When a loved one passes away, finding the right crematory to honor their life is hugely important. You want to ensure their final farewell is meaningful and handled with the utmost care. With so many options, identifying the best crematory in your area can feel daunting. However, by following some helpful tips, you can discover a provider that aligns with your wishes.

Create a List of Cremation Providers

Start your search online to compile a list of cremation services San Diego. Browsing company websites and reading online reviews can give initial insight into the quality of service each one offers. Look for crematories that have an inviting, professional online presence and mainly positive customer feedback.

Shortlist and Find the Best

Next, consider visiting a few top contenders in person. Seeing their facilities firsthand and meeting staff will provide a much better feel for what each crematory provides. Look for ones that appear clean, tranquil, and well-maintained. Also notice how staff interacts with you—do they demonstrate sincerity and compassion while answering your questions? A quality crematory will create a respectful, welcoming environment.

Ask for the Specific Services Offered

Be sure to inquire about the specific cremation services available. Every family has unique wishes ranging from customized urns to memorial ceremonies. Choose a provider that offers an array of options to honor your loved one in a meaningful way. Also ask about any special accommodations like witness cremations or cremation keepsakes.

Ensure Credentials

Make sure any crematory you consider has proper certification through reputable organizations like the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). This shows they follow ethical standards and best practices for safety. Credentials indicate the staff is professionally trained to perform cremations with the highest level of care.

Understand How the Cremation Happens

Also find out what safeguards and protocols the crematory has in place to protect your loved one’s remains. There should be multiple identification checkpoints throughout the process to prevent errors. Ask how they document and track each cremation that is performed. A quality provider will have safety at the forefront.

Follow The Instincts

Ultimately, go with your instincts during your search. While certain crematories may look perfect “on paper,” make your decision based on how you feel when you tour the facilities and interact with staff in person. The right crematory near San Diego Memorial Park will provide a sense of comfort and trust.

Finding the ideal crematory takes effort, but it’s a meaningful step in honoring a loved one. With proper research and an understanding of what’s important to your family, you can discover a provider that will care for them with the utmost respect. Taking time to uncover the best crematory near you will give you peace during a difficult time.

When we lose our loved ones, we look for funeral homes. These funeral homes are also known as mortuaries where you can perform funeral home services that involve managing all activities related to funerals. Mortuaries offer a wide range of services for deceased families and friends to pay the best tribute to their loved ones who left this world. Since each mortuary is different and so are their services that affect both the quality and price structure.

The work of the funeral service starts with the initial meeting procedure. This is where the planning and decision-making are taken with the family of the deceased. They not only make the arrangements but also, they are responsible for completing all the papers works and other arrangements such as an appeal for granting permission for transporting and burying the deceased body, completing the formalities for the death certificate, and so on. The Funeral home mortuary is responsible for making all the arrangements with the crematorium, cemetery, and other parties.

Before taking the body for its last rite, they do embalm, grooming, dressing, and cosmetology of the dead body. Based on the package and services offered by them, a casket is prepared for the deceased. However, it entirely depends on your requirements. If you would like to make any customized arrangements, you can do that with their help.

Another type of service offered by them is preparing an area for visit by the deceased family, friends, and other guests. They make the arrangements for all kinds of amenities such as a service car, a flower truck and a hearse, etc.

Funeral cost
Arranging a funeral is a costly affair if you are not aware of its hidden cost. These involve different types of expenses that people assume as a part of the fee. Therefore, it is better to discuss the package with a mortuary San Diego so that you can get an overall idea of the total cost.

There are some mortuaries that charge hundreds of dollars for a complete outfit of the deceased that includes shows, underwear, and other clothes of the deceased. Some other mortuaries offer the service of publishing obituaries in local newspapers. Sometimes, this service is provided free of cost while others charge for this depending on the type and size of the publication.

Conclusion 

Obtaining funeral home mortuary services makes it easy for the family of a deceased to make all the arrangements in the right way during difficult times. You can take the help of the internet to find the best funeral home in your area.

After losing someone we love, one of the last things on our minds should be choosing an appropriate burial location for their remains. But choosing from amongst all of the options can be challenging when we’re grieving; nevertheless, the selected location must offer necessary services and facilities to honor their memory. This article explores your local cemetery options and what should be considered when making such decisions.

As part of selecting an appropriate cemetery, conducting some research should be the initial step. Funeral homes near me can be valuable sources for local cemeteries; alternatively, you could search online and read reviews to gather more information. It is also a good idea to verify if the cemetery has been accredited by its state and meets all applicable guidelines and regulations before selecting one.

When considering burial options, location is of vital importance. Selecting a cemetery close to where your loved one lived makes it easier for friends and family to visit them regularly; some cemeteries also offer scenic views or serene environments, providing peace of mind.

Memorial is the term that refers to any object, event, or location which serves as a tribute or memory for someone or some event. Funeral memorials provide a chance to commemorate deceased family members through memorials that include headstones, benches, plaques, statues, and trees–or even entire structures!

Memorials play an essential role in our society by helping us process and cope with loss. By creating tangible symbols of respect and love for those who have passed, memorials enable us to continue feeling connected to them even after they’re no longer among us. Additionally, memorials serve as areas for contemplation and reflection, allowing us to visit any time necessary and pay our respects to loved ones who have gone before us.

Factors To Take Into Account When Planning A Burial:

• One crucial consideration when planning for burials is selecting a burial option that fits best. Traditional ground burials are the most widely utilized option. However, cremation niches above ground and eco-friendly burial options offered by some cemeteries provide viable alternatives that bring nature back into the soil. It’s essential that when selecting burial options, you consider both your loved one’s wishes as well as a religion when making this critical decision.

• Facilities and services should also be considered when planning a cemetery near me. Some cemeteries offer chapels or reception rooms where funeral services or memorial ceremonies can take place; floral shops may sell bouquets, and walkways may provide seating benches; it is essential that when selecting an appropriate cemetery, it complies with the wishes of both your loved one and any ceremonies planned around their funeral or memorial service.

• Funeral costs should also be carefully considered when making funeral service selections. Funeral homes near me prices depend heavily on factors like cemetery location, type of burial option chosen, and facilities provided at that cemetery; thus, it’s essential that an exact price list and all associated costs be obtained before making decisions. Some cemeteries offer financing or payment plans as a solution.

• Regarding cemetery services, it’s also essential to consider their maintenance. A well-kept cemetery can bring peace of mind and comfort when visiting, knowing their loved one’s grave has been adequately cared for. Look into their maintenance schedule and whether guarantees or warranties are offered cemetery near me.

• After considering your cemetery options, it’s essential to consider its culture and religious beliefs. Certain cemeteries might feature religions or traditions which align with your loved one’s opinions; choosing one which fits might give them peace of mind that they belong in their culture and traditions.

The Value Of A Cemetery To Our Society

• Cemeteries are an integral part of society, serving an essential function as places where loved family members can rest in peace. Cemeteries offer us a sanctuary to reflect, mourn and remember loved ones that have passed on and make grieving easier. Cemetery grounds typically feature beautiful landscaping that invites visitors to pay their respects in tranquil settings.

• Cemeteries play a vital role in society. As final resting places for prominent people and veterans, cemeteries offer insight into local history through the headstones and monuments they feature. Many cemeteries also offer guided tours or special events to allow visitors to learn more about the culture of an area and its people.

• Cemeteries play an essential role in protecting our natural environment. Many cemeteries have adopted eco-friendly funeral practices, which are eco-sustainable, including using compostable material and natural landscaping methods for burials. By selecting one with green burial practices, individuals can have an impactful contribution towards the sustainable development of the planet.

• Cemeteries provide community, comfort, and support during difficult times. Funeral homes in my area frequently collaborate with local cemeteries to make the burial experience seamless for families. Cemeteries may also offer grief counseling or support groups that assist people in coping with grieving after losing someone close.

A San Diego funeral home can provide a family with peace of mind during the cremation planning process. Pre-arrangements will ensure your wishes for the final day are honored entirely. Pre-planning your cremation services in San Diego makes the entire process a lot less stressful.

Additionally, your family isn’t forced to deal with the stress of making difficult choices during such an emotional period. If you take the time to create plans to plan your funeral, you can ensure that your wishes will be executed as you intended.

It also eases the financial burdens on loved ones as planning allows you to select the best services for your budget. A further benefit is that planning allows you to share your wishes regarding your death with your loved ones and family, reducing the chance of miscommunications or disputes that may arise soon.

Furthermore, it allows you to look at prices and the services of various funeral homes, ensuring you get the most value for your budget. Pre-planning for cremation services is a wise and responsible decision that can bring peace of mind to the family members and you. Family members.

Introduction: What Are Cremation Services?

Cremation services have become an increasingly popular option for those wishing to care for the remains of a loved one after death. Cremation uses extreme temperatures to break down bodies into their core components – bones and ashes. Cremation typically lasts two to four hours and occurs in a cremation chamber.

Following cremation, any leftover ashes are scattered or placed into an urn, according to family wishes. Cremation services have become increasingly popular as they provide a more cost-effective, flexible, and economical alternative to standard funeral services.

Cremation services San Diego are popularly preferred among those looking for environmentally-friendly funeral options since cremation uses less land and doesn’t necessitate embalming chemicals or other potentially hazardous materials.

Funeral homes or crematoriums can arrange cremation services. Funerals allow people to control the arrangements for their final days while honoring loved ones in many different ways, from viewings or memorial services to be in control of arrangements themselves.

Overall, funerals allow people to take control of how their final days unfold and offer numerous ways for family and friends to pay their respects.

Overview: Benefits Of Cremation Services:

• You can determine the type of cremation services San Diego chosen and arrange memorial services or scattering arrangements before it’s too late – sparing your loved ones the burden of making hard choices during an emotionally taxing time like this.

• Pre-planning cremation services could save your loved ones considerable costs in the future. Paying in advance for cremation services can ensure current pricing and prevent future cost increases. This is particularly helpful if cremation poses a financial strain on your family.

• Pre-planning lets you be calm and make informed choices regarding your final arrangements. By researching and comparing San Diego’s local funeral homes and cremation services, pre-planning will enable you to select one best suited to your budget and needs. You won’t leave loved ones under stress by making choices under duress.

• Preparing funeral services can also help your family avoid conflicts after your death by clearly outlining your preferences for how you would like local funeral homes and memorial services handled. Doing so may prevent disagreement among family members regarding the best approach to take regarding arrangements for such events.

• Preplanning cremation services will give you an emotional sense of closure and ease the burden of loved ones during grief. While discussing and planning end-of-life arrangements may be difficult, making an arrangement can bring peace and security, knowing your wishes will be honored without making difficult choices during emotional times.

• Prearranging cremation arrangements through a San Diego funeral home offers many advantages for you and those you care for, including savings in money and peace of mind from family disputes and conflicts being avoided.

Where Can I Find Cremation Services?

One of the most dependable places to get cremation services is funeral homes. Cremation is one of the many services that funeral homes offer to help families during this trying time. Their professionals may help with all elements of cremation, including acquiring licenses and making transportation arrangements, providing guidance on options for disposing of the remains, and helping with services, visitation, or any other funeral arrangements.

Cremation societies offer another viable means of procuring cremation services at lower rates than funeral homes specializing in this practice. Cremation societies focus solely on cremation services, offering families more flexible and cost-effective options.

Online cremation companies have quickly gained in popularity in recent years. Offering a range of cremation options that can be scheduled easily online or over the phone without visiting funeral homes or cremation societies directly, online providers typically have lower costs than their traditional counterparts.

They could be an ideal solution for families unable to visit funeral homes or cremation societies directly themselves. It’s essential to remember that no two online services offer similar services so it is vital to conduct a comprehensive investigation of all potential businesses before making plans or decisions regarding burial.

When selecting a cremation company, there are various considerations you need to take into account when making your decision. One key factor is cost; cremation prices can differ widely among companies, so it is wise to research different companies before selecting one with affordable yet quality services at a reasonable cost.

It’s predicted that by 2040, 80% of Americans will opt for cremations instead of burials. Regardless of what you or your loved ones prefer, the funeral itself still holds importance and will for years to come. It’s an important ceremony for family and friends to come together, remember the deceased, and honor their memory in the best way possible.

Funeral arrangements are never easy to make. But there comes a time when you’ll need to, whether it’s for yourself or someone you love.

To be prepared when the time comes, keep reading for 7 steps on how to make funeral arrangements.

1. Decide on a Cremation or Burial

Some people already know whether they want a cremation or burial, while others haven’t even thought about it. If you fall into the latter group, then it’s a good idea to determine which one’s right for you.

Not only does deciding between a cremation or burial help you with further funeral arrangements, but it can also help you plan better for costs. For instance, traditional burials will be more expensive since there are additional costs for things like embalming, caskets, and burial sites.

Once you’ve decided which type you’d like, then you can speak with a funeral director about the details, such as how the casket will be displayed, how the ashes will be scattered, and any religious traditions you’d like to incorporate.

2. Consider the Funeral Flower Arrangements

Choosing the right funeral floral arrangements can help bring peace to those attending. This touch of life and color can uplift spirits and loved ones can even bring home some of the arrangements as a reminder of the deceased and the beautiful funeral they attended.

Flowers have different meanings, plus the deceased might have favorite colors and flowers. Keep all of these points in mind and think about having floral arrangements made to include a variety of fresh flowers that’ll honor your loved one accordingly.

3. Choose a Good Funeral Home

Not all funeral homes are created equal. Not only does each have different facilities, but the services they provide can vary as well.

In addition, how their staff treats clients is of the utmost importance. Losing a loved one is already hard enough, so you want a funeral home where you’ll be treated with respect and warmth.

Ask your family and friends to see if they have a good recommendation. You can also check online to see what people have to say about the funeral homes around you.

It’s always a good idea to give them a call and see how you’re treated. From there, you can make an appointment to tour the facilities and see if it’s a good fit. This tour can also tell you a lot about how the facility’s run and if clients are treated well.

4. Put Together the Funeral Service

Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, putting together a funeral service ahead of time can pay off immensely. This gives you time to think about what elements you’d like, such as people reading your favorite poems or playing your most treasured songs. You can also decide how large or intimate you want the funeral to be.

Pre-arranged funeral plans can be something positive in light of the circumstances. In addition, it’ll be an invaluable bonding experience where you can learn more about one another. And of course, the biggest benefit is you know the deceased’s wishes will be carried out since you’ve discussed it with them and it’s clear what they want.

5. Make Cemetery Arrangements

Your final resting place is extremely important. After choosing an ideal funeral home, discuss where you’ll be buried and purchase cemetery property, as well as interment property if needed.

At this point, it’s worth booking another tour of the premises. Walking through the cemetery is more personal and you’ll be able to ask the funeral director any questions you might have.

6. Determine Who Will Be There for the Funeral

Not only should you decide how large (or small) the funeral should be, but you should also consider who should be invited. It’s a good idea to speak with the deceased family and friends to compile a list.

From this list, you can choose the special few who will have the honor of performing certain tasks for the funeral. For example, you can pick those who give a eulogy or serve as pallbearers.

7. Make Financial Arrangements

After pre-planning the funeral, you’ll have a better idea of what the funeral will cost, especially after speaking to a funeral home. The costs probably won’t be cheap, so you’ll want to have a financial plan in order.

Of course, the beneficiary of your life insurance plan can use the funds to pay for your funeral. But if you want the money to be for their use only, then it’s best to make financial arrangements so your funeral is taken care of.

Think about taking out funeral insurance. You can also pre-purchase cemetery space so your loved ones don’t have to worry about this.

Make Funeral Arrangements Accordingly

Knowing how to make funeral arrangements ahead of time can take a huge burden off your shoulders.

When someone passes away, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about making arrangements. Instead, you should have the proper time to grieve your loved one. And by following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to.

If you need assistance with funeral arrangements, then contact us today. We are one of the most respected San Diego funeral homes and cemeteries. You can count on us to help you every step of the way with warmth and respect.

Losing a loved one is never easy but keeping their memory alive can help you through the grief process.

Grieving someone’s death is important and healthy so that you can acknowledge the loss and eventually find peace. While this will take time, there are things that you can do to help you heal. Part of saying goodbye to a loved one is going through a ritual that signifies our movement toward acceptance.

A funeral is a type of ritual that helps you grieve your loved one but also honor their memory. There are many creative ways that you can personalize funeral arrangements and create the perfect ritual ceremony.

Keep reading to learn eight ways that you can personalize a funeral and where you can find funeral services near you.

1. A Special Music Selection

Incorporating music into the funeral is a wonderful way to give the services a personal touch. Not only can music create nostalgia for the guests, but it can also help set the tone.

There will be moments where the services are somber and tranquil. For these moments, the appropriate music can be delicate instrumentals. For the reception, you might want livelier music for your guests to feel that they are at a celebration of life.

Additionally, you can also use your loved one’s favorite songs. This is a great way for your guests to feel closer to the spirit of the deceased.

2. Unique Décor

The décor is an important part of the service and it is a way to add a personal touch.

Funeral services are meant to honor and remember a loved one who has passed. Therefore, the décor of the funeral should reflect their personality and interests.

If they had a favorite sports team, a special hobby, or a specific passion, be sure to include that into the décor of the service. Perhaps they enjoyed cooking, traveling, or painting. These are all wonderful insights into who they were and are meant to be celebrated at the funeral.

If you’re looking for San Diego funeral homes, La Vista Memorial Park provides a beautiful space for an outdoor service.

3. A Memory Log

A memory log is one of the unique ways to honor the deceased. While most people keep a guest book for people to sign their names, you can keep a book for guests to write down memories of the person who has passed.

Your guests can express how they know the person, and offer a funny or memorable anecdote about them that you didn’t know before. It can make for a wonderful keepsake for you after the services are over.

4. A Meaningful Flower Arrangement

Flowers give any funeral a classic touch. There are beautiful selections of flower arrangements for funerals and you can personalize a bouquet as you like. You can incorporate the person’s favorite flowers to give added personal touch.

Certain flowers have special symbolism and are used for funeral services.

Lilies are often used for religious customs, especially funerals. They symbolize peace for the soul as well as purity and innocence. Orchids, hyacinths, and chrysanthemums are also popular funeral flowers that hold powerful meanings.

If you need San Diego funeral arrangements, La Vista Memorial Park can arrange flower sprays and bouquets for your service.

5. A Selection of Refreshments

The refreshments at the service should also reflect the personality and personal taste of your loved one.

You can get creative with the cuisine and the drinks by offering the person’s favorite cocktail and light snacks. You could have a sit-down dinner and service their favorite dish. You might even have a special family recipe that they created that you can serve to your guests.

6. A Personalized Keepsake

A keepsake is a small token that each guest can take with them after the funeral service as a symbol of remembrance.

These can be as personal as you would like. They should reflect the personality and interests of the deceased. Here are some creative ideas:

• A scented candle
• A funeral charm
• A Christmas ornament
• A bookmark

These will be personalized according to your family’s wishes. Feel free to get creative and have fun with this one.

7. Candles and Lanterns

Candles are a staple at funerals and they create a sense of peace and calm during the service.

Have candles available for your guests to light to honor the deceased. These also look beautiful as part of the décor.

Lighting lanterns is a special and unique way to end the service. Sending lanterns into the sky or into the water can be deeply cathartic for the guests.

8. A Memorial Structure

A physical memorial is a wonderful option to honor a loved one. It is also a place where friends and family can visit. This can be in the form of a bench, a street sign, a tree, or a plaque.

You can create an inscription with the person’s name, special dates, or a short quote.

At the funeral service, you can have friends and family donate towards this memorial. It can be a gift for all those that are mourning the person who has passed.

Personalizing Funeral Arrangements to Honor Your Loved One

Saying goodbye to a loved one means creating a service that honors their memory. That means personalizing funeral arrangements to reflect the life and accomplishments of the deceased. If you want to personalize a funeral service, remember to include music, special décor, a memory log, flower arrangements, refreshments, and a personalized keepsake.

If you’re looking for San Diego funeral services, contact us on our website to for funeral services and pre-planning.

It’s okay to mourn. 3.4 million Americans passed away in 2021. 2021 was the deadliest year in America, in no small part due to the pandemic.

Any death is significant, and every life deserves recognition. That’s why a cemetery burial is so important. But before you plan a burial for your loved one, you need to know a few things.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected burial practices? How can you plan a burial while staying safe? What are your different choices for burial?

Answer these questions and you can celebrate your loved one’s life without hassle. Here are six things you need to know about burials during the pandemic.

1. Cemetery Burial Is Safe

Some people are concerned about contracting COVID-19 from the body of someone who died from it. Yet there are no known cases of someone receiving COVID-19 from a dead body.

COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets. Dead bodies cannot produce these droplets. Most burials also occur outside, where the risk of transmission is extremely low.

People who attend the burial should avoid touching the body. If you or a loved one is concerned about infection, a cemetery employee can place a mask over the nose and mouth of the body.

2. Burial May Take Some Time

The burial of a loved one may not occur immediately after the passing. Many families who lost loved ones during the pandemic are scheduling funerals and burials now. This is creating a long waitlist, and it can grow longer if cases spike.

Even if waitlists are short, an immediate burial may not be a good idea. Some family members may need time to process the news that their loved one has passed away. Waiting a few days can give them this time and help you plan a funeral.

A funeral home can keep your loved one’s body stored until you can have a burial. Talk to a funeral director about how to choose the perfect cemetery plot and find a good spot that is easy to access.

3. You Can Have Any Type of Cemetery Burial

The pandemic does not limit your options for cemetery burials. A traditional Christian burial involves placing the body inside a coffin and lowering it into a cemetery burial plot. A headstone can mark the plot and give information about your loved one.

If your family has a mausoleum or crypt, you can ask for an above-ground burial service. You can personalize the mausoleum with a door or plaque with your loved one’s name on it.

Traditional burials can be harmful to the environment. Green burial cemeteries offer several options for green burials.

Cemetery workers can wrap bodies in shrouds instead of putting them in coffins. This allows the bodies to break down and provide nutrients to the soil. You can plant or lay cemetery flowers in the soil.

Cemeteries can accommodate burial practices from all religious backgrounds. Islam and other cultural traditions ask that bodies be washed before burial. A cemetery employee can take care of this on behalf of a family.

4. Safety Protocols May Be Necessary

Though cemeteries can accommodate all types of burials, they may ask for adjustments to different ceremonies. They may ask that people who attend the burial stay more than six feet apart. They may also ask that all attendees wear masks or show proof of vaccination.

Anyone who shows signs of COVID-19 should remain at home. Attendees should avoid shaking hands with each other or eating food within close proximity of each other.

Most mausoleum and crypt burials take place in an enclosed space. An employee may open doors or windows inside the mausoleum to allow the air to circulate. They may also ask family members to stand apart from each other to limit the risk of transmission.

5. You Should Keep the Attendees Limited

There is no strict cap on how many people can attend a cemetery burial. But the fewer people at the burial, the lower the chance of COVID-19 transmission. You should try to limit the burial to immediate family members.

You can stream the burial so others can see it. You can ask a cemetery employee to set up a camera and monitor the video feed.

Use an app like Zoom instead of Facebook Live. Strangers can see a Facebook Live stream and leave inappropriate comments that others can read. Zoom will keep the burial private while allowing all loved ones to see the service.

6. You May Qualify for Burial Assistance

FEMA is offering COVID-19 funeral and burial assistance. Any American citizen or national who loses a loved one due to COVID-19 can apply.

In order to qualify, you must submit a form to FEMA with your personal information. FEMA can cover the costs of interment, a burial plot, and a headstone. They can also cover the expenses of clergy and officiant services.

The families of veterans can also receive funeral assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. All veterans qualify for burial in a national cemetery of their choice. The government will cover the cost of opening and closing the grave and providing the headstone.

What You Need to Know About a Cemetery Burial

A cemetery burial can be a little tricky. It is safe to bury someone, even after they have died from COVID-19. Burial may take some time, but you can choose whatever ceremony you want.

At the same time, the attendees must stay safe. Everyone should wear masks and perform social distancing. Only immediate family members should attend.

You can receive burial assistance from FEMA or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Apply immediately and get help from a funeral director.

You have support whenever you need it. La Vista Memorial Park serves the San Diego area. Contact us today.

After a loved one passes on, time and the days of the week seem to blend together.

Deep within the stages of grief, it can seem impossible to focus on the technical aspects of what goes into planning a funeral, let alone, a funeral procession. Where do you go? What can you expect while driving in a funeral procession?

Let this funeral procession guide give you some peace of mind. Continue reading to learn the best form of funeral procession etiquette as well as what to expect on the day of.

The Order of the Procession

When driving in a funeral procession, it’s important to note the order in which the line of cars moves. The front of the line is traditionally preserved for the hearse, but it’s also just as common to see a form of escort clearing the way of traffic.

This escort may be local law enforcement or other approved groups depending on any affiliation your deceased loved one may have. You’ll also be verified as a procession vehicle with either a flag or a windshield slip that says the word “funeral.”

Then right behind, is the chauffeur-driven limousines escorting the family and close friends. If this is where you belong, you’ll be riding along in this order of procession. Sometimes the family may request private vehicles, and that’s okay too; you’ll simply use your vehicle and follow within the grouping of cars for family and friends.

The last segment of the procession is open to the rest of the funeral guests. They may drive their cars as well, following behind the hearse, the family, and close friends. Once at the designated place of worship, crematorium, or gravesite, the family may decide on the order the procession will follow going in.

The family may opt to continue following the casket, or in some cases, they may wait for everyone to get in position before bringing their loved one to their final resting place.

The Rules of Funeral Procession

If you’re driving in the procession, there is a form of etiquette and loose rules that should be followed. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Remember to Arrive Early

Remember to arrive at the designated starting point on time, or early if you can. This will give you time to speak with the funeral director on the order of the procession and receive any other necessary instructions. Then you can pull your car up to the designated parking spot for easy pull-off when the procession begins.

If you know the immediate family, now will be a nice time to extend a helping hand towards anything they may need before other guests begin to arrive. If they do not, be respectful of their peace and mourning period.

Keep a Safe Pace

Before the procession begins, double-check the route with the director or any of the chauffeurs in charge of driving. You may not need it if you are following along, but in the event, you are separated, you can lead your car, and whoever may have strayed with you back in line accordingly.

Once the procession begins, and the cars pull off, it’s important to keep up with the pace of the car in front of you while leaving a safe breaking distance in between. This is to ensure that cars sharing the road do not cut you off or attempt to split you up from the group.

Most cars will honor the etiquette of what to do if they encounter a funeral procession. They will often yield or stop to let you pass, or move to another lane if they happen to interrupt the line. This is fine, and does not warrant a honk or any type of alerting on your part.

Rules of the Road

The driving speed of the procession is typically set by the hearse driver leading the procession at 20-30 mph. You have the right to follow within the same speed limit, even if the speed limit in the area is higher. You will simply utilize your hazards to show that you are with the funeral group.

Also take note that though the driving speed is reduced for the procession, all other Highway Code Rules and road regulations of the city of San Diego still apply. That means using the blinker when turning and shifting lanes, stopping stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians who have the right of way.

Park Accordingly

When you get to the location at the end of the procession, always make sure that you are parking in the correct designated spot. Compact cars should park in smaller spots and leave bigger spots for the limousines, vans, and hearse that may need to park as well.

Funeral Procession Vehicle Options

One of the great features of La Vista is the dedication we provide to helping the family and friends of the deceased with every step of the funeral and burial arrangements, including choosing the right vehicles for the procession. We offer various types of transport. They include:

• The Funeral Coach: also known as the hearse, to transport your loved one to and from the service and burial site
• The Limousine: which conveniently transports the family and friends together in one vehicle
• Other Service Vehicles: which includes vans or cars if you’re not looking to use a limousine

Let Us Plan the Procession for You

This is a difficult time for those who recently lost someone near and dear to their hearts, especially if you’re in charge of funeral preparations. It’s La Vista Memorial Park’s mission to help you get through the hard things, including funeral procession planning, so you can spend time honoring your loved one’s memory.

Let us help you prepare to say goodbye together.

For more information on our funeral services, please visit our direct website.

One of the hardest times in life is when we lose a loved one. The grief can be overwhelming, especially if the loss was unexpected. One of the hardest things for people in this season is dealing with Funeral Arrangements.

There are many details surrounding the funeral and the different questions that have to be answered. This can be a pressure-packed situation for families especially if there are multiple members.

Who decides what happens at the funeral? What happens if family members disagree? These are hard questions to ask because they usually come from the struggle of this tough time.

Read on and find the answers you may be looking for on who makes the funeral arrangements.

Pre-Arranged Funeral Arrangements

The ideal setup is for someone to arrange their own funeral. This is the best way for them to get exactly what they want. They can also go ahead and cover the main expenses so it isn’t a burden on anyone.

This is easy to say, but hard to do and we understand that. Thinking about our own death isn’t an easy thing to contemplate. We would rather not think about it and just keep living our lives every day.

This is how most people feel, but think about how easy it will be on your loved ones if they don’t have all the details of putting a funeral together. Too often the families can get into disagreements over what the person wanted.

Making the arrangements yourself, helps to take care of all the details, and it assures that your wishes will be carried out.

Appointed Person for Funeral Arrangements

You can also appoint someone to handle all of the arrangements for your funeral. This person can be a designated agent for you; to handle all of the details of your funeral.

You can give them the ability to go through your funeral arrangements checklist, to carry out your wishes. Many times this person can be assigned through a notarized document that gives them the right to be your agent.

They can make all the arrangements and then pay for the funeral from the estate. Some decisions cannot be made upfront and will need someone to handle them.

Funeral flower arrangements are an example of a decision that would be hard to prearrange. However, your appointed person can take care of all those details for you.

This is a smart thing to do if you think there are issues within the family that could be a problem. Also, if you have specific religious or cultural beliefs that you want the funeral, the person assigned could make sure they happen.

In California, there is a personal preference law that allows for a designated agent to be assigned to carry out your wishes. This is irrevocable only if all of the arrangements have been prepaid.

If the arrangements have not been prepaid, the family could have more to say about the arrangements. This could lead to problems. If you assign someone to carry out your wishes; you may want to consider prepaying for everything.

Next of Kin

If someone hasn’t prearranged their own funeral or assigned someone to take care of the details, the next of kin is responsible. This can be a spouse or the closest blood relative.

This is usually one person, and they will be the main person responsible for the decisions. Other family members can give their opinions, but the funeral home will have one main person who is responsible.

This will be the person who makes the final call on things like the funeral floral arrangements. Other members of the family can give their funeral flower arrangement ideas, but the next of kin will make the final call.

They will also be responsible to cover the costs of the funeral. This does not mean they have to pay it out of pocket, but they make sure the estate covers the cost first.

The hardest part of the next of kin making the arrangements is the stress that will be on them. They will be going through their own grief process and the many decisions of a funeral could be tough on them.

If you desire for a next of kin to take care of the details, have a conversation with them and let them know what you want. You could even put something in writing for them so they can follow your plan.

This can help to take the weight off them and give you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out.

Making a Hard Time Easier

There is nothing easy about planning and taking part in the funeral of a loved one. No matter how prepared we are, it is still a tough time. The Funeral Arrangements can be a big weight to add to the grief of the family.

Consider taking care of all those details upfront. This makes sure that your wishes are carried out and it can be another way for you to bless your family. They will feel your love as they see how you handled everything for them.

LaVista Memorial Park is a Family-Owned company that has been compassionately caring for San Diego families for over 150 years. We are a full-service company that will help you take care of all your prearrangements.

Contact one of our caring professionals and let them help you take care of all the details for your funeral or the funeral of a loved one.

No one wants to think about their own funeral, but funeral preplanning is wise for all.

A survey by the National Funeral Directors Association found that although sixty-two and a half percent of consumers felt it was important to communicate their funeral plans and wishes to loved ones before their passing, only a little over twenty-one percent of those surveyed had actually done so.

If you haven’t begun planning your funeral already, you should start today.

There are many reasons why preplanning your funeral is a good idea. When a loved one passes, family members focus on the grief they are experiencing due to the loss. It’s smart to preplan your funeral so the people that you love will not have to make important decisions quickly when your time comes and they are grieving.

There are many other reasons why funeral preplanning is a good idea also including financial reasons and others. Read on to learn more about this important topic.

1. Personal Preferences

When you preplan your own funeral, you personally can make every decision about how you’d like to be laid to rest.

You can decide where you’d like to be buried or if you’d like to be cremated. You can choose the songs and readings you’d like at the service. You can contribute your own favorite photos or the wake. The choice of the funeral home is yours, as is the marker for your grave. You can decide if you’d like to have a small or large funeral and if you’d like your loved ones to come together for a separate celebration of life event.

If you spent time serving in the armed forces, you can indicate your desire for a military funeral service in your plans. If there are certain charities that mean a lot to you, you can make sure that attendees at your funeral service are aware of them so they, too, can donate.

Some people don’t want a funeral service at all. This is another choice that you could express during the funeral preplanning process.

All of these decisions will be yours. You will be able to enjoy peace of mind because you know that when your time comes, your wishes will be followed.

2. Financial Savings

People who preplan their funerals can save a lot of money. When emotional loved ones plan a funeral at the last minute, they may choose things for the burial or ceremony that you never would. When you preplan your own funeral, you can select the things you want and you can pay for them ahead of time so no one else is stuck with the bill, and any money you’re leaving anyone can be used by them for their own needs and desires.

Furthermore, the sooner you plan your funeral, the better. Once you commit to a plan, you can pay in full or pay in partial payments over time, but either way, you’ll lock in today’s prices – even if you’re around for several more decades into the future.

3. Self Reliance

You’ve always taken care of yourself and you’ve kept your affairs in order your whole life. Why not continue this trend? Your loved ones will appreciate it greatly if you take the time to plan ahead for your funeral. Not only will they not have to worry about experiencing a financial burden, but they won’t have to make decisions about your funeral either. They, too, will rest easier at night when they learn that everything has been planned ahead of time.

4. Plenty of Time

Even if you’re in perfect health right now, it’s smart to preplan your funeral. Why? Well, right now, you have plenty of time. If you’re not sure where you’d like to be buried or even if you’d like to be buried at all, you have plenty of time to consider the pros and cons of burial, cremation, and other options. You don’t have to make any snap decisions and you can be sure that your final decision is what you truly want. It’s better to think about these things now instead of later.

5. Keeping the Peace

If you have several children or a number of different individuals who will be involved in the planning of your funeral, preplanning your funeral can help to keep the peace among them. Since all of the important decisions will be made ahead of time, there will be nothing to argue or debate. Your wishes will be absolutely clear, and all anyone will have to do is to consult the plans you made ahead of time.

6. Make Things Easier for Your Loved Ones

Most importantly, preplanning your funeral will make things easier on those who you love most. No one wants to think about a recently deceased loved one’s plans and desires when they are emotionally responding to a recent loss. You want your family and friends to be able to mourn without any added stress. The experience of a loss is stressful enough. When funeral preplanning has occurred in advance, they can spend time grieving and focusing on comforting one another instead.

Funeral Preplanning Is the Right Thing to Do

Although it’s not something we like to think about much, everyone’s life eventually comes to an end. This is an unavoidable fact of life. That’s why it’s wise to engage in funeral preplanning sooner rather than later. You’ll rest easier at night knowing that this important task has been completed and will enjoy greater well-being in your remaining years as a result.

If you’re interested in preplanning funeral services, we would love to hear from you. We are excited to meet you and to help you with this task every step of the way. We’re always happy to answer your questions. Please give us a call today.