What are left after the cremation process are ashes?
When people think of “ashes” they envision what you’d find in the fireplace or what’s left over after a campfire. However, what remains after the cremation process are bone fragments, like broken seashells. These are pulverized to a small dimension, not unlike aquarium gravel.

Cremated remains must be placed in an urn and interred in a cemetery lot or niche.
There is no reason you can’t keep the cremated remains in the cardboard or plastic box that comes from the crematorium. There are no “cremains police” checking on what you do with cremated remains either.

Funeral cars show respect to the dead.
There is no tradition saying you have to hire expensive cars to take you to the funeral. Cars are simply used to transport you, why not take your own?

Expensive Coffins are a leaving gift to the deceased.
A coffin is essentially a box that gets burned or goes in the ground. Spending lots of money on these items is unnecessary. You should get whichever coffin you feel is right for you, people will not think any less of you for going for a cheaper option.

A big send off shows respect for the dead.
There is no need to spend lots of money on a big funeral if you can’t afford it. Talk over how much you should spend on your funeral before you die, then your family won’t feel pressured into spending a lot.

Funeral List:

1. Don’t panic! - there’s no need to be rushed into any expensive decisions. Slow things down and allow yourself to take stock of what has happened.
2. Carry on caring for the person who has died and take time to say goodbye.
3. Don’t waste money on things that don’t matter, concentrate on what really counts.
4. Sing songs at the funeral to help people to join in with the ceremony - ask someone to lead the singing.
5. Keep things simple and natural - this can bring beautiful results and can highlight the importance of small individual things.
6. Ask for and accept help - many people would love to help, so give them permission to do so.
7. Consider poems - they can often put into words what we find hard to say
   
8. Don’t be a spectator - bear the coffin, decide on music, poems and memories for the service.
9. Make it personal - include a favourite perfume or flower, photographs or paintings, vehicle, sport, club or hobby - take the children and the dog too.
10. Start now - Don’t wait until it’s too hard to talk about it. Write down your latest thoughts
    This list is by no means exhaustive, please help us and to it and improve it - we are always available to talk to and want to help.