two popular platforms used for funeral donations: Ever Loved and Go Fund Me. Ever Loved lets you create free memorial websites to both honor your loved one and ask for donations as needed. You can also set up funeral or memorial information so guests can RSVP and post memories of the deceased or condolences. Go Fund Me is a general crowdfunding platform that doesn’t specifically cater to funeral donations. However, it’s still a wonderful way to share your need and help others fill your need.

How Much Should You Give? The traditional gift is the amount you would have spent on flowers for the service, generally between $50 and $100.

Should You Give Money at the Funeral? You can! Simply place a check or cash in an envelope or card and leave it with the funeral director. You can also give the bereaved a digital gift through a payment app like Venmo or Zelle.

How Much do Campaigns Cost? Even the “free” funeral donation platforms have fees, including credit card processing fees and service fees that range between 3% and 5%. For example, for every $100 you raise on one of those platforms, they would take approximately $3 in fees and leave you with $97.

Who Should You Make the Check to? Make the check out to the next of kin.

Do You Need to Be Related to the Deceased to Create a Campaign? No, anyone can set up a campaign for funeral donations.

Funeral donations are an excellent way to ensure your lost loved one gets the service they deserve.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want to learn more about funeral donations or other Mokena, IL cremation services . Call or visit us today!

Commonly Asked Questions About Body Donation

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Body donation is a common choice for before or after a funeral home service in Mokena, IL. Learn more about body donation with this list of commonly asked questions.

Body donation is a common choice for before or after a funeral home service in Mokena, IL . While its popular for many reasons, perhaps the biggest is that body donation saves and improves lives all over the world every single day. But what exactly is body donation?

There are several ways to donate your body. The first is organ donation, which is when someone donates their organs like heart, lungs, kidneys, or liver for transplant. Organ donation, depending on the organ being donated, can be performed when the donator is alive or deceased. If the donator is deceased, the organs must be removed immediately after death in order to remain viable. There is also tissue donation, when a deceased person donates body tissue such as skin, heart valves, ligaments, bones, veins, or corneas. The final most common type is full-body donation, or when a deceased person donates their entire body to science like a medical or scientific program for research.

Want to learn more about body donation? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

Can you still have a funeral if you donate your organs? Yes! Body donation, whether organ or tissue, often has little to no effect on your funeral service plans. This is especially true if you plan to have a closed casket or choose to be cremated.

How long does organ donation take? Depending on which organs are recovered, the procedure can range anywhere from four to six hours in length as the doctors must remove the organs as quickly as possible to keep them viable for transplantation.

How long do organs last after death? Harvesting organs or tissues is generally done within the first 24 hours after a death, but the sooner the better to maintain viability.

Will organ donation delay the funeral? On average, funeral or memorial services take place about a week after a death. Therefore, organ donation is easily performed long before any service takes place.

Can organ donors have an open casket? Depending on the type of donation, the deceased can still have an open casket. Funeral homes can hide any signs of donation, embalm, dress, and place the body in a casket.

Can I still be cremated if I’m an organ donor? The organ or body donation process does not have any effect on cremation.

Do organ donors get free cremation? Usually, no. After the medical professional completes the necessary donation procedures, they will call the funeral home to come pick up the body and perform the chosen final disposition. However, free cremation is generally included in full-body donation.

Are there extra funeral costs for being an organ donor? More work goes into preparing a donor’s body. However, most funeral homes do not charge extra out of respect for the deceased’s choice to save or benefit others through donation.

Body donation, no matter the type, is a noble, important act. If you want to learn more about body donation or Mokena, IL funeral homes , get in touch with Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory.

Cremation Urn Facts

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

What do you know, if anything, about cremation urns? Use this list of important cremation urn facts to be better prepared for a cremation service in Chicago Ridge, IL.

What do you know about cremation urns ? If you’re like most people, the first time you’ve ever thought about cremation urns is right before or after a cremation service in Chicago Ridge, IL . But it always better to be prepared.

Here is a list of things you should know about cremation urns to help you get ready for the death of a loved one or to prepare for your own passing.

You can rent an urn for a service. If you only want to have an urn for a funeral or memorial service , you can rent one. This is a great way to save money if you’d rather use the expensive, fancy urn for the service but want to scatter, bury, or otherwise inter the ashes afterward. Most funeral homes or cremation providers have a selection of urns you can rent, so check with your provider.

Capacity is important. While you should check an urn’s exterior measurements to see if it will suit your needs, you also need to check its capacity to make sure it will fit the cremains. Many urns have decorative edges or accents, making exterior dimensions useless when it comes to determining the urn’s interior size. Always double check an urn’s interior dimensions before you make a purchase.

A Cremation urn is just a container. An urn can be whatever kind of container you want or need it to be. As long as the container can hold the cremated remains, it counts as a cremation urn.

You don’t have to buy a cremation urn from a funeral home or cremation provider. While its often very convenient to get a cremation urn from your provider, you don’t have to. You can buy an urn online, at a store, or wherever you can find one. You can also make an urn or use the one that comes free with the cremation.

The funeral home will transfer the remains for you. Since funeral homes are required to use a cremation container of your choosing, they will transfer the cremated remains into that container for you.

Use exterior measurements for placement. Do check an urn’s exterior measurements to make sure that it will fit in the place of your choosing. For example, if you want to house the urn in a columbarium niche, make sure it fits the niche’s dimensions. Or, if you want to keep the urn on your mantle, ensure it’s not too wide or too tall to fit safely.

You can pre-purchase urns. If you’re planning for your own eventual passing, you can prepurchase a cremation urn. This way, you’ll not only ensure that you get the urn that you want but you will also take one thing off your loved one’s to-do list. Simply store your urn in a box until its needed.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help as there are a lot of things to think about when you’re planning a Chicago Ridge, IL cremation service. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

What Do You Do if You Can’t Afford a Funeral?

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

What do you do if you can’t afford a funeral at a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL? Learn helpful tips, tricks, and ideas for planning a funeral on a low or non-existent budget.

Funerals don’t have to be crazy expensive, but they do cost money. What do you do if you can’t afford a funeral at a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL ? Who’s responsible for paying for the funeral, anyway?

Here are answers to common questions surrounding paying for funerals and cremation services:

Do you have to have a funeral? You’re not required to have a funeral. So, if you can’t afford one, you don’t have to worry. You’re more than welcome to select a direct burial or direct cremation option (the most affordable final disposition services) in order to save money. But if you want to have a funeral or service, there are ways to do so without spending too much money.

Who pays for the funeral if the deceased has no money? If there isn’t any money in the deceased’s estate, the next-of-kin traditionally pays for funeral expenses. If the next-of-kin aren’t able or don’t want to pay, there won’t be a funeral.

What happens if you refuse to pay for a funeral? The funeral home is not obligated to take custody of a body. If a family does not or will not pay, the funeral home does not have to accept the body. If the funeral home already has custody of the body and the family refuses to pay, the funeral home will pause all funeral services and planning, store the body in the cooler, and charge the family a storage fee for every day the body is there. The funeral home as the right to refuse services and can transfer the body to the state at any time, but they cannot hold a body hostage in order to get payment.

Are there free cremations or burials? If you cannot afford a burial or cremation, you can sign a form with the county coroner’s office and the state will bury or cremate the body for you. This will be at no cost, but you won’t have any say in where or how.

How do you pay for a funeral with little or no money? There are many ways to cover funeral expenses, including low-cost options and fund raising.

Is body donation free? Donating a body to research does result in a no-cost cremation. You can donate your body to science through institutions like medical laboratories, medical schools, and local hospitals.

Are there government bodies that help with funeral costs? There are several government organizations that can help with final disposition and funeral costs including Social Security, State Department of Health, Veteran’s Affairs, and even FEMA if the deceased died in a natural disaster.

Can you get a funeral loan? Anyone can apply for a funeral loan to get help paying for funeral expenses. They are generally available through credit unions, banks, and online lenders.

Paying for a service at a Chicago Ridge, IL funeral home can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Take time now to preplan for your eventual passing, including how your loved ones will pay for your services. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you would like to learn more about preplanning or dealing with a recent loss.

What is Absent Grief?

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Learn more about absent grief, why it happens, and how to work through it. After all, what happens when you can’t grieve after the loss of a loved one and their cremation service?

What happens if you can’t grieve the loss of a loved one? What do you do if you feel like your emotions are frozen in place? Losing a loved one and going through their cremation service in Palos Heights, IL is one of the hardest parts of life. Working through your grief over the loss is one of the best ways to heal from it, but if you can’t grieve, you might have absent grief.

Absent grief is when someone shows little to no signs of normal grief, such as crying, lethargy, missing the deceased, or anger. Many doctors believe that this kind of grief comes from an underlying avoidance or denial of the loss. Symptoms of absent grief include no signs or symptoms of grieving whatsoever, irritability, forgetting about the loss, not feeling connected to the loss, and denial. Though absent grief is very common, many people don’t know much about it. Here are some fast facts about absent grief to provide guidance and context:

1. Absent grief isn’t just denial – The “denial” stage of grief is when you try and deny the death happened. Most people face denial in the first few hours or days after a loss. But denial becomes absent grief when the denial continues on much longer .

2. It’s OK if you weren’t close to the deceased – Some might feel like they have absent grief if they aren’t grieving, but it might simply be that they just weren’t that close to the deceased. If that’s the case, it’s OK. You don’t have to demonstrate deep grief over someone you weren’t close to.

3. Absent grief can have physical symptoms – Holding in your feelings of loss can take a toll on the body, leading to heart palpitations, insomnia, fatigue, or eating disorders.

4. Death isn’t the only event that can cause absent grief – Other life events besides death can cause absent grief, including divorce, job loss, regret, or loss of a romantic relationship or a friendship.

5. Anticipatory grief can lead to absent grief – Anticipatory grief is when someone grieves a loss before its actually happened. Oftentimes, if you grieve before a death, you won’t feel as much pain after the death.

6. Grief is often unexpected – Grief looks and feels different for everyone, so it’s often tough to pinpoint when someone is experiencing absent grief. Check in with yourself or the grieving person to see how you or they are feeling.

7. Avoiding grief isn’t obvious – There are many ways people that experience absent grief try to avoid grieving. For example, they can focus on taking care of others, lose themselves in drugs or alcohol to numb the pain, or dive into work in order to distract themselves.

You can move on from absent grief. Once you accept the loss you can work through your pain and grief to move forward with your life. If you need help doing so, don’t be ashamed. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help.

Do you have more questions on absent grief, dealing with a loss, or Palos Heights, IL cremation services ? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help. Call or visit us today to learn more .

What Are the 5 Stages of Grief?

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The five stages of grief, developed by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, provide a blueprint for how to get through a loss and a service at a funeral home. Learn more about the grief stages.

The five stages of grief are a well-known blueprint that helps people understand how they grief and offers guidance on how to get through a loss and a service at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL . While it’s not a comprehensive guideline, the 5 stages of grief do offer assistance, comfort, and basic understanding of how we experience grief and how that experience changes over time.

Grief doesn’t come all at once or all in the same way, it often moves through stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychologist, first developed these five stages in 1969 to help illustrate that fact that, while every human experiences grief differently, almost everyone moves through one or many of these five stages at some point in the grieving process. Some people might move through all, others just one, and more still might experience only a few. Kubler-Ross also believed that the order of the five stages isn’t necessarily important, as people might experience them in varying orders and intensities, even moving back and forth between them.

Here is more information on each stage of grief:

Denial – Denial is when you don’t want to believe or an unable to believe that your loved one has died. The “this can’t be happening to me” reaction is very normal, and is usually the first reaction after a loss. Denial can also come in the form of telling people you’re fine even though you’re not because you’re denying your true feelings of grief.

Anger – Anger generally sets in when you realize you can’t deny or fight the loss any longer. You might become angry at the people around you, taking your anger out on doctors and nurses who “failed” your loved one or on yourself for making a mistake that might have led to or worsened the situation. Some even direct their anger toward God or a higher power.

Bargaining – Bargaining is when you deny the truth by trying to change it. It might manifest as trying to get the doctors to bring in another expert or try a new treatment, or as pleading with God or a higher power for more time or a different outcome.

Depression – Like the name sounds, depression is when you feel hopeless or that you can’t go on because of the loss. You might feel overwhelmed, alone, and lost.

Acceptance – The final stage, acceptance is where you come to terms with the fact that your loved one is or is going to be gone. The grief and pain don’t go away in this stage, but you do accept and feel those feelings. When you reach the fifth stage of grief, you begin to plan on how you will move on with your life.

The five stages of grief are a helpful tool for anyone dealing with a loss or a service at a Palos Heights, IL funeral home. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory can also assist with your needs in this time of loss. Call or visit us today to learn more about our offerings.

Cremation Vs. Burial

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Learn some of the benefits of cremation over burial as, while traditional burial is still very popular for many reasons, there are many who prefer cremation services.

While traditional burial is still very popular for many reasons, there are many who prefer cremation services in Mokena, IL .

In fact, some might argue that cremation is quickly becoming the standard for final disposition. But why? To better understand cremation’s popularity and to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you, here are some of the benefits of cremation over burial:

1. Choosing the Final Resting Place – A burial means that your lost loved one’s final resting place will be a cemetery. Cremation, on the other hand, allows for a low more flexibility when choosing a final resting place. From an urn kept at home or in a columbarium to scattering at sea or in a special location, your loved one’s final resting place can be almost anything with cremation.

2. Cost – In many cases, a full-service funeral with a cremation can cost about half as much as a full-service funeral with a traditional burial. Direct cremations and cremations with memorial services can bring that total cost down even further .

3. Choosing the Service Time – With traditional burial, you’re pretty much limited to the standard service timeline of a few days to a week after the death. This can feel like a ticking clock that only adds to the stress of a death. However, cremation allows for much more flexibility when it comes to scheduling a service, providing you with the time and ability to plan a service that works with your needs.

4. Portability – Since cremation reduces remains into the smallest possible components, the process makes remains incredibly portable. This means that, unlike with burial, cremation allows you to bring your lost loved one with you if you so choose, whether that means on a hike for you to scatter them in a favorite spot or even when you go on vacation, so they’ll be always near you.

5. Saving Land – The world’s population is only growing, but the world itself is not. This makes land a very valuable resource that, in some people’s view, shouldn’t be used for burials. Cremation is a wonderful solution to this issue as it does not take up any land at all.

6. No Embalming – Embalming is almost always required for burial, but many embalming techniques use a chemical called formaldehyde that’s very bad for the environment. Cremation allows you to skip embalming entirely, which helps the planet in the long run.

7. Keep Loved Ones Near – Cremation also allows you to make cremation jewelry so you can always keep your lost loved one close to you. Cremation jewelry can be one of two things: one, a jewelry item made with some kind of container that holds a small portion of the cremains or two, a jewelry item that was made with some of the remains infused with the metal.

These are just a few of the many benefits of cremation over traditional burial. Do you want to learn more about Mokena, IL cremation services ? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help. Call or visit us today for more information on what we can do for you in your time of loss. Remember, there is nothing wrong with burial and it’s still a wonderful final disposition method if it’s what you want.

Inspiration for Decorating a Gravesite

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

If you want to decorate a gravesite after your lost loved one’s service at a funeral home in Mokena, IL, you need these tips and inspirational ideas. Read on to learn more.

Decorating your lost loved one’s gravesite after their service at a funeral home in Mokena, IL is a great way to celebrate their life, honor their passing, and soothe the feelings of loss. But do you know where to start when it comes to decorating a gravesite? Here are some fun, uplifting, and unique gravesite decoration ideas to inspire you for your loved one’s final resting place:

Floral Saddle – A cemetery saddle is a flower arrangement resting on a metal “saddle.” It has legs so it can balance on top of the headstone.

Solar Lights – Solar garden lights charge during the day with solar power, then light up at night. Find ones that are flush to the ground or ones that stick up on stakes.

Solar Flowers – Solar flowers are fake flowers that light up at night after charging throughout the day in the sun.

Personalized Flower Vase – Instead of a standard vase, invest in a personalized one that features a special message to your loved one, an etching, or any kind of meaningful inscription.

Fresh Flowers – Even a simple, fresh bouquet that you leave once a week mean a lot. Plus, they give you a chance to visit the gravesite often.

Memorial Candles – Flameless battery or solar powered candles are just as beautiful as real candles, but are much safer and longer-lasting.

Candle Figurines – Buy a candle figurine that holds any candles you choose and represents a meaningful image, like an angel, animal, or symbol. You can even repurpose an old jar or mason jar by filling it with candles or twinkle lights.

Personalized Photo Lantern – You can order custom lanterns that are printed with a photo of your lost loved one. Place a flameless candle inside the lantern and leave it on the grave to light up at night.

Preserved Flowers – Keep the flowers on your lost loved one’s grave fresh forever by preserving them. Order a custom preserved bouquet in resin, or purchase a paperweight orb with flowers inside.

Personalized Flag – Place a flag in the ground near the gravesite with a personalized photo, message, or image. Add dates to make it even more personal.

American Flag – If your lost loved one was a veteran, plant an American flag or the flag of their armed forces division.

Grave Blankets – Grave blankets are painted with grass, foliage, or flowers so they can make the grave green and lovely even in the winter months when it’s too cold for fresh plants.

Homemade Tributes – Nothing is more meaningful than a homemade tribute like handwritten notes, paintings, drawings, or even typed up poems or memories.

Memorial Stones – Stones have been used in memorialization for centuries. There are even examples in the Bible. Paint a stone yourself or order one online.

Memorial Benches – If the cemetery allows, place a memorial bench near the gravesite so you always have a place to sit and remember fond days when visiting.

These are just a few of the many ways you can decorate your lost loved one’s gravesite. For more inspiration or information on Mokena, IL funeral homes , get in touch with Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory today.

All About Prolonged Grief

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

There are different kinds of grief that people can experience after a loss and a cremation service in Chicago Ridge, IL, like prolonged grief. Keep reading to learn more.

There are many different kinds of grief that people can experience after a loss and a cremation service in Chicago Ridge, IL . One common type is called prolonged grief. Prolonged grief is when you continue to feel overwhelming or debilitating feelings of sadness and mourning over a loss that happened several months or years in the past. This kind of grief is very common when you lose a very close loved one, like a child or a spouse, and is sometimes referred to as Prolonged Grief Disorder because of its devastating effects on health, mental state, and overall wellness. The symptoms of prolonged grief include:

Difficulty accepting the loss
Irritability
Loss of trust in others or oneself
Numbness to emotion
Extreme anger or bitterness
Loss of self-identity or self-worth
Loss of purpose or direction
Debilitating or unreasonable fear of more loss
Overreactions to minor losses or issues
Fixation on the loss

Here are some fast facts on prolonged grief to help you better understand the condition and its impact on someone going through a loss:

Counseling goes a long way – One of the best ways to get through PGD is by seeking professional help early and often. Talking through your grief can help you accept it, which in turn can help you move forward in life. There is no shame in seeking help for any kind of mental distress, including grief.
You can recover from PGD – While you may never “heal” from a loss, you can recover from prolonged grief disorder and be able to cope with the loss while living your life. The best ways to recover from the condition is to seek professional help, join a support group, and put an emphasis on your own personal stress and grief management.
Prolonged Grief Disorder is a real diagnosis – Prolonged Grief Disorder, or PGD, is a real diagnosis recognized by the World Health Organization and most mental health professionals. It’s defined through symptoms, their severity, and their length. In fact, PGD is well on its way to being classified as a mental disorder. It has been suggested for inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or the DSM.
Some people are more likely to experience PGD than others – Some people are predisposed to prolonged grief, such as parents who have lost a child, women, people who have lost someone suddenly or violently, and those that are already suffering from other hardships like divorce or depression.
Prolonged grief isn’t just about death – People who have suffered other kinds of losses besides death can suffer from PGD. These losses can include loss of a job, divorce, or even loss of a dream.
Time doesn’t necessarily heal – The old adage “time heals all wounds” might be true for some, but it isn’t true for all people or all grief. In fact, for most people, grief over a loss is never fully “healed,” but rather it just becomes a part of life that they carry with them.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want to learn more about grief, loss, or Chicago Ridge, IL cremation services . After all, loss is never easy, but with the right support, you can get through prolonged grief .

Gravesite Decoration Tips

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT

What do you do with a gravesite after a funeral home service? Learn helpful tips to help decorate your lost loved one’s gravesite in a unique, meaningful, and respectful way.

What do you do with a gravesite after a funeral home service in Chicago Ridge, IL ? A wonderful way to recognize your lost loved one’s passing and celebrate their life is to personalize their graveside with decorations. Keeping their grave beautiful can also go a long way towards helping you work through your grief and loss.

But how do you decorate or personalize a gravesite? Use these tips to help guide you as you decorate your lost loved one’s gravesite and honor their memory:

Choose Durable or Permanent Decorations – Don’t leave anything on the grave that will become dirty or damaged if left outside in the elements. Instead, opt for materials that are tough in the face of wind, rain, sun, heat, or cold.

Consider the Weather – You want to avoid leaving something that will spoil in the hot sun during the summer, or something that will freeze and break during the cold winter. Think about the season and the weather when choosing your décor.

Think About the Season – A great place to start with gravesite décor is with the season. For example, create a Christmas or Hannukah decoration around the holidays or set up a pumpkin-inspired scene in the fall.

Keep It Well Lit and Visible – Small items left on gravesites are often accidentally stepped on or destroyed by the cemetery caretakers. Make sure your items are either big enough to attract attention or well-lit.

Consider Faith and Culture – Another great way to find gravesite decoration inspiration is to look to the deceased’s faith and culture. Honor their heritage and beliefs with décor, and be sure not to leave something that would be offensive to their faith.

Come Back and Check – If you choose to leave décor on your lost loved one’s gravesite, be sure to come back and check on it regularly. Replace worn out or damaged decorations so the grave doesn’t become an eyesore.

Check Cemetery Rules – Most cemeteries have guidelines for what can and cannot be left on graves. Be sure to check with your cemetery before leaving any decorations.

While every cemetery will most likely have their own unique rules and guidelines for what can and cannot be left on gravesites, there are common items that you should always avoid using in gravesite décor:

Glass – Glass can break and cause injuries.

Unsecured or Lightweight Décor – If the decorations won’t stay put, they could end up all over the cemetery, which is disrespectful to other mourners and causes extra work for the staff.

Mylar or Latex Balloons – These materials are very dangerous for animals. Instead, try blowing bubbles, leaving garden spinners, or using biodegradable materials.

Fences – Don’t put up a fence or blocker of some kind around the grave as it will prevent the employees from performing maintenance.

At the end of the day, whatever décor you choose should be focused on the deceased and their life. Want more tips on decorating gravesites or Chicago Ridge, IL funeral homes ? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help. Call or visit us today.

Abbreviated Grief

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

What is abbreviated grief? Whether you’re planning a funeral or a cremation service in Palos Heights, IL, you should be aware of this type of grief and how to handle it.

Whether you’re planning a funeral or a cremation service in Palos Heights, IL , you should be aware of the different kinds of grief and how to handle them, like abbreviated grief.

Abbreviated grief, like the name signifies, is mourning that doesn’t last a long time. Though its short, or abbreviated, this kind of grief isn’t any less real than other kinds. Abbreviated grief is most common when there isn’t a close relationship with the deceased or when there’s an immediate replacement of the deceased. For example, it can occur when a widower remarries quickly after the death of his spouse, or when a distant relative dies. It can also occur after a terminal illness because of a phenomenon called anticipatory grief, which is when you do part of your grieving before the person actually dies so you don’t grief as long after a death.

Here are some fast facts about abbreviated grief to help you better understand and cope with your own loss :

Children often feel abbreviated grief – Its normal for children to feel abbreviated grief depending on their age and relationship with the deceased.

You don’t need to lose a loved one to grieve – People can experience abbreviated grief, and other kinds of grief, after a loss that isn’t a death. These can include divorce, loss of a friendship, job loss, or learning you can’t have kids.

Abbreviated grief is grief – While this kind of grief may not seem real or standard, it’s still very real and does happen often. Plus, everyone grieves differently.

Abbreviated grief can affect your health – No matter how short or long, grief has been shown to affect health by causes issues like increased blood pressure, poor sleep, physical aches and pains, trouble concentrating, and even heart palpitations. There is no shame in seeking help for physical grief manifestations.

Don’t feel guilty for abbreviated grief – Don’t feel pressure to prolong your grief or feel guilty over the length of your grief. Everyone mourns differently and in their own time, so don’t feel pressure or judgement because of how you feel.

Feeling is always best – While it may be very tempting to numb your grief and pain with drugs, food, alcohol, or distractions like work, it’s always best to feel your feelings. It might be uncomfortable or painful, but you won’t be able to properly heal if you don’t allow yourself to truly grieve.

Take care of yourself – Though abbreviated grief is short you still need to remember to take care of yourself. Eat, sleep, and exercise if you can as keeping your body healthy will make it easier for you to feel better.

Remember, everyone grieves in their own unique way and in their own unique timeframe. Don’t compare your grief to someone else’s or judge another person for the way they mourn, even if you or they are dealing with abbreviated grief.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want to learn more about grieving or about Palos Heights, IL cremation services . Call or visit us today.

Last Wishes Documents and Funeral Homes

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

A last wishes document is how you can tell your loved ones what you want done after you die, from a service at a funeral home to a cremation. Learn more about leaving last wishes.

Everyone dies eventually, so, no matter how uncomfortable it might be, it’s a good idea to be as prepared for the eventuality as possible. That’s where a last wishes document comes in. A last wishes document is how you can tell your loved ones what you want done after you die, from a cremation service to a funeral at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL

Your last wishes are your requests for what you want done after you die, generally regarding funeral or memorial arrangements and final disposition. However, some people also choose to include what they want for the time leading up to their death as well, like who they want to see, if they want to pass at home or at a care facility, or even what they want their surroundings to be like.

It’s always best to tell your loved ones about these wishes in addition to writing them down. That way you can make sure they understand what you want, and they can ask any questions they may have. Here are some common last wishes questions and their answers to give you more information on these important documents :

Is a last wishes document the same as an advance directive? – Advanced directives are legal documents that details someone’s wishes when they are terminally ill. Last wishes are not legally binding and deal more with how you would like to be remembered, what you would like to say to your loved ones, and other practical things.

Are last wishes legally binding? – Last wishes documents are not legally binding, but most family members or loved ones at least feel morally obligated to see your wishes done.

Are last wishes the same as a will? – Last wishes are not wills. Wills are legal documents that deal with your estate, belonging, or finances, while last wishes are non-legal documents that deal with the funeral or service arrangements . It also does not make sense to include your last wishes in your will as the will is generally read after the funeral, thereby making your last wishes useless.

What should you include in a last wishes document? – Your last wishes can include anything you want, including funeral or cremation preferences and plans, body disposition preferences, obituary information, messages to your loved ones, requests for your final days, and personal information like where your will is.

How do you make a last wishes document? – You don’t need to do anything fancy to write down your last wishes. The document should include your name, the details you want your loved ones to know, and who you want to tell them to. It can be a few sentences or several pages, typed and printed, or just written down in a notebook. Just be sure it’s kept in a safe place and that the people it addresses know about it and where it is.

Do you want to learn more about last wishes or Palos Heights, IL funeral homes? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help. Call or visit us today .

What is Embalming?

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Whether you’re having a cremation service or funeral service in Mokena, IL, it’s helpful to be aw are of the basics of embalming. Keep reading to learn more about the process

Embalming is the preservation of human remains to slow decomposition and disinfect the body. The process is thought of as both an art and a science as it requires great skill and experience. Bodies are usually embalmed so they’re suitable for a viewing before a cremation or funeral service . They are also used to preserve bodies for medical purposes, whether for a laboratory or a medical school. Whether you’re having a funeral or cremation service in Mokena, IL , it’s helpful to be aware of the basics of embalming. Keep reading to learn more.

There are two main kinds of embalming, arterial and cavity, but both are usually used in the standard embalming process. Arterial embalming involves removing the blood from the veins and replacing it with the embalming solution. In other words, the blood is flushed out of the veins and arteries by the fluid. Cavity embalming is when the internal fluids are removed with tools called trocars and aspirators.

Embalming is frequently required by state law or funeral home regulations. Some states legally require refrigeration or embalming if a body is not cremated or buried within a certain period of time after a death, while other states leave the requirements up to the funeral homes. While the exact laws and regulations vary, best practices are to bury or cremate a body within a few days of death or embalm it.

While each embalming expert might have his or her own preferred technique, here are the general steps of the embalming process:

1. Wash and Disinfect the Body – The embalmer will also massage the arms and legs to ease rigor mortis and perform any necessary shaving.

2. Set the Features – The embalmer sets the body’s features by closing the eyes and positioning the mouth. The eyes are often held shut by plastic caps and the mouth is usually wired or sewn shut.

3. Inject the Embalming Fluids – An incision is made in the right common carotid artery and the right jugular vein in order to pump about two gallons of a formaldehyde solution through the body. As the solution is injected, it pushes the blood out of the veins and into a drain attached to the jugular.

4. Cavity Embalming – Bodily fluids and remaining gas are removed from the internal organs, like the bladder, intestines, and stomach, by a suction hose and a trocar. A trocar is an instrument with a three-sided point attached to a tube for removing fluids. After the fluids are removed, the embalmer injects embalming fluid to preserve the body and help it hold its shape.

5. Incision Closure and Final Touches – The embalmer then closes up any incisions made in the embalming process, gives the body a bath, and then dresses it. After about 24 hours, he will return to seal the incisions with a bonding adhesive to prevent leaks, apply makeup, and fix the hair.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you have more questions on embalming or Mokena, IL cremation services. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss

Activity Ideas for Out-of-Town Funeral Guests

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

If people are traveling to a new place for your lost loved one’s service at a funeral home, it’s a good idea to have activity options. Here are some activity ideas

These days, servic es at funeral homes in Mokena, IL and other locations are much more than one-day events. In fact, they can easily span an entire week with other events like viewings and wakes. This is especially true if the guests are traveling for the service.

But the question is: how will you occupy everyone’s time beyond the funeral itself? After all, you want your friends and family to have a nice time and enjoy the area.

That’s where activities come in. There are tons of different activities you can set up for your funeral service guests before or after the service itself, such as these ideas:

Shopping Spree – Bring guests to a local mall, shopping area, main street, or wherever there are lots of fun and unique stores and boutiques. Who doesn’t like a little shopping? This is a good idea because everyone will get some time to explore on their own plus pick up a souvenir or any last-minute items they might need for the service.

Picnic in the Park – Most towns have lovely local parks full of sunshine, green grass, and shady trees that just scream picnic. Have your guests pack their own lunches and then tell everyone to meet at a certain area of a local park for a picnic, some relaxing, and even a few lawn games.

Go on a Hike – People will want to stretch their legs and get some activity in while they’re traveling or grieving. So, plan a hike! Choose a nearby trail or walking path that’s not too difficult so everyone can participate.

Check out an Amusement Park – If there’s an amusement park in your area, be it a Universal Studios or a Six Flags, your guests will be in for a nice break from grieving and thinking about the loss. Even if everyone doesn’t like rollercoasters, amusement parks generally have other kinds of activities and attractions like shows, carnival games, and even face painting.

Take in a Show – Who doesn’t like live theater? If there’s a theater in your area, set up a night where everyone goes and sees a show. Bonus: many theaters offer group discounts, so try and buy all the tickets at once. If there’s no live theater in your area, go see a movie instead.

Enjoy the Arts – Out-of-town visitors almost always enjoy art and history. Plan a trip to a local art gallery or museum so your guests can enjoy the arts. Try an art museum or science museum, antique shop, or art gallery. Got lots of time? Why not try and take in all three!

Treat Yourself – After busy days of shopping and sightseeing, your guests will probably be hungry. Set up reservations or make recommendations for all the must-eat restaurants and bakeries in the area so everyone can refuel and treat themselves to something delicious

These are just a few ideas for activities you can do with your funeral guests from out of town. Really, the sky’s the limit! Want more tips on services or funeral homes in Mokena, IL? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help.

How is a Body Prepared for Cremation?

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

How is a body prepared for cremation? Learn the different steps a body goes through, from processing and identity verification, to be prepared for a cremation service.

Your loved one has died, and they chose a cremation service in Chicago Ridge, IL. What happens to the body after the death? How long before the cremation takes place? What happens after the cremation? Here are all the details of how a body is prepared for a cremation.

1. Funeral Home or Crematory Picks Up the Body – After the death, the funeral home or crematory of your choice will usually pick up the body and bring it to the funeral home or crematory. Once there, it will be placed in a prep room or in refrigeration.

2. Service Planning – The bereaved will then meet with a funeral director or cremation provider to plan a service, if desired, and determine the cremation details. During this time, the body is kept in a refrigeration unit between 36 and 39 degrees to slow decomposition. If the deceased or bereaved chose direct cremation, the body will stay refrigerated till the cremation. If they chose a public viewing, the body will be placed in a prep room for embalming.

3. Preparing the Body for Cremation – The cremation provider will prep the body by removing all jewelry, pacemakers, or medical devices in order to prevent melting or explosions during the cremation process. Jewelry is returned to the family and medical devices are often recycled or returned to the family. If the family or deceased chose direct cremation, there is no other preparation required. If the family chose a public viewing, the body will be embalmed, bathed, dried, dressed, and put in a casket.

4. Identity Verification – A family member or next-of-kin will complete and ID Verification form after preparation to signify that the body has been properly identified and is ready to be cremated or viewed at a service. Each facility and state have different procedures , but your funeral director or cremation provider will walk you through each step.

5. Cremation – After the body is identified and after any chosen service, the body is then placed in a cremation container. Cremation containers can be solid wood caskets designed for cremation or corrugated cardboard boxes also designed for cremations. The cremation container with the body inside is then put into the cremation chamber and heated between 1400 and 2000 degrees for about two hours. Some crematories allow family members to view the cremation itself. If you wish to view the cremation, speak with your provider.

After the cremation, the remains are cooled for about an hour and then processed through a machine that grinds remaining bones into powder. These powdered remains are returned to the family in an urn of their choice or in another kind of container.

That is how a body is prepared for cremation. If you want to learn more about the cremation process or Chicago Ridge, IL cremation services in general, Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to h elp. Stop by and pay us a visit or give us a call today for more information on what we can do for you in your time of loss.

Are You Serving as a Pallbearer?

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

If you were asked to be a pallbearer for someone’s funeral at a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL, you need these helpful tips to guide you. Keep reading to learn more.

If you were asked to be a pallbearer for someone’s funeral or service before a cremation service, you need these tips for serving as a pallbearer for guidance and inspiration. A pallbearer is someone that helps carry or officially escorts a casket during a funeral at a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL .

Their duties traditionally consist exclusively of carrying the remains from the hearse to the church or funeral home before the service, and then back into the hearse after the service. If the remains are to be buried or inurned, the pallbearers also carry them from the hearse to the final resting place. Hopefully these tips will help you calm your nerves and make sure you are ready to take on this honor:

1. Follow Instructions – Always follow the instructions of the family, bereaved, and the funeral direction. This is true even if you’ve been a pallbearer before or have different ideas of how things should go. It’s not your time to shine, it’s your chance to be respectful and honor the deceased.

2. Turn Off Your Phone – It would be horrifying to have your phone ring during the service or, even worse, when you’re carrying the casket. Turn off your phone completely or leave it in your car or at home.

3. Serving as a Pallbearer is an Honor – Being chosen as a pallbearer means that the bereaved trust you and care about you. It’s a privilege, so do your best to treat the honor with dignity and respect.

4. Consider Your Attire – Pallbearers need to dress appropriately. Unless the bereaved specify otherwise, men should wear dark, solid suits with white shirts and conservative ties, and women should wear dark pantsuits or dresses.

5. Wear Sensible Shoes – You really don’t want to trip when carrying the casket. Be sure to wear sensible shoes that will help keep your feet firmly planted on the ground and will be supportive when you lift the casket.

6. Being Nervous is Normal – It’s true that all eyes will be on you when you carry the casket, so it’s OK to be nervous. Just follow the instructions, breathe deeply, and you’ll be alright.

7. Be Prepared to Lift – The main job of a pallbearer is to lift and carry the casket, so prepare yourself. Remember, it’s OK to turn it down if you’re asked to be a pallbearer by can’t physically do the job.

8. Stay Back and Support the Family – Don’t rush out as soon as the service is over. Hang around for a bit to offer support, comfort, and assistance to the family.

9. Be On Time – You need to arrive at the funeral home or service location at or even before the time specified. This way you can be as prepared as possible and not rushing or worried after a late arrival.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here if you need more guidance or assistance if when it comes to pallbearers or Chicago Ridge, IL funeral homes. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.

What Happens to a Body After Death?

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

This is a As unsettling as it might be to consider what happens to a body after death, this information is good to have if you’re planning a cremation service in Palos Heights, IL.

As unsettling as it might be to consider what happens to a body after death, this information is good to have if you’re planning a cremation service in Palos Heights, IL . Here is a breakdown of what happens to a body after death, from death pronouncement to final decomposition.

1. Death Pronouncement – The death pronouncement is when the person is officially declared dead by a medical professional. It can be different from the actual time of death as sometimes doctors are not present when the person actually dies. Instead, the death pronouncement is given after the doctor examines the body and determines that death has occurred.

2. Body Transportation – After a death, someone has to notify the funeral home or cremation provider and then have someone come to the place of death and transport it to the funeral home or cremation location.

3. Body Preservation – There are several ways bodies are preserve d before a cremation service or funeral including refrigeration and embalming. Bodies are kept cold with ice, dry ice, air conditioning, or refrigerators. They can also be traditionally embalmed or eco-embalmed, which is a method that does not use formaldehyde.

4. Memorial Events – Most people choose to have some kind of memorial event for their lost loved one. The most traditional events are viewings, visitations, and wakes. A viewing or wake is when the embalmed body is present, and a visitation may or may not have the body present. Viewings and wakes are also generally more religious than wakes. There are also traditional funerals, which are services in which the body is present in a casket . Funerals are also usually religious events held at funeral homes or churches. Families can also choose to less traditional and host a memorial. Memorials are services at which the body is not present, either because the body was cremated or because the body was already buried.

5. Final Disposition Service – The body’s final disposition is where the body will be put to rest. Whether the body is buried or interned in a tomb or mausoleum, the service for final disposition is called a committal. When a body is cremated and placed in an urn or scattered, the ceremony is called a cremation ceremony or a scattering service.

6. Final Disposition – There are many different ways to put a body to rest, but the most common include burial and cremation. Bodies can be buried in the ground at a cemetery, above-ground in a mausoleum, entombment in a lawn crypt, or naturally buried in other locations. Final disposition options for after cremation include cremation with burial in a cemetery, above-ground burial in a columbarium, scattering of ashes, and inurnment with the urn kept at home. There are also alternative disposition methods such as alkaline hydrolysis, burial or scattering at sea, and body preservation.

This is a short explanation of what happens to a body after a death. If you want to learn more about the process or Palos Heights, IL cremation services, Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help .

All About Pallbearers

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s everything you need to know about pallbearers is case you were you asked to be a pallbearer for someone’s funeral at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL.

As intense or scary as this job seems, being a pallbearer is not as overwhelming as you might think. Were you asked to be a pallbearer for someone’s funeral at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL ? Here’s everything you need to know about pallbearers in order to prepare you.

1. What is a Pallbearer? A pallbearer is someone that helps carry or officially escorts a casket during a funeral or service. Their duties traditionally consist exclusively of carrying the remains from the hearse to the church or funeral home before the service, and then back into the hearse after the service. If the remains are to be buried or inurned, the pallbearers also carry them from the hearse to the final resting place.

2. Who Can be a Pallbearer? Pallbearers can be anyone the bereaved or deceased choose. However, they are usually close family or friends like siblings, older children or grandchildren, colleagues, or friends. And yes, women can be pallbearers even though it doesn’t happen very often.

3. How Heavy is a Casket? Caskets can weigh as little as 60 pounds up to 400 pounds or more depending on the type of casket and the size of the remains inside. For example, pine caskets generally weigh about 150 pounds, while mahogany can weigh up to 250. Metal caskets, on the other hand, can weigh between 160 to 200 pounds depending on the kind of metal and the metal gauge.

4. What Should Pallbearers Wear? Its best for pallbearers to dress conservatively, ideally in a dark suit and tie, dress, or pantsuit. However, be sure to wear clothing that is comfortable enough for you to move and lift in. Don’t forget to wear flat or low-heeled shoes so you don’t trip while carrying the casket.

5. How Many Pallbearers are There? While there can be as many or as few as desired, there are traditionally six to eight pallbearers. If there are six, three stand on each side of the casket. If there are eight, the extra two stand on the front and back.

6. Can You Have Pallbearers at a Cremation? While pallbearers are traditionally used when the body is buried in a casket, people can choose to have pallbearers carry the casket at a funeral before a cremation. They can also carry or walk alongside the urn before or after a memorial service .

7. What Is an Honorary Pallbearer? An honorary pallbearer is someone who will not actually carry the casket but is still recognized in some way. This title is usually used for older friends or relatives who might not be able to physically carry the casket. Sometimes people even choose to have deceased friends or family members as honorary pallbearers, as they don’t have to carry the casket or even be physically present to have the honor.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you have more questions about pallbearers or Palos Heights, IL funeral homes. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.

What is Cumulative Grief?

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Cumulative grief is when losses keep coming, like having a lost loved one’s cremation service one day and another soon after. How can you get through this kind of grief?

Everyone will experience grief at one time or another, generally after the loss of a loved one and a cremation service in Mokena, IL . But what about when the losses keep happening, one right after another?

This experience can lead to what is called “cumulative grief.” Cumulative grief can occur when someone experiences more than one loss in a short period of time, causing the pain of each loss to compound each other into oftentimes overwhelming grief. The symptoms of cumulative grief include:

Feeling overwhelmed
Avoiding processing the losses
Processing one loss but not being able to process any others
Numbness
High blood pressure
Sleeplessness

Here are fast facts about cumulative grief to help you understand this phenomenon and how you can get through it:

All Grief Takes Time – All grief, even cumulative grief, takes time to work through. Don’t try and rush through the feelings even if it hurts as this may just leave you feeling overwhelmed. Don’t try to avoid the feelings, either, as they will continue to build up and cause more pain in the long run.

Age Increases the Risk for Cumulative Grief – As people get into their 70s, 80s, and 90s, they oftentimes find themselves experiencing more frequent loss of friends, family members, and other loved ones.
Substance Abuse Can Increase the Risk for Cumulative Grief – People that use drugs or alcohol to numb grief oftentimes don’t fully feel their losses, putting them at greater risk for cumulative grief when they stop using the drugs or alcohol.
It’s Not Shameful to Seek Help – Finding professional help, like a therapist or counselor, can go a long way towards easing you through cumulative grief.
Cumulative Grief Can Affect Physical Health – Grief can devastate you emotionally, mentally, and physically. In fact, it can raise blood pressure, increase the risk of blood clots, and even alter the heart muscle to mimic the symptoms of a heart attack.
Cumulative Grief Isn’t Just About Death – While death is the most common cause of cumulative grief, it can also be caused by other losses like a change in friends, loss of identity, job loss, or a loss in future dreams or goals.
Multiple Losses Heighten Feelings – The simple nature of cumulative grief is that it’s hard. How could feeling the pain of multiple losses not be? As tough as feeling the heightened emotions all at once, it’s better than ignoring the feelings until they become too much to bear.
Grief is Cyclical – Grief, especially cumulative grief, is cyclical, meaning that one day you might feel better, but then the next you start to feel terrible again. This doesn’t mean you’re regressing or not making progress, it’s just part of the grief experience. This cyclical nature also means that you can make room for joy and happiness within your grief journey. After all, being happy does not negate the love you had for your lost loved one.

Cumulative grief may be tough, but you’re tougher. Work one day at a time and you will come out the other side.

Want to learn more about grief or Mokena, IL cremation services ? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help.

Hosting a Wake at Your Home?

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

If you’re hosting a wake at your home after a funeral at a funeral home, you need to make sure your home is ready. Use these fast, easy, and inexpensive ideas to prep your home.

While there are many places to host a wake after a service at a funeral home in Mokena, IL , many bereaved want to have the gathering at their home. Whether this is because the deceased had a special connection to the house or because the bereaved want to keep the event intimate, a memorial at home is a wonderful idea. If you want to host a memorial for your lost loved one at your home, you do need to spend time getting your home ready.

Here are some tips for prepping your home for a memorial event:

Update Your Furniture – A brand new couch is pricey, but reupholstering your existing couch just takes a few hours and some creativity. You can update other furniture, too, like chairs and tables with a new stain or coat of paint.
Deep Clean – The best way to prep your home for a memorial is to do a deep clean. Start in the high traffic rooms like the kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces, but don’t forget the extra rooms like bedrooms, offices, and basements
Change Dated Fixtures – Want to make your home look updated for the memorial? Change out the fixtures. It’s incredible how much changing fixtures can change a room. Whether you’re updating frosted glass pendant lights or ripping out nasty old ceiling fans in lieu of more modern ones, spend the weekend changing your dated fixtures for a quick home update.
Give Your Window Treatments Love – Window treatments can get dirty if left unattended. A quick way to make your home feel like new again is to clean your treatments. You can even repaint or re-stain them if you want to add a new pop of color.
Add Greenery – Plants, flowers and other greenery always add life and color to a space. Worried about watering? Buy some fake plants.
Do Some Painting – Few things update a space more than a fresh coat of paint. You can totally change the color of a room for a super new look, or you can just give the existing color a refresh.
Organize Cords – Cords hanging off the TV, tangled by the nightstand, or snaking around your desk look plain messy. Clear away and organize your cords by investing in some cheap cord organizers and power strips.
Clean Tile and Grout – Nothing makes a bathroom or kitchen seem older and dirtier than stained grout or tile. Buy a cheap tile and grout refreshing kit at your local hardware store or online and spend the afternoon scrubbing. It might take some elbow grease, but your kitchen and bathroom will look good as new.
Make Space for Your Pet – Your home should be free from pet clutter for the event. Take some time on your weekend to carve out a dedicated space for your pet and all his accessories.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want more tips or information on Mokena, IL funeral homes . After all, sometimes it’s the smallest of changes in your home that make the biggest impacts when you want it to look nice for an event.

Are You Planning a Summer Memorial?

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

If you’re planning a summer memorial after a loved one’s cremation service, you should use these tips, like hosting the reception indoors, to make the event the best it can be.

Summer memorials can be truly beautiful and meaningful with everything from gorgeous weather and bright sunshine to vibrant flowers. That’s why summer memorials after cremation services in Chicago Ridge, IL are very popular.

However, the summer also comes with variables that can quickly turn a wonderful memorial into a disaster, like thunderstorms, heatwaves, and lots and lots of bugs. What are your options?

Here are some tips for planning a summer memorial that will help you enjoy all the benefits of the season without fear of any of the pitfalls.

Make a Back-Up Plan – If you still want to have your memorial service, scattering event or other kind of meaningful moment to honor the deceased outdoors, you definitely need a back-up plan in case of rain or other problematic weather. Think about where you can have the ceremony if you have to move things inside, or get creative with other solutions like umbrellas or fans.
Host the Reception Indoors – Indoor receptions are always a safe bet, but especially so in the summer. You don’t have to worry about pesky bugs swarming the food, heavy rain turning the greeting line into a mud put, or an unexpected heat wave sending your guests in search of air conditioning. You can still enjoy parts of the memorial outdoors to take advantage of the beautiful season, but having the reception inside will save you a lot of headaches and worry.
Serve Cooling Refreshments – Most memorials these days start in the heat of the day, so your guests will want something to cool them down when they arrive and during the service itself. Try serving cooling welcome refreshments right when the guests arrive so they stay comfortable and cool for the service and into the reception .
Honor the Deceased with Flowers – One of the best parts of summertime is the abundance of bright, colorful flowers and rich greenery. Summer is the perfect time to go overboard with florals, especially when you’re bringing the outdoor feel indoors for an indoor reception after an outdoor memorial service. You can also ask your florist about what’s locally in season for to save some money on the centerpieces, flowers for scattering, or other florals you may want for the memorial.
Helpful Hand-Outs – Think about helpful favors or handouts you can hand out to your guests to help them beat the heat, like fans or koozies to keep drinks cold. You can even order programs that list the agenda for the memorial service that double as fans.
Skip the Soup Course for Dinner – Many people choose to serve food at the reception following a lost loved one’s memorial. While a warm bowl of soup might be delicious, it doesn’t really work with the summer season or the summer heat. Instead, opt for more summer-friendly dishes like salads, fresh fruit, or a cooling gazpacho.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help make your lost loved one’s service the best it can be or to give you more information on Chicago Ridge, IL cremation services . Call or visit us today to learn more.

Help Yourself Heal After a Loss

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Loss, a service and a funeral home, and grief will never be easy, but there are ways to ease the grief. Use these tips and ideas to help yourself heal after a loss.

Loss, a service and a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL , and the subsequent grief will never be easy. However, there are ways you can help ease the pain and help yourself heal. Use these ideas to soothe your pain and grief after the loss of a loved one:

Seek Support – Feeling of loneliness are very common after a loss. In fact, they’re natural. While its noble to make an effort to stand on your own during this difficult time, you don’t have to do it alone. In reality, its actually better to lean on others when you’re going through a loss. Try interacting with friends, family members, or other people in your community to remind yourself of the love, support, and positivity that surrounds you. If you can, fight the urged to isolate yourself. Even if you don’t want to talk about your grief, just spending time in silence with others can be helpful. If you’re not comfortable looking to friends or family for support, you can try a local support group.

Take Care of Yourself – It’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside when you’re grieving. However, you shouldn’t add physical ailments on top of your mental pain. Take care of yourself by eating regularly and healthfully, getting plenty of rest, exercising when you can, sharing your feelings with others, and allowing yourself to cry.

Seek Help from a Professional If Needed – Speaking with a mental health professional like therapist or counselor can be very helpful and comforting in a time of loss and grief. If you’re unsure if you need to speak with a professional, take a moment to be honest with yourself and your situation. There is no shame in getting help.

Be Aware of Clinical Depression – Its natural to feel depressed after a loss. In fact, many common symptoms of grief are the same as those of clinical depression. However, there is a difference between grief and clinical depression, and clinical depression does require professional help. Be on the watch for signs of clinical depression like your sadness does not subside over time, you feel hopeless or even suicidal, as though life will never get back to normal, you’ve pulled further and further away from your friends and family, and no grief-coping strategies seem to have worked for you.

Watch out for Complicated Grief – Complicated grief is when you’re unable to move on after a loss. While grief does not have a fixed duration, it does generally ease with time. Complicated grief, however, involves prolonged and painful symptoms that prevent you from accepting the loss and living a normal life again. If you feel you might have complicated grief, seek help from a professional.

Remember, just as no two people will grieve the same way, not all of these tips will help everyone with their grief. Do what works for you and what makes you feel healthy, happy, and that you’re moving towards healing.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you have more questions about grief or Chicago Ridge, IL funeral homes.

Visiting Your Dying Friend

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

It’s important to visit a dying friend so you can show your love and support before your friend’s cremation service or funeral. Learn tips for what to say and do during a visit .

It’s important to visit a dying friend so you can show your love and support before your friend’s cremation service in Palos Heights, IL . But death can be especially challenging when its seen coming from a long way off. What should you do if you have a friend or close relative who’s dying? But what should you say? How can you get through the tangle of emotions that comes with such a visit?

Death is something we will all face eventually. And don’t you want your friends and loved ones by your side when your time comes? The answer is probably yes, so you need to extend that same grace to your friends and loved ones as they pass. Also, friendship and family means being there to support a person through the good times and the bad. Yes, you may feel uncomfortable, but image how scared or uncertain they are. This is the moment they need you the most. Once you decide to make the visit, you might begin to be concerned about what you will say.

There is a lot of awkwardness that comes from talking about death, but it may be helpful to remember that your friend or loved one might feel just as awkward about the subject. Here are some tips for what to say:

Listen – Sometimes it’s more about what you don’t say than what you do say. They might just need someone to listen to them, hold their hand, and be their shoulder to cry on. After all, what they are going through is scary and overwhelming. Just being there to sit with them and let them express how they are feeling can be more than enough comfort.
Be Honest – Always be honest about your own feelings and experience. Feeling nervous, sad, or scared? Say so. Human connection is so important, and the best way to connect is through honesty.
Don’t Wait – You never know which conversation or visit might be your last, so don’t wait too long to make your visit and be sure you remain as heartfelt and loving as you can.
Ask Questions – Face the elephant in the room head on and ask questions about how they’re doing. They may not want to answer them, and that OK, but just having you be there to ask the questions is often comfort enough. Always let them decide how much they feel like sharing.

It’s understandable and even normal to feel uneasy or anxious about visiting with someone who’s dying. Most people have never been in that kind of situation before and therefore lack the experience and knowledge to know what to say or do. People also don’t know what to say or do because death and terminal illnesses are somewhat taboo subjects in our society and are therefore often not really talked about or dealt with.

Do you want more information on death or Palos Heights, IL cremation services ? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help however we can in your time of loss

Tips for Buying a Casket

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Buying a casket can be one of the most challenge ng and expensive parts of planning a funeral at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL. These tips for buying a casket can help.

Buying a casket can be one of the most challenging and expensive parts of planning a funeral at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL . After all, caskets are big-ticket items, come in many different sizes and materials, and have a wide range of features. How are you supposed to choose the casket that’s best for your lost loved one?

These tips are here to help you find and buy a casket that suits your needs without too much tie or stress and without putting an unnecessary burden on your finances:

Shop Early – Buying a casket is hard even without adding the additional stress of making the purchase when you have high emotions, are under a time constraint, and are feeling vulnerable after a loss. The best way to combat this issue is to shop as early as you can, whether that means picking a casket before you pass to make the choice easy for your family or moving the task of buying a casket to the top of your funeral to-do list.

Set a Budget – Caskets can vary widely in price, from a few hundred or thousand dollars to tens of thousands. All these options can be very overwhelming, so its best to start shopping with a set budget in mind. What’s more, you don’t want to overspend and put extra stress on yourself during your time of loss.

Consider Your Lost Loved One’s Wishes – If your lost loved one left behind instructions or preferences as to the type of casket they want, follow those instructions. Not only will this help honor your lost loved one, but it will also make your job that much easier. If they didn’t leave any instructions, think about their tastes and personality to help narrow down your choices.

Get Help – You don’t have to shop for a casket alone. In fact, it’s often best to have a shopping companion along to help you make the decision and offer additional support. Also, having someone along to help might also make it easier for you to stick to your budget and request samples or information on lower-priced options. And finally, its’ almost always helpful to talk over the pros and cons of your various options with someone else.

Take Your Time – While you don’t have all the time in the world to choose a casket, you do have the time to take a step back, breathe, and center yourself if you begin to feel overwhelmed. Oftentimes just taking a quick break can make all the difference.

Know Your Rights – Consumers of funeral home products have certain rights under federal law. These laws are intended to help protect you from being pressured into buying products you don’t want or need simply because you’re going through a loss. For example, the Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide you with transparent pricing. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You need to have all the information before you can make a good decision.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want more information on buying a casket or Palos Heights, IL funeral homes. Were happy to do whatever we can to help you in your time of loss or of preplanning.

Questions About Preplanning

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Use this list of simple questions to begin the conversation about preplanning and cremation services with your loved ones. After all, taking about death is never easy.

How will you know what your loved ones want after they’re gone if you don’t talk about it? Talking about death is very difficult. That’s why it never will be easy to talk to your loved ones about their after-life plans for cremation services in Mokena, IL . However, these conversations are essential. When you’re ready to have the discussion, you can use these questions to help guide you and make sure you get the information you need.

Do you have a will? According to a study done in 2020 by Trust & Will, only 32% of all adults have a will or living trust, and only 36% of adults with children under 18. Wills are vital documents that make sure a person’s last wishes are followed in the event of their death. Create a will with your loved ones, or make sure that that have one of their own, and keep it in a safe but accessible place.

Do you have Power of Attorney or Health Care Power of Attorney? Power of Attorney is a document that gives a designated person the power to make legal decisions for another person if they become unable to make them for themselves. A Health Care Power of Attorney does the same, but for medical decisions instead of legal ones. These documents can be essential if your loved one is getting older or suffering from cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.

Where is your financial information? Financial institutions are strict about giving people access to other people’s accounts, even if they are a spouse or close relative. That’s why it’s important for your loved ones to have their financial information written down and that you know where its kept. They should include sources of income and liabilities, accounts receivable, bank accounts, real estate, assets, securities, and personal property.

How would you like to be celebrated? Perhaps the most important part of the after-life discussion is how your loved ones would like to be remembered and celebrated. Do they want to be buried or cremated? Have a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life? Asking about this now ensures your loved one’s wishes will be honored after their death.

Who will take care of your pets? Most people love their pets like children and will therefore have specific wishes as to how they should be cared for upon their death. Make sure these wishes are written down in a safe place.

What would you like me to do with your online and social media accounts? Some people choose to keep their online presence as a digital memorial upon their death, while others would prefer that their digital presence is removed. Either way, make sure you have a list of their online accounts and passwords so you’re able to carry out their wishes when they pass.

Do you have more questions about preplanning, or would you like more information on Mokena, IL cremation services ? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help however we can. After all, though it’s impossible to be completely prepared for the death of a loved one, the answers to these questions will go a long way.

Types of Caskets

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

If you’re planning a service at a funeral home in Mokena, IL, you will most likely need to choose a casket. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of caskets.

If you’re planning a service at a funeral home in Mokena, IL , you will most likely need to choose a casket. But do you know where to begin? There are a lot of different caskets out there, all in different materials, shapes, sizes, and price points, so it can be hard to get started on choosing one for your lost loved one.

The best place to begin is learning about the most common types of caskets so you can be better prepared to choose the best option for your needs:

Metal Caskets – The most common metals used to make caskets are bronze, copper, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Bronze and copper are the most durable as they will not rust over time, but they do tend to cost. Stainless steel and carbon caskets come in different thicknesses, each with their own price point. Metal caskets are usually more durable than wood, which is why they’re often marketed as “protective.” Though they do come with a rubber gasket to seal the casket, they do not slow down the decomposition process.

Wood Caskets – Generally, wood caskets are made from solid hardwoods like mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, oak, and pecan. Much like furniture made from harder woods is more expensive, the harder the casket wood the more expensive the casket will be. Other woods such as pine, poplar, and willow are generally the most affordable, and the least expensive wood casket option is wood veneer, pressed wood, and cloth-covered fiberboard.

Casket Lids - Caskets come with two basic types of lids: half couch and full couch. Half Couch refers to a two-piece lid that’s usually partially opened (from the deceased’s waist up) for a viewing. Full Couch refers to a one-piece lid extending the length of the casket.

Cremation Caskets – Cremation caskets are used to support the body while its being cremated and therefore need to be combustible and cannot have any metal parts. In fact, unless you would like a casket because you have a funeral before the cremation, you don’t have to have a true casket at all. You can choose a cremation container, or simple box, in which to cremate the body.

You also need to consider the size of the casket before you commit to choosing one. A standard casket is generally 84 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 23 inches tall. While the length of a casket is rarely an issue – as most bodies comfortably fit within the standard size - you may need to look at an “oversized” casket that have an extra width of 31 inches.

Don’t forget to think about additional features:

Lining – Casket interiors, or linings, come in a variety of materials. The most common are crepe, velvet, satin, linen, and velour.

Memory Drawers – Memory drawers are special compartments built into the casket that hold small personal items you wish to bury with the deceased.

Casket Corners – These are special attachments to the outside of the casket that help denote the deceased’s life in some way, like a golfing or fishing symbol.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory, a Mokena, IL funeral home , is here to help if you want to learn more about caskets. Call or visit us today.

Affordable Monuments for Your Lost Loved One

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Many people want to set up a monument to their lost loved one after a cremation service or funeral. Use this list of ideas for affordable monuments as inspiration.

Monuments have long been used to memorialize the deceased. While they are usually permanent fixtures like large headstones or statues, there are other monuments that are just as special but more affordable. After all, many people want to set up a monument to their lost loved one after a funeral or cremation service in Chicago Ridge, IL , but can’t afford the more traditional structures. This list of ideas for affordable monuments can help inspire you to memorialize your lost loved one:

Photographs – Everyone has many pictures of loved ones, so it’s easy to use photographs as a monument when someone you love passes away. Simple framed photos and scrapbooks are equally meaningful and help you remember them.

Cremation Jewelry – Cremation jewelry takes part of the deceased’s cremains and turns it into jewelry that you can wear or carry with you at all times.

Memories – Your memories of your loved one are always with you and are also completely free. Use your memories as a monument to the deceased by telling stories about them to younger generations and by asking friends, family and other loved ones to share their stories as well. Make these memories more permanent by asking people to write them down in a journey or, for more the more tech-savvy, making a video compilation of them telling their memories.

Repurpose Belongings – You can repurpose almost any of your lost loved one’s belongings as memorial. For example, you can turn a shirt or blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal.

Plant a Memorial Garden – Flowers, trees, bushes and other living things are always a beautiful reminder that life goes on and there can be beauty in the wake of loss. Plant a memorial garden for your lost loved one at home in your yard or work with your local authorities to plant a garden or even a tree in a public place.

Give to Charity – One of the best ways to honor the deceased is to help their good legacy live on through charitable giving. Even a small donation will go a long way towards helping a cause that your lost loved one believed in or cared about.

Make a Playlist or Mixtape – Music is very powerful and can help us work through difficult emotions. Make a playlist or a mixtape that reminds you of your lost loved one so you can listen whenever you’re thinking about them or you miss them. Don’t forget to share it with family and friends.

Write a Memorial – Even if you’re not a gifted writer, it can still be meaningful to write some kind of memorial for your lost loved one. Try writing a poem, memoir, short story, or even just an essay about how you feel about their life and loss.

These are just a few of the many ways you can memorialize your lost loved one without spending a large amount of money. Want more tips on memorialization or information on Chicago Ridge, IL cremation services ? Simply call or visit Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory.

Make Your Lost Loved One’s Celebration of Life Stand Out

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

If you’re looking to wow your guests and honor your lost loved one at their celebration of life at a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL or another venue, you should use these tips.

Are you looking to really honor our lost loved one with a memorable and unique celebration of life at a funeral home in Chicago Ridge, IL ? Everyone wants their lost loved one’s service to stand out and be remembered for years to come, but it can be hard to impress people when you’re not exactly sure how. That’s where these tips come in.

Use these ideas to help make your lost loved one’s celebration of life really stand out:

Focus on the Food – People love food, so it’s not surprising that one the biggest parts guests remember of any event is the food. So, make sure your food really shines! Talk with your caterer to create a menu that focuses on fresh, local, and high-quality food, and don’t forget to include plenty of options for common dietary restrictions like gluten free, vegetarian, dairy free and vegan.

Create Photo-Ops – It’s no secret that social media is huge these days. Take advantage of the craze for your loved one’s celebration of life by creating Insta-worthy photo-ops. You can rent out a photo booth or just set up a corner of the space with a backdrop and props. Not only will these chances to take photos help your guests have fun, but they will also help create more memories of your lost loved one that will live on. You can even create a unique hashtag that guests can use when posting so everyone can see the photos.

Live Stream – Social media has another connection-boosting feature: live streaming. Almost every platform from Facebook to Instagram can live stream your celebration of life allow guests that can’t attend in person the chance to celebrate the life of your lost loved one.

Create an Entrance – Everyone loves to make an entrance, so make sure the gateway into the celebration of life is something to remember . Dress up your entrance with lots of decorations and unique touches to make it feel more special and memorable. You can add a red carpet, flower wall, step and repeat, or a balloon walkway to make your event feel just like a celebrity award show. Or you can create a large photo collage of the deceased or make the entrance themed to something that he or she loved in life.

Add Art – You want people to never stop talking about your event, and what makes people talk more than art? Hang unique and thought-provoking art pieces at the celebration of life. They double as décor and conversation starters. You can also choose to hang large pictures from the deceased’s life as a way for guests to remember big moments.

It’s not as hard as you may think to create a memorable celebration of life. Just use these tips and work with Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory. We’re a Chicago Ridge, IL funeral home with the experience necessary to help you however possible in your time of loss. Call today to learn more .

Memorial Catering During COVID-19

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

It is possible to have a beautiful memorial after a cremation service while keeping you and your guests safe from COVID, especially with these safety-centered catering trends.

When our world changed in March of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so was memorial planning. Gone are a lot of the traditional aspects of planning funeral service, wake, or a memorial after a cremation service in Palos Heights, IL . While memorials, funerals and wakes might not be like we pictured for the foreseeable future, they are still possible with safety measures and a little creativity. You can still have a wonderful service to honor your lost loved one with catering ideas like these to keep people safe and fed.

This includes food service at these events. COVID-19 has drastically changed the catering industry in the United States and beyond, so what can you do? The bereaved and their guests still need to eat. Luckily, there are several catering trends that are safe for memorials in the time of COVID. Here are a couple of the best options:

Passed Hors D’Oeuvres – While grazing boards, like those with charcuterie spreads, fruits and desserts are classic, they’re not ideal for COVID safety. Luckily, passed hors d’oeuvres are back in style. They allow for masked servers to bring food directly to the bereaved to minimize people unnecessarily touching food.

Food Stations – Food stations have been around for a while and they aren’t going anywhere. From appetizers and cocktails to ice cream bars, taco stations, and even mashed potato bars, food stations are delicious, easy, and safe. Pre-poured, pre-plated and even mini servings of station foods are ideal for minimizing guest and server contact, especially since they help keep lines moving and spread out the guests for better social distancing.

Individual Desserts – While large, shared desserts lovely and always will be, more and more people are moving towards décor cakes. Décor cakes are smaller cakes that are placed at each place setting to serve as both decoration and a tasty dessert. The small individual cakes are also better for social distancing. You can also opt for other small desserts like pies, macarons or even donuts.

These are just a few of the current COVID-friendly catering trends, but there are tons of other ways to keep guests safe when it’s time to eat, including:

Individual serving ware rather than shared serving tools

Temperature checks on all employees and outside caterers

Mask requirements for employees and caterers

Individual plates rather than family style service

Also, it’s important to note that recent CDC findings suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 doesn’t grow or live on food or drinking liquids, so handling food or consuming food is generally safe when it comes to transmission.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want more memorial tips or information on cremation services . We’re a Palos Heights, IL cremation service provider with the experience and compassion necessary to help you plan an honorable, respectful, and memorable memorial for your lost loved one. Stop by and visit us or give us a call today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning.

How to Support Someone in Grief from Far Away

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

How can you help someone after a loss and a funeral home service if you’re far away from them? Use these tips, like sending deliveries, on how to support someone in grief from afar.

No one likes to see their friends and family in pain after a loss and service at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL . But it can be even worse to see loved ones grieving when you’re far away from them.

If you’re looking for ways to be there for someone in grief even from halfway around the world, these tips are here to help:

Don’t Ask – The last thing someone in grief wants to do is field a bunch of questions. So, instead of asking what you can do to help, just do it. Be proactive, whether that means sending over a cleaning service, flowers or food or paying for a grocery delivery.
Order Deliveries – Even a small gesture can mean a world of difference to someone in grief. And, thanks to modern delivery services, it’s never been easier to send those small gestures even from across an ocean. Place an order for grocery delivery so they don’t have to worry about shopping or order them some food from their favorite take out place. You can also send flowers, candy, gift baskets, thoughtful gifts like books, gift cards, and a whole host of other delivery items to show you care and are thinking about them in their time of loss.
Donate – Cremations and funerals do cost money, and it might be very helpful for you to donate money to help the bereaved with some of the costs. You can also make a donation in the deceased’s memory. Choose a cause that was important to the deceased and let the bereaved know about your donation so they can feel something good has come from their loss.
Use Technology – We are so lucky to live in a modern world with almost endless ways of staying in touch with people despite physical distance. From Facebook and Instagram to video chatting, and even the classic telephone, use technology to reach out to the bereaved. Reach out when you can so they know you’re available, but don’t be pushy. Also, don’t feel like you have to talk or have meaningful words of encouragement. The best thing you can do for your friend is just to listen.
Plan a Visit – You might not be able to see and help them in person right now, but you can certainly plan a visit. This is especially helpful since the grieving process doesn’t end once the service is over, so the bereaved might need extra love and support a few months down the line after other people have moved on.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want to learn more tips or information about Palos Heights, IL funeral homes . You can also consider using these tips to help your family member or friend when they’ve lost someone. While it’s never preferable to be far away from someone when they’re grieving, it is possible to provide some comfort even though you’re apart.

Writing Thank You Cards

Mon, 24 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

The end of your loved one’s memorial after at a cremation service in Mokena, IL isn’t the end of your memorial to-do list. You still have to send out thank you cards.

The end of your loved one’s memorial after at a cremation service in Mokena, IL isn’t the end of your memorial to-do list. You still have to send out thank you cards. Sending out thank you cards might seem a bit outdated or unnecessary, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s absolutely vital to thank the people that brought flowers, food, or otherwise supported you in your time of loss. giving gifts. Plus, thank you cards allow you to stay connected with people even after the memorial is over.

But how do you actually go about sending thank you cards? It may seem like a lot of work, but it actually isn’t that bad – especially if you follow these tips:

Start Tracking Early – It will be so hard to try and remember or determine who gave what or who brought what after the memorial. The sooner you start keeping track of flowers, food, or donations the better off you will be. If people send gifts early you can also be sneaky and write some thank you cards before the memorial itself. Just don’t send them till afterwards.

Go Slow – You don’t have to write all the cards in one sitting. In fact, it’s better to write a few every day so you don’t get overwhelmed, make mistakes, or loose personalization .

Get Some Help – Similarly, you don’t have to write the thank you cards all on your own. Get some help, whether it’s from a colleague, friend, or family member.

Keep it Personal – Try to make every card as personalized as you can. Write a tidbit about where their donation is going or how their thoughtful food was delicious. These personalized touches will make your guests feel appreciated.

Stay Organized – Make a list and stick to it! Keep track of who gave what and when so you can just follow your list when it’s time to say, “thank you.”

Stationary – If you have it in your budget to buy personalized or custom stationary for the thank you cards, go for it. However, if you don’t have the extra cash, clean, pretty and simple cards or paper will do the trick.

Who should you send thank you cards to? - Besides the guests and anyone who sent a gift or made a donation, you should also thank vendors, officiants or speakers, attendants, your parents or whoever helped you organize the memorial. Some people also send thank you cards to the funeral director or cremation provider staff.

When should you send them? - Try to send out thank you cards as soon as you can after the memorial, but don’t stress yourself out too much. Thee proper window of time for thank you cards is one to two months after the service.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is a Mokena, IL cremation service provider that’s here to help with any other questions you may have about thank you notes, cremation services, or any other aspect of at-needs or pre-needs planning.

Choosing Healthy Food for a Memorial

Mon, 17 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Get inspired by these healthy food ideas. While some events are about splurging, many people are choosing healthier meals for their loved one’s service after a cremation service.

Many people are starting to enjoy staying healthy even in times of grief. If you’re planning a memorial after a cremation service in Mokena, IL , you might want to consider having a few healthy options on your menu. However, healthy doesn’t have to mean boring or bland.

There are tons of food options out there that are just as lean as they are flavorful. Many of them are Mediterranean. Mediterranean food is known for bold flavors with plenty of nutritious benefits. Recipes from Spain, Italy, Greece and other similar locations are great options for healthy but still delicious food.

Mediterranean food is most made of lighter meats like seafood and poultry as well as plenty of fresh vegetables, brown rice and whole grains. These particular blends help give the body essential nutrients as well as healthy fats that provide lasting energy. Looking for some inspiration? Check out these Mediterranean memorial service food ideas:

Orzo Salad – Pasta salad is an event favorite, but orzo salad takes it to new levels of flavor while keeping things light. Orzo salad often has herbs, olives and vibrant cherry tomatoes with plenty of flavorful olive oil and maybe vinegar.

Kolokithokeftedes – Hard to say but easy to eat, these zucchini fritters contain olive oil feta cheese and dill. They are crispy and light but are super simple to make and serve.

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki – This Greek dish is bold in taste but light in fat thanks to skewered and grilled lean pieces of chicken and a dip made from zesty green yogurt with cucumbers, garlic and savory herbs. Serve with pita bread for dipping.

Having good food at your lost loved one’s service is essential for success, but it can be hard to satisfy the array of preferences, dietary needs and tastes that your guests will have. So, be sure to provide both vegetarian and vegan options as these diets are very popular these days. You need to make sure that your vegan and vegetarian guests will be just as happy and satiated as your more carnivorous guests. Don’t forget about cleanup. Try and keep some of the food to handheld and easily consumed to prevent spilling and extra dishes. Also, remember, pasta sauce can quickly ruin a dress and an evening.

Also, take some time to think about how the drinks will pair with the food. For example, don’t serve fish and only red wine, or sweet sangria with super sweet cake. Offer a range of items. After all, not everyone likes the same things so you need to be sure that there will be something everyone can enjoy.

Choosing healthy and delicious food for your lost loved one service doesn’t have to be hard. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you’re looking for more tips or information on what to do in your time of loss? As a Mokena, IL cremation service provider, we are honored to do what we can to help in time of loss . Give us a call or visit us today.

How to Choose a Caterer for a Memorial

Mon, 10 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Learn tips for how to choose a caterer as if you don’t choose an event center with catering for a memorial after your loved one’s cremation service, you will have to choose an outside caterer.

If you don’t choose an event center with catering for a memorial after your loved one’s cremation service in Chicago Ridge, IL , you will have to choose an outside caterer. In those cases, you will be responsible for choosing a caterer for the memorial.

This might be overwhelming, but these tips are here to help. The first step in choosing a caterer is deciding what kind of catering you want. There are three main categories: full service, drop and go, and drop off with service. Full-service catering is the highest tier of catering options as the caterer will take care of every step of the food service, leaving you free to simply remember your lost loved one in the company of your guests. Full-service catering takes care of everything including dinnerware rentals, staffing, setting the tables, serving, bussing the tables, and organizing the food. Full-service catering can be plated or buffet service, but no matter which kind the caterer will take care of the food whether that means staging the plates for plated or keeping the buffet trays stocked during service. Some buffet full-service caterers will also staff the buffet line to keep people moving, help with serving, and control portions.

Drop and go catering is the exact opposite of full-service. Much more affordable, this kind of catering is perfect for those looking to save some money on their lost loved one’s service. Restaurants and caterers will do drop and go service as all it requires on their part is to make the food and then drop it off at the venue. That means that everything else, from set up and tear down to utensils, service, and stocking is up to you.

While you will save money on this type of catering, there are some issues to be on the lookout for. For example, it’s important to make sure that the food is delivered early enough for you to have time to set it out before service. Many people also forget how much stuff it takes to serve food: serving platters, trays, serving forks, serving spoons, hot boxes, refrigeration, and more. If you choose to go with drop and go catering, just be prepared. Give yourself enough time to set up, make a list of everything you will need, and maybe nominate a friend or two to help you keep the buffet stocked and clean up.

The final option is drop off with service. Most catering companies and restaurants that offer drop off catering will also have service additions you can add on to their basic plans. These additions could include things you will need for serving like trays and utensils, or it could even be staffers to help set up, serve and tear down. Think about what kind of help you want from your caterer and ask them to give you a quote with those specific tasks added on.

There is a lot to think about, decide, and plan when you lose a loved one. Luckily, Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help. Use these tips and our Chicago Ridge, IL cremation services to help make your time of loss and grief a little easier. Call or visit us today to learn more .

Tips for Choosing a Funeral Home Florist

Mon, 03 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Most services at funeral homes could benefit from fresh flowers. Use these tips for choosing a florist to help make the flowers at your lost loved one’s service beautiful.

Most services held at funeral homes in Chicago Ridge, IL could benefit from some lovely fresh flowers. Choosing a florist is a big part of planning a service, and it can be a tricky thing to do as there are a lot of things you have to consider to make sure that you’re happy with the flower you get to honor your lost loved one. Use these tips to make sure you choose a good florist for your loved one’s service:

Look Early – It’s never too early to start checking out florists. The more time you give yourself for your search the less frantic your search will be. Plus, these days, florists can book up very early. Start early to make sure you have plenty of time to do research, get inspiration, interview different options, and make sure the one you pick is still available.

Get Inspired – You can’t choose a florist until you know what you want. Look online at Pinterest, check out photos of other services, and talk with funeral directors to come up with a general idea of what you want your flowers to look like. This way you can show potential florists your inspiration photos to see if they will be able to give you what you want.

Budget – Flowers don’t come cheap, so it’s important that you have a good idea of your budget before you begin talking with florists. This way you can eliminate options quickly if they are out of your price range, so you don’t get you heart broken by loving flowers that are too expensive.

Do Research – Take some time to research the different florists in your area. Look at websites, check out Instagram pages, and read as many reviews as you can get your hands on. Don’t forget to check out pricing, too. This way you can quickly check options off your list if they don’t immediately gel with your budget or if they have lots of negative reviews. You can also ask your funeral home and other vendors about different florists as many vendors work with one another often and can offer valuable insight into who is reliable, who does good work and who will be a good fit.

Make Some Calls – While research is important, it’s not the only way you should decide on a florist. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone to chat with various options or, better yet, get in the car and go visit them and their shop to see some work in person. Your florist will be a big part of your lost loved one’s service, so you want to make sure you have complementing personalities and work types. That can only be determined with an interview.

Use these tips to find a great florist for your lost loved one’s service, but, most of all, take your time and don’t feel like you have to go with the first florist you meet. It’s a big decision. If you need more guidance on florists or Chicago Ridge, IL funeral homes , just reach out to Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory. We’re happy to do whatever we can to help you in your time of loss .

Tips for Choosing a Memorial Venue

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Use this helpful list to make your event space search easier. After all, you’re facing a lot of information and variables when choosing a venue for a memorial after a cremation service.

There is a lot to think about when planning a memorial after a cremation service in Palos Heights, IL . While planning the service aspect of the memorial, writing a eulogy, and even deciding on the flowers are all very important, one of the most important aspects of planning a memorial is choosing the right venue. And, unfortunately, choosing a venue can be stressful.

Finding the right event space for your lost loved one can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Use these tips to help streamline your search. You can also check out local online reviews, consumer’s bureaus and other websites for more information to narrow down your options. If you take the time to do your research, you’ll find a great venue for your lost loved one’s memorial in no time.

Rather than get overwhelmed, use this list of things to think about when choosing an event center in which to host your lost loved one’s memorial:

Date Flexibility – Being flexible on open dates is another great way to narrow down venues. Some venues book up years in advance, while others keep open dates on their calendars for more last-minute bookings. Be sure to check if a venue has your desired date open before you spend a lot of time researching it.

Ambiance – The existing décor or ambiance in the space is key. Think about the architecture, décor, and interior style. Do you want a more intimate feel? Then look for a venue that is already more intimate and cozier. Do you want lots of greenery and plants? Look at event spaces with pre-existing greenery. The less the existing ambiance matches the feel you want for the memorial, the more work you will have to do once you begin planning.

Insurance – Depending on the venue, you might need insurance. Check with potential venues to see what their insurance policies are, and if they include event insurance in their packages .

Accessibility – You need to be sure that any venue you choose is accessible to everyone who wants to attend the memorial no matter their physical abilities. Are there wheelchair ramps? Handicap bathrooms? If there will be children at the memorial, you also need to think about access to children’s amenities. You need be aware of being welcoming to any and all capabilities.

Acoustics – You don’t want your memorial to be too loud to too quiet, so you need to think about acoustics when looking at venues. A low ceiling may make a space feel cozy, but it might also make sounds too loud during eulogies or speeches. The reverse can also be true if a ceiling is too high. Acoustics can almost always be fixed with sound systems, but those do get pricey.

If you’re in the Palos Heights area, your search is even easier. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is a Palos Heights, IL cremation service provider that has years of experience in the industry and would be happy to make venue recommendations. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning.

Eco-Friendly Funerals and Memorials

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

It’s always a good idea to be environmentally friendly, even when it comes to hosting a service at a funeral home in Palos Heights, IL. Use these tips for inspiration.

How To Be Eco-Friendly To Your Funeral Services?

Everyone wants to do their part when it comes to the environment, and this includes hosting an eco-friendly funeral or memorial service for a lost loved one. Either, the family chooses the traditional burial, direct cremation, or simple cremation. Eco-friendly services have been on the rise, whether they’re at churches, halls, or funeral homes in Palos Heights, IL . But how do you have an eco-friendly service for your lost loved one? These tips and tricks can offer guidance and inspiration so you can plan ahead:

Shop Local – There are a lot of emissions involved when it comes to transporting goods long distances. If you choose local supplies and vendors for the funeral or memorial, you can greatly reduce the event’s carbon footprint. Not to mention that supporting local vendors is great for the local economy and can also save you some money.

Shop Seasonal – If the wake or memorial service will have food, make seasonal produce a priority when planning the menu. Seasonal produce is dramatically less harmful for the environment than out of season food and is also easier to get fresh and in bulk. This is because seasonal produce uses less preservatives and fertilizers and doesn’t require lots of refrigeration or greenhouse heating. Plus, in-season fruits and veggies are almost always more delicious and flavorful than other options.

Recycle and Repurpose – Try using repurposed or recycled items for any decoration you may want for the service or wake. You can easily put together beautiful and meaningful decorations while being considerate of the materials and their sources. Try using clean materials like jute and cotton or make the flower arrangements from fabrics to cut back on flower use. You can also choose to use recycled or organic fabrics instead of synthetic ones.

Mindful About Paper – Funerals and memorials use a lot of paper. From invitations to programs, menus and even fans, a lot of this paper goes into the garbage after the service of over. Make sure the paper products you use are recycled after the event or save on paper items by choosing creative substitutes. Do a chalkboard sign as opposed to programs or send out invitations via email as opposed to on postcards. Also, be aware of what you’re burying with the deceased so you’re not releasing harmful or non-biodegradable materials into the environment.

Lighting – If you’re having the service at night or in a dark venue, it can go through tons of energy. Try and use more eco-friendly LED lights to use less energy or invest in candles that you can re-sell or hold onto as keepsakes after the event. You can also host a daytime funeral or memorial and skip the lights altogether.

Guest List – The more guests you have, the bigger the funeral’s carbon footprint will be. If being eco-friendly is important to you, try and cut down the guest list to smaller number. Plus, the smaller the guest list the more intimate and respectful of the deceased it will be.

Hosting an eco-friendly funeral or memorial for your lost loved one is very doable, especially if you use these tips and tricks. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want to learn more about eco-friendly services or Palos Heights, IL funeral homes . Our funeral can assure you that you will receive a quality funeral planning and grief resources process because our company is family owned and operated. Stop by and visit us or give us a call today. You can also visit our funeral home website and join our obituary notification for more updates.

Indoor Vs. Outdoor Memorials

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

A big part of choosing a memorial venue for after a cremation service is the indoor vs. outdoor decision. Learn more about the pros and cons of indoor and outdoor memorials.

What Will You Choose, An Indoor or Outdoor Memorial?

There is a lot of work that goes into the funeral planning and grief resources arrangement process after a cremation service in Mokena, IL , as any bereaved will tell you. However, one of the biggest choices that must be made when planning a service for your lost love one is choosing a venue. There are a lot of venue options, each with great pros and cons if you plan ahead. Some are indoors, and some are outdoors. Which is better, indoors or outdoors? Both indoor and outdoor memorial venue options offer both pros and cons, positives and negatives. Keep reading for helpful informatio n that can guide you in making the right decision in your time of loss.

What Is The Advantage Of An Indoor Venue?

Indoor venues and event centers are traditional and reliable for memorials. They offer great benefits such as:

Weather Protection – Weather can be erratic. From smoldering hot to cold, rainy to sunny, you can never know what to expect when it comes to the great outdoors. Choosing an indoor venue for your lost loved one’s service means you don’t have to worry about the weather. You won’t have to obsess over checking the forecast, as you and your guests will automatically be comfortable no matter if its rain or shine outside.

Intimate Settings – Indoor event centers make great memorial or funeral venues as they make for more intimate settings. You’ll have all of your loved ones in one room, and everyone will have an opportunity to share in grief over the loss and celebration over a life well-lived. You can find indoor venues in a wide range of sizes so no service will feel too cramped in a small space or too spread out a large space.

Customization – You can make an indoor memorial or funeral venue almost anything you want. There are tons of ways to customize an indoor space with flowers, streamers, candles, fabric drapes and more. You can even make an indoor space feel like an outdoor space with the right amount of greenery.

What Is The Advantage Of An Outdoor Venue?

They offer great benefits too, including:

Scenery – There is nothing quite like the great outdoors. From fountains and creeks to trees, bushes, and expansive night sky views, hosting a memorial or funeral outside is almost always beautiful and respectful of the deceased.

Feeling Closer to a Higher Power – Many people feel closer to God or another higher power when they’re outside, which can be comforting in times of loss.

Save on Greenery – The outdoors has plants and flowers already included, which can save you money on greenery and flowers for your lost loved one’s service.

At the end of the day, choosing between an indoor and an outdoor venue is very personal whether your family chooses direct cremation or simple cremation. It’s all about what matters to you, your family, and your lost loved one. From control over the weather to lovely views and natural light, both indoor and outdoor event centers make for beautiful and meaningful services.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you want to learn more about venue options for your lost loved one’s memorial service. As an expert provider of Mokena, IL cremation services , we can offer helpful advice and guidance for your time of loss. Our company can assure you quality funeral services because our funeral is family owned and operated. Please pay us a visit or give us a call today. You can also visit our funeral home website and join our obituary notification for more updates.