Losing a loved one is a difficult and stressful time. Part of planning the funeral is arranging a post-funeral reception. The reception brings everyone together after the funeral to support one another. While still somber, it’s less formal than the funeral services. Friends and family can share stories, lend support, and celebrate the life of your departed loved one. Food is often a central part of the reception. While you don’t have to provide a full meal, it’s customary to provide at least a light food option for guests. Because you often don’t have much notice, you’ll need to piece together the details of the reception quickly to …

One of the hardest jobs a family has to do is prepare the funeral ceremony of a loved one. If a death is sudden it can be a heavy burden. As we become a more progressive society, people are starting to plan and pay for their own services. They plan everything from color schemes, burial attire, flowers, funeral home, and location for the service. Some even go so far as to purchase their own casket or urn, and their burial plot and headstone. Not only does funeral pre-planning relieve stress caused by their passing, but it also ensures the deceased is remembered on their own terms. Planning one’s own funeral ceremony …

In 2017, the National Funeral Directors Association found that while 62% of people expressed the importance of making their wishes known regarding their funeral, only 21% actually did so. If you fall somewhere in these numbers, you may want to consider the benefits of funeral pre-planning. While it may feel a little bit strange to make your own funeral arrangements, think of it the way you would any other event. How often do we plan large events in a matter of days and under a great deal of stress? Read on for seven reasons why you should treat the final celebration of your life with respect and …

Writing an obituary is a way of honoring a loved one that lives on in printed copies and online versions for years. You want it to capture the person’s essence and serve as a meaningful tribute. The first printed death notices started in the British colonies in the 1500s. Death notices and obituaries evolved over the centuries, starting as short notices when printing was time-consuming. In the early 20th century, obituaries were written as poems with rhyming lines. Modern obituaries often tell stories and celebrate the life of the deceased. Obituaries come in all types, lengths, and styles, so you can add a personal touch to what you write. …

There are just over 19,000 funeral homes in the United States as of 2019. With so many choices to choose from, it can be a daunting task for survivors to find a funeral home that will meet their needs. What do you need to know before you get started to make the process easier? Read on to learn what to look for in local funeral homes so you can get the service and care you need while you say farewell to a loved one.  Examine Your Needs When you are researching local funeral homes, one of the first things you should do is think carefully about …

The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult things you’ll ever go through. After your loved one is deceased, it’s normal to feel unsure and emotional. For many, a funeral helps them accept their loved one’s death and reflect on their life. However, many families aren’t prepared during funeral planning. Don’t worry, you don’t need to feel overwhelmed. Just follow this funeral arrangements checklist to stay organized. Choose the Type of Service There are many ways to honor the deceased. Here are a few of the most common funeral services and ceremonies. Viewing The viewing is when your loved one is displayed …

Nothing about life is simple or routine. Every individual creates change throughout their life and touches the lives of others. When life comes to pass, it’s comforting to know that there are many options for commemorating those lives. Picking a funeral ceremony that honors the memory of a departed friend, family member, or loved one can be a bit daunting. The numerous choices let you custom-craft something fitting, but it’s hard to work through all the options when emotions run high. Making a ceremony to fit a specific person doesn’t have to be overwhelming, though. Starting with a simple template based on broad types, you …

An astonishing 6 out of 10 people feel they know very little when it comes to preparing for death. Although it’s a grim part of life, it’s inevitable. And when it happens, you’ll probably leave behind some loved ones. This can already be a very emotional and trying time. Don’t make your family handle the burden of your funeral on top of grieving. It’s good to have a funeral plan in place, so when the time comes, your loved ones can properly grieve without having to worry about other things. If you’re looking at San Diego funeral homes, here are nine key questions you need to ask them …

She brought the tradition of Dia de los Muertos to National City cemetery By LAURIE COSKEY: The San Diego Union Tribune She is a mother, a spouse, a friend and a businesswoman. She most enjoys bringing life to a cemetery. Luisa McCarthy says, “When people think of our cemetery, they smile and are filled with their memories, traditions, laughter, and kindness rather than feeling pain or fear or seeing it as the last place you would ever want to visit.” McCarthy believes it’s because 11 years ago she took a risk and introduced the tradition of Dia de los Muertos to the La Vista Memorial …

There are many ways to lay your loved one to rest. Funeral traditions and death rituals around the world are incredibly fascinating. Some are no longer practiced and some even take place here in the United States. Here at the La Vista Park & Mortuary San Diego, we like to dive into those funeral traditions and learn everything we can. You wouldn’t believe what we’ve uncovered so far… La Vista Park & Mortuary San Diego Presents: Fascinating Funeral Customs Humans have been burying the dead since 60,000 BCE. Since then, superstitions have grown, beginning with the preparation of the body to leading the body to its final resting place. …