Tuesday, August 2, 2022
How is a Casket Delivered? - Just Give Me 2 Minutes
Saturday, July 30, 2022
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Mormon Funeral
Floral tributes are encouraged and appropriate for a Mormon ceremony, except do not send anything in the shape of a cross. Crosses and crucifix are not permitted because Latter-day Saints believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ.
Funerals are conducted by the bishop of the deceased's congregation, typically within one week of death and may take place in a church, funeral home or at graveside, they are not normally held inside the temple. Usually It is appropriate to visit or contact the family to offer condolences before and after the funeral. Modest attire (suit and tie for men; dress or suit for women) are appropriate. No head covering is required. Guests typically attend the burial following the funeral service.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Asian Funeral
In Asian funerals white or yellow mums are appreciated. In China, Japan and Korea, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of lamentation and grief. Yellow chrysanthemums are also a traditional funeral flower.
In Chinese cultures, the family wears white at the funeral and does not wear any jewelry or red clothing, as red is the color of happiness. If you have any questions or concerns about sending funeral flowers to an Asian funeral, you might want to contact the funeral home or a family friend or relative who can provide you with more information.
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Scars In Heaven - Casting Crowns (Lyrics)
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Jewish Funeral
Charitable donations are fitting memorial gifts, please note that flowers are not appropriate. The service is performed by a rabbi and and burial takes place within 24 hours of death. Funeral attire consists of dark-colored clothing. Men wear a head covering known as a yarmulke, which is provided by the funeral home.
After the burial, the immediate family sits in mourning or "Shiva" in their home for the next seven days. It is customary for family, friends and coworkers to come by the home and pay their respects to the family, this is known as paying a Shiva call. Desserts, fruit and Kosher food baskets are traditionally taken to or sent to the home, however, flowers are not appropriate for a Shiva call.
Monday, July 18, 2022
Roman Catholic
Friday, July 15, 2022
Do This Immediately When You Leave a Funeral
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Buddhist Funeral
White flowers are the traditional Buddhist flower of mourning and may be sent to the family. Sending red flowers or gifts of food are considered poor funeral etiquette. A donation to the family or a designated charity in the name of the deceased are appropriate.
At the viewing, candles and incense burn until the body is moved to the cemetery or crematorium. Visitors should greet the family and offer their condolences, then go to the casket and bow. They may then either stay for a while or leave. Visitors will often make a financial donation to the family at the viewing.
The funeral service is conducted by a monk at the funeral home. Guests are expected to bow slightly toward the body (in an open casket) as a sign of appreciation for its lessons regarding impermanence. White is worn by the grieving family, friends often wear black. Friends may call at the home of the deceased's family after the funeral, but not before.
Saturday, July 9, 2022
Hispanic Funeral
Hispanic Religion equates to the Roman Catholic faith among most Hispanics. Many grew up practicing many of the typical Roman Catholic Sunday mass and funeral traditions. The wake may include mariachis, overnight visitations and a family feast. Floral tributes are welcome. A simple bouquet given to the bereaved or a tribute in the shape of a cross or a personalized candle makes an acceptable gift, as does lighting a candle in the church.
Personal items and gifts may be laid in the casket to help the deceased have a successful journey to the afterworld. Burial follows the ceremony. Following the burial, the family usually gathers to eat, reminisce and comfort each other.
Mexicans and Central Americans believe there are days when the dead return to walk among us and that their loved ones' bodies have died but that their spirits live on. They pray to them, talk to them and turn to them for guidance and support.
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Brief Grief Activity: Spa Mask
Sunday, July 3, 2022
Protestant - Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian and Baptist
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Though it’s a sad time, I’d prefer to send a bright, colorful arrangement.
Monday, June 27, 2022
How Grief Changes Over Time
Friday, June 24, 2022
How do "sympathy flowers" differ from "funeral flowers"?
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
I would like to send a gift to the home that’s reverent and not too showy.
When it comes to expressing your condolences in a classic manner, nothing is more elegant than a mix of all-white flowers. White flowers have long represented humility and reverence, while also sending a message of loyalty.
Types of Sympathy Plants/Flowers and their Meaning.
Saturday, June 18, 2022
If Tomorrow Starts Without Me (read by Tom O'Bedlam)
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
I’d like to send a gift that will last longer than flowers.
Sunday, June 12, 2022
What is a Shiva Call?
If the deceased was Jewish the immediate family will hold a "Shiva" in their home for seven days after the passing. It is customary for friends and coworkers to come by the home and pay their respects to the family, this is known as paying a Shiva call. Desserts, fruit and Kosher food baskets are traditionally taken to or sent to the home, however, flowers are not appropriate for a Shiva call.
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Talking to children who are bereaved
Monday, June 6, 2022
Is it Ok to send a fruit or gourmet food basket?
Friday, June 3, 2022
What is appropriate to send to the family?
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Grief: What Everyone Should Know | Tanya Villanueva Tepper | TEDxUMiami
Saturday, May 28, 2022
I just heard the sad news… Is it too late to send sympathy flowers?
Some people choose to send flowers a week or so after the funeral when the initial chaos has passed. A nice gesture is to send flowers to the home a period of time after the funeral to remind the bereaved that you have not forgotten them and you are still thinking of them and their loss. And even if a few weeks have passed since the death, flowers are a comforting reminder that friends are still thinking of the family throughout the grieving process.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Symbolism of Funeral Flowers : Peace Lily Plant
Thought to promote peace, harmony, purity, and innocence after death. The Peace Lily includes all plants in the Spathiphyllum genus. Spathiphyllum means “peace and prosperity” in Latin. Peace Lilies are known for their elegant, star-shaped, white flowers and rich, green leaves.
Christians view white lilies as symbolic of the Virgin Mary. They are also associated with the Easter holiday and Christ’s resurrection, because they appear to die in the winter, but are reborn again in the spring.
Explore our website to find the best way to honor your loved one.
Sunday, May 22, 2022
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Interactive Aftercare
Monday, May 16, 2022
Symbolism of Funeral Flowers : Orchid Plant
Orchids say "I will always love you". When giving an orchid plant as a gesture of sympathy, it is important to give consideration to color. Pink and white are traditional colors of sympathy. Varieties such as the phalaenopsis orchid and dendrobium orchid are suggested by florists as appropriate plants to denote sympathy.
Explore our website to find the best way to honor your loved one.
Friday, May 13, 2022
The Invisible Suitcase | Child Bereavement UK
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : Reach For The Stars
“Fly me to the moon; let me sing among those stars.” Many of us long to be able to travel among the planets of our solar system and out among the stars. Becoming part of the cosmos may be the perfect ‘send off’ for someone special.
Please contact us about any of our services or to meet with one of our funeral service professionals.
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Symbolism of Funeral Flowers : Chrysanthemums
Mums are frequently included in arrangements for funeral services. In some European countries, such as France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary and Croatia, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are only used for funerals or on graves. In China, Japan and Korea, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of lamentation and grief, whereas in the US, it symbolizes truth and the flower is usually regarded as positive and cheerful, with New Orleans as a notable exception.
Explore our website to find the best way to honor your loved one.
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
If you're grieving, this is for you
Sunday, May 1, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : Into the Deep Blue
Eternal life as part of a barrier reef. For those of us who love sea, there’s no better thought than our cremated remains providing shelter for the beautiful creatures of the deep. Create a permanent living legacy, to memorialize and honor your loved one.
Please contact us about any of our services or to meet with one of our funeral service professionals.
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Symbolism of Funeral Flowers : Gladioli
Gladioli have a tall flower stem composed of multiple flowers that can measure up to 4 feet tall. Typically used in fan sprays as a classic and elegant arrangement for traditional funeral services. The gladiolus embodies strength of character, sincerity, and moral integrity. They are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, salmon, and green.
Explore our website to find the best way to honor your loved one.
Monday, April 25, 2022
Friday, April 22, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : Taking the Stage
“All the world’s a stage, and all men and women merely players.” For the thespian, such a theatrical event would be the perfect end to a perfectly brilliant life. Bring up the lights, and honor the actor and the life they so enjoyed.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Symbolism of Funeral Flowers : Roses
As one of the most recognizable flowers, roses can be a beautiful part of an arrangement of funeral flowers. White roses evoke reverence, humility, innocence, and youthfulness. Red roses convey respect, love, and courage. Pink roses signify love, grace, appreciation and gentility. Dark crimson roses denote grief and sorrow. Yellow roses are given by friends of the deceased to symbolize their strong ties. When you include a single rose in a bouquet it expresses enduring love for the deceased.
Explore our website to find the best way to honor your loved one.
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Happy Easter.
From us, Happy Easter. Enjoy your weekend with your near and dear.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : Playing the Game
Poker, anyone? Maybe Bridge was their game. Or chess. Whatever game they enjoyed, bring it into the service by staging a card party in their honor. Just think of the memories that will surface, as the games progress.
Sunday, April 10, 2022
Symbolism of Funeral Flowers : Carnations
Long lasting and fragrant, carnations are a popular choice for sympathy arrangements. The red carnation evokes admiration while a pink carnation stands for remembrance. White carnations stand for pure love and innocence.
Explore our website to find the best way to honor your loved one.
Thursday, April 7, 2022
How Grief Affects Your Brain And What To Do About It | Better | NBC News
Monday, April 4, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : A Treasured Keepsake
Bringing home such a gift of love can make a memorial service truly memorable. Gather together a beloved collection, whether teddy bears, tea cups, or fishing lures; and share them with the guests after the ceremony to let everyone leave with a memory they can keep forever.
Friday, April 1, 2022
Symbolism of Funeral Flowers : Lilies
The lily is the flower most commonly associated with funeral services as they symbolize the innocence that has been restored to the soul of the departed. White stargazer lilies symbolizes sympathy and any type of white lily expresses majesty and purity.
Explore our website to find the best way to honor your loved one.
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Brief Grief Activity: Drums
Saturday, March 26, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : A Sporting Celebration
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Symbolism of Funeral Flowers
The type of flowers you choose can express your particular sentiments. The traditional language of flowers provides a way to convey your feelings and send a meaningful message. The gift of a plant is often an ideal choice, as they provide a long-lasting tribute to the loved one lost, as well as a constant reminder of the friendship and affection you wish to support the bereaved through the grieving process.
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Brief Grief Activity: Grief Buddies
Thursday, March 17, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : Coming Home
There’s no place like home. Bringing family and friends together in a home or private garden focuses the emotions of comfort found in such a familiar setting. There may be no better place to say goodbye, because home is where the heart is.
Monday, March 14, 2022
How to Write : Card Messages
It is not always easy to write a heartfelt message that expresses how you feel, especially at a time of sorrow so we have written some card suggestions for different occasions:
Suggestions for Condolence Messages
Most people have a fear that they are going to upset or offend the person who will receive their sympathy words. Anxiety sets in as you try to find the correct sympathy card wording. Don't use phrases like "I know what you are going through" - the reason is that you probably don't know what the person is going through, and even if you do it can come across as minimizing the suffering and pain the receiving person is feeling.
Below we offer more suitable choices for your sympathy message...
- Please accept these flowers and hear the words we are not able to speak
- With my deepest sympathy
- You are in my thoughts and prayers
- With love to you and your family
- In loving memory
- With heartfelt condolences
- My thoughts are with you at your time of need
- I want you to know that I am here for you at this time of grieving
- Thinking of you in these difficult times
- Please know our loving thoughts embrace you
- Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. Please know that we are here for you.
- Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss.
- In loving memory of [NAME], [HE/SHE] will be missed dearly.
- Please accept our condolences on the loss of your [MOTHER/FATHER/OTHER RELATION].
- Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. From all your friends at [BUSINESS NAME]
- [NAME] will always be in our hearts and memories. With Sympathy, The [YOUR LAST NAME] Family
Friday, March 11, 2022
Brief Grief Activity: Homemade Playdough
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : A Last Ride
There’s often a special connection between someone and their vehicle. Maybe it’s the fire truck they served on; maybe it’s the motorcycle they loved to ride on weekends. It might even be the love of a fine horse. Bring that love to life by including that special relationship in the services.
Saturday, March 5, 2022
How To Buy : For a Religious Funeral
Honor the departed's religious or cultural belief with flowers appropriate for a viewing or wake, funeral, cremation or graveside service.
Protestant - Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian and Baptist
Appropriate expressions of sympathy include sending a card, attending the visitation or funeral, sending flowers to the family home or funeral home, donating to a charity designated by the family, or bringing food to the family's home.
Hispanic Funeral
Hispanic Religion equates to the Roman Catholic faith among most Hispanics. Many grew up practicing many of the typical Roman Catholic Sunday mass and funeral traditions. The wake may include mariachis, overnight visitations and a family feast. Floral tributes are welcome. A simple bouquet given to the bereaved or a tribute in the shape of a cross or a personalized candle makes an acceptable gift, as does lighting a candle in the church.
Buddhist Funeral
White flowers are the traditional Buddhist flower of mourning and may be sent to the family. Sending red flowers or gifts of food are considered poor funeral etiquette. A donation to the family or a designated charity in the name of the deceased are appropriate.
Roman Catholic
Respectable and somber floral arrangements may be sent to the funeral home or to the family's residence. Donations are appropriate and may be sent in the name of the deceased to their charity of choice.
Jewish Funeral
Charitable donations are fitting memorial gifts, please note that flowers are not appropriate. The service is performed by a rabbi and and burial takes place within 24 hours of death. Funeral attire consists of dark-colored clothing. Men wear a head covering known as a yarmulke, which is provided by the funeral home.
Asian Funeral
In Asian funerals white or yellow mums are appreciated. In China, Japan and Korea, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of lamentation and grief. Yellow chrysanthemums are also a traditional funeral flower.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Mormon Funeral
Floral tributes are encouraged and appropriate for a Mormon ceremony, except do not send anything in the shape of a cross. Crosses and crucifix are not permitted because Latter-day Saints believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ.
Hindu Funeral
The service is conducted by a Hindu priest and family members. They try to hold the ceremony followed by cremation within 24 hours after death. Mourners dress casually in simple white clothes and arrive empty-handed, they do not bring flowers or anything else to the funeral. Guests should not exchange greetings with the official mourners, but instead nod or hug in sympathy - the least said the better. Flower garlands and mixed seasonal sprays of flowers may be in the open casket. Guests are expected to view the body.
Muslim Funeral
Opinion varies as to the appropriateness of sending flowers to an Islamic funeral. Some say the Islamic emphasis on simplicity makes gifts of flowers unsuitable. Others say sending flowers is appropriate.
Read more, here.
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Sympathy Wreath - Time Lapse
Sunday, February 27, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : Comfort Hearts and Nourish Connections
Thursday, February 24, 2022
How to Buy : Sympathy Flowers
Sympathy flowers and fruit baskets are sent to the departed's home to comfort the family during their time of sorrow. Flowers sent to the family are sympathy expressions of comfort, peace and hope. They say "I'm thinking of you." During times of sorrow, sympathy flowers are messengers of hope. Some people choose to send flowers a week or so after the funeral when the initial chaos has passed. A nice gesture is to send flowers to the home a period of time after the funeral to remind the bereaved that you have not forgotten them and you are still thinking of them and their loss. And even if a few weeks have passed since the death, flowers are a comforting reminder that friends are still thinking of the family throughout the grieving process. A plant, food basket or small to mid-size designed sympathy arrangement are typically sent to the home of the surviving family members. Any number of floral arrangements are a welcome gesture, including centerpieces, or even a small teacup with flowers. Some choose a small garden of green plants, accented with a blooming plant for color.
Read more helpful information, here.
Monday, February 21, 2022
How To Buy Flowers For A Funeral
Friday, February 18, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : The Value of Coming Together
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
How to Buy : Funeral Flowers
Funeral flowers are sent to a church service or funeral home. A local florist will deliver your flowers to the funeral or memorial service.
Flowers sent to the funeral home serve as a tribute at the service of the deceased. They add decoration, beauty, fragrance and life to a somber event. They are symbolic not only of love and sympathy, but also of eternity and immortality. Throughout the world, funeral flowers have played an important role in funeral customs because of their fragrant beauty and comforting qualities. In ancient times, tradition called for loved ones to use flowers and herbs to anoint the bodies of the deceased, while aromatic flowers and plants were used to decorate the burial site. Today, flowers remain one of the most beautiful ways to express our condolences when words fail us.
Read more here for more helpful information.
Saturday, February 12, 2022
"To Honor You" - A song in memory of a loved one.
Thursday, February 10, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : A Patriotic Tribute
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Honoring Life
Honoring Life ...
It's important to take the time to acknowledge the uniqueness of the deceased: the individuality of their personality, and the uniqueness of their life's path. Not just for them, but for you; it affirms the relationship, and leads to healing after a loss. Honoring their life is truly an act of love – for the both of you.
Explore our website to find the best way to honor your loved one.
General Office (707) 425-4697
Fax (707) 425-7352
Saturday, February 5, 2022
How to Simply Personalize a Funeral- Just Give Me 2 Minutes
Thursday, February 3, 2022
How Would You Honor Life : Comfort in Tradition
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
What We Do
Explore the Possibilities ...
Visualize the possibilities with our unique planning tool. Scroll through the images with the slider on our website, and when you’ve found yourself inspired, visit Designing Your Funeral for additional support in planning a service as unique as the life well-lived.
Please contact us about any of our services or to meet with one of our funeral service professionals. You may contact our general office at (707) 425-4697, or fax us at (707) 425-7352.
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Tribute Videos
Your family photographs are skillfully blended with wonderful graphic images and music, to create an elegantly emotive cinematic video. It can be an integral part of any funeral or memorial service. After the ceremony, the video is sure to become a treasured family keepsake. And, we can make copies as gifts for family and friends.
Visit out website to view a sample Tribute Video.
Thursday, January 27, 2022
It's All About the Relationship
Honoring the life of your loved one means you value the relationship you shared. We look forward to helping you decide how to celebrate that bond and honor the unique individual you've lost. We can make suggestions to enhance your tribute ideas. Together we will create a fitting and memorable event. Contact us today to discuss the possibilities. (707) 425-4697
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
365 Days of Grief Support
With our online grief support you’re assured of our
commitment to helping you through this difficult time. It doesn’t matter what
time of day, or what day of the week you need support, we're here for you. You
can access online counseling services, join in group grief support, or watch
our interactive videos, anytime: 24/7. No matter how you feel at this moment,
you have our commitment - you're never alone.
LETTING THE SUN SHINE IN DAILY EMAILS
When someone you love dies, grieving that loss can take a
long time. As in any emotional journey, there are rough spots to be weathered,
and moments when you catch a glimpse of a sunnier horizon. We want to be your
daily companion, helping you to let the sun shine back into your life. These
daily emails provide encouragement and gentle reminders of the recovery
process. Interested?
View a Preview of Day 1
- "Your daily affirmation emails have given me hope for
a better tomorrow." - Emily
- "Your messages have helped me reflect the life my
grandfather lived and have helped me heal." – Dan
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Veteran's Services
We truly believe that the men and women who answered our
nation’s call embody the ideals Americans hold so dear. Because they have
proven their devotion to their fellow citizens and to a grateful nation, we all
owe them the same respect and devotion in return.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
In short, the veteran must have been honorably discharged. A
more detailed list of those service men and women who may apply for, and
receive veterans' burial benefits, with full military honors if they choose
would include:
Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve
Former military members who served on active duty and
departed under conditions other than dishonorable
Former military members who completed at least one term of
enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and
departed under conditions other than dishonorable
Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve
due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, or that of
a family member, call us at (707) 425-4697. If you have any questions about
your eligibility or that of a family member, contact the staff of one of our
locations.