An NFDA report shows that the U.S. cremation rate is projected to rise by 20.9% between 2023 and 2045.

Many people prefer cremation for its simplicity, affordability, and flexibility when planning a memorial. If your loved one’s final wish was to be cremated, you might find yourself wondering about the best things to keep ashes in. Storing ashes in a special way offers a lasting tribute and helps keep their memory alive.

Exploring different memorial options gives you the chance to find one that feels right for you. You may wish to find a memorial that honors their spirit and brings peace to your heart. Keep reading to discover seven beautiful memorials to store your loved one’s ashes with care.

1. Custom Ceramic Urns

Many families choose custom ceramic urns for their timeless appearance and their ability to blend well with home decor. Whether shaped like a vase, sculpture, or simple jar, unique ceramic urns offer both durability and elegance.

Some styles even reflect nature, taking the form of a tree trunk, stone, or ocean wave. Skilled artisans handcraft these pieces, often allowing for custom:

• Colors
• Finishes
• Inscriptions
• Symbols
• Glaze textures

These urns can rest on a mantel, shelf, or personal altar, offering a lasting tribute in your home. For reliable cremation services, consider Lone Star Cremation. We can help your family choose a meaningful memorial that reflects your loved one’s spirit with care and respect.

2. Glass Memorial Orbs

Glass artists have developed a stunning way to incorporate small portions of ashes into blown-glass orbs. These glowing, colorful spheres shimmer with light and emotion. Each orb is handcrafted, and no two are alike.

While they don’t store the entire remains, they are powerful memorial vessels for a symbolic portion of ashes. Some orbs rest on stands, while others can hang by a window to catch the sun.

You may choose a color that matches your loved one’s favorite hue or reflects their personality–gentle blue, vibrant red, or calm green. They double as pieces of art and conversation starters, bringing warmth and meaning to any room.

3. Jewelry for Ash Storage

Cremation jewelry gives you a way to carry your loved one wherever you go and may include:

• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Rings
• Lockets
• Keychains

Each piece can hold a tiny amount of ashes inside a small, sealed compartment, offering comfort and connection. Many designs look like ordinary jewelry but hold deep meaning for those who wear them. You can choose shapes such as feathers, teardrops, or even have a fingerprint engraved for a more personal touch.

Cremation keepsakes like these are perfect if you want something discreet yet powerful. Some families choose matching pieces to create a shared memorial, giving everyone a symbol of unity and remembrance that lasts for years to come.

4. Biodegradable Burial Pods

If you prefer a natural approach, consider biodegradable pods, as these special containers let you bury ashes:

• Under a tree
• Beneath a flower bed
• In a memorial garden
• Along a forest path
• Near a favorite outdoor spot

Over time, ash containers like these break down naturally, enriching the soil and supporting new growth. Some include seeds, allowing you to plant a tree or flower as part of the tribute.

Many people find comfort in knowing their loved one helps give life to something new. Biodegradable pods suit green cemeteries or home memorial spaces, offering a peaceful way to honor a life and care for the earth.

5. Decorative Wall Memorials

For a more modern take, many families choose wall-mounted memorials that blend beauty with purpose. These pieces are crafted to look like art while including a hidden space to hold ashes.

Materials often include:

• Wood
• Metal
• Stone
• Acrylic
• Glass

Each design can feature engraved names, birth and passing dates, favorite quotes, or meaningful symbols. Personalized memorials like these offer a subtle and stylish way to remember someone without setting up a traditional urn.

Wall displays work well in homes with limited space, neutral decor, or a minimalist layout. They let you honor your loved one in a quiet, dignified way that feels both intimate and modern.

6. Stuffed Animals with Ash Compartments

Children and even adults sometimes find comfort in softer, more tender forms of remembrance. Specially designed stuffed animals can hold a small portion of ashes inside a secure, zippered pouch hidden within.

They feel warm and comforting, especially during quiet moments or times of grief. These huggable keepsakes provide a physical sense of closeness when emotional support is needed most. Families often personalize these keepsakes by adding:

• Names
• Birthdates
• Special colors
• Personal messages
• Embroidered symbols

Each detail helps create a more meaningful and comforting tribute that reflects the loved one’s memory. Though less traditional, these memorials are profoundly personal and ideal for those who value warmth, comfort, and a more intimate connection to their loved one.

7. Floating Water Memorials

For those who felt a deep connection to the sea, lakes, or rivers, a water-based memorial may feel most meaningful. Floating urns are specially designed to dissolve slowly, allowing ashes to release gently during a farewell ceremony.

Family members often gather at a calm waterfront location to:

• Reflect
• Share memories
• Release the urn together
• Offer prayers or blessings
• Play meaningful songs

Each action helps create a peaceful and personal farewell surrounded by nature’s calming presence. Each floating urn is crafted to remain steady on the water’s surface for a few minutes before gradually sinking and breaking down. The ceremony creates a quiet, respectful goodbye–one that honors your loved one’s spirit and love for the water.

Meaningful Things to Keep Ashes In for Lasting Tribute

Choosing the right things to keep ashes in is an important part of honoring your loved one’s memory. From classic urns to modern keepsakes and nature-inspired memorials, each option offers a unique way to preserve their spirit. Exploring different designs can help you find something that brings both comfort and meaning to your family.

Founded in 2004, we at Lone Star Cremation bring over two decades of experience helping families like yours. You can complete everything online in under 20 minutes. Let us guide you through this process with respect, simplicity, and heartfelt support.

Etern.life Empowers Funeral Professionals with Digital Scattering Memorials

ALBUQUERQUE, NM October 21, 2025 – As the funeral profession continues to adapt to rising cremation rates and shifting consumer preferences, Etern.life offers a forward-thinking digital solution that aligns with the evolving needs of today’s families. Developed by Passages International, Etern.life bridges the gap between meaningful scattering ceremonies and lasting remembrance, giving funeral professionals an opportunity to remain a part of the story long after the service concludes.

In traditional burial settings, a gravestone provides families with a place to return to. But with the growing popularity of scattering in nature, those meaningful places often go unmarked. Etern.life makes it possible to “mark the spot” with a digital memorial that anchors that location to an interactive online tribute. Families can then create a permanent space to share their loved one’s story, photos, ceremony details, and memories.

For funeral homes, this platform represents more than just a product, it’s an extension of service that meets families where they are. By guiding them through the memorial creation process, funeral professionals can offer a unique layer of aftercare that enhances connection, builds trust, and reflects a genuine commitment to honoring the full journey of remembrance.

Etern.life has been developed with integration in mind. It is already compatible with Passages International’s biodegradable urns and scattering tubes. Each coming with the ability to geo-locate the exact scattering location on our digital map. For those who have already scattered or used alternative urns, standalone codes can be offered, ensuring inclusivity and flexibility.

In a time when digital engagement plays an increasing role in how families grieve, celebrate, and share memories, Etern.life gives funeral professionals a way to remain relevant and supportive beyond the walls of the funeral home. It also offers practical branding opportunities. Memorial pages can discreetly display a funeral home’s logo, and licensing opportunities for maps to be integrated on funeral home websites is a goal for the Etern.life team to expand as the platform grows.

With interest in eco-conscious practices, storytelling, and personalization on the rise, Etern.life meets families where tradition no longer does. It empowers funeral professionals to serve their clients with empathy, innovation, and forward-thinking care, helping ensure that even the most natural farewells leave a lasting legacy.

If you are attending NFDA in Chicago, please visit Etern.life at booth 749 to connect and see a demo!

For more information or to schedule a demo, visit https://etern.life

An NFDA report shows that the U.S. cremation rate is projected to rise by 20.9% between 2023 and 2045.

Many people prefer cremation for its simplicity, affordability, and flexibility when planning a memorial. If your loved one’s final wish was to be cremated, you might find yourself wondering about the best things to keep ashes in. Storing ashes in a special way offers a lasting tribute and helps keep their memory alive.

Exploring different memorial options gives you the chance to find one that feels right for you. You may wish to find a memorial that honors their spirit and brings peace to your heart. Keep reading to discover seven beautiful memorials to store your loved one’s ashes with care.

1. Custom Ceramic Urns

Many families choose custom ceramic urns for their timeless appearance and their ability to blend well with home decor. Whether shaped like a vase, sculpture, or simple jar, unique ceramic urns offer both durability and elegance.

Some styles even reflect nature, taking the form of a tree trunk, stone, or ocean wave. Skilled artisans handcraft these pieces, often allowing for custom:

• Colors
• Finishes
• Inscriptions
• Symbols
• Glaze textures

These urns can rest on a mantel, shelf, or personal altar, offering a lasting tribute in your home. For reliable cremation services, consider Lone Star Cremation. We can help your family choose a meaningful memorial that reflects your loved one’s spirit with care and respect.

2. Glass Memorial Orbs

Glass artists have developed a stunning way to incorporate small portions of ashes into blown-glass orbs. These glowing, colorful spheres shimmer with light and emotion. Each orb is handcrafted, and no two are alike.

While they don’t store the entire remains, they are powerful memorial vessels for a symbolic portion of ashes. Some orbs rest on stands, while others can hang by a window to catch the sun.

You may choose a color that matches your loved one’s favorite hue or reflects their personality–gentle blue, vibrant red, or calm green. They double as pieces of art and conversation starters, bringing warmth and meaning to any room.

3. Jewelry for Ash Storage

Cremation jewelry gives you a way to carry your loved one wherever you go and may include:

• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Rings
• Lockets
• Keychains

Each piece can hold a tiny amount of ashes inside a small, sealed compartment, offering comfort and connection. Many designs look like ordinary jewelry but hold deep meaning for those who wear them. You can choose shapes such as feathers, teardrops, or even have a fingerprint engraved for a more personal touch.

Cremation keepsakes like these are perfect if you want something discreet yet powerful. Some families choose matching pieces to create a shared memorial, giving everyone a symbol of unity and remembrance that lasts for years to come.

4. Biodegradable Burial Pods

If you prefer a natural approach, consider biodegradable pods, as these special containers let you bury ashes:

• Under a tree
• Beneath a flower bed
• In a memorial garden
• Along a forest path
• Near a favorite outdoor spot

Over time, ash containers like these break down naturally, enriching the soil and supporting new growth. Some include seeds, allowing you to plant a tree or flower as part of the tribute.

Many people find comfort in knowing their loved one helps give life to something new. Biodegradable pods suit green cemeteries or home memorial spaces, offering a peaceful way to honor a life and care for the earth.

5. Decorative Wall Memorials

For a more modern take, many families choose wall-mounted memorials that blend beauty with purpose. These pieces are crafted to look like art while including a hidden space to hold ashes.

Materials often include:

• Wood
• Metal
• Stone
• Acrylic
• Glass

Each design can feature engraved names, birth and passing dates, favorite quotes, or meaningful symbols. Personalized memorials like these offer a subtle and stylish way to remember someone without setting up a traditional urn.

Wall displays work well in homes with limited space, neutral decor, or a minimalist layout. They let you honor your loved one in a quiet, dignified way that feels both intimate and modern.

6. Stuffed Animals with Ash Compartments

Children and even adults sometimes find comfort in softer, more tender forms of remembrance. Specially designed stuffed animals can hold a small portion of ashes inside a secure, zippered pouch hidden within.

They feel warm and comforting, especially during quiet moments or times of grief. These huggable keepsakes provide a physical sense of closeness when emotional support is needed most. Families often personalize these keepsakes by adding:

• Names
• Birthdates
• Special colors
• Personal messages
• Embroidered symbols

Each detail helps create a more meaningful and comforting tribute that reflects the loved one’s memory. Though less traditional, these memorials are profoundly personal and ideal for those who value warmth, comfort, and a more intimate connection to their loved one.

7. Floating Water Memorials

For those who felt a deep connection to the sea, lakes, or rivers, a water-based memorial may feel most meaningful. Floating urns are specially designed to dissolve slowly, allowing ashes to release gently during a farewell ceremony.

Family members often gather at a calm waterfront location to:

• Reflect
• Share memories
• Release the urn together
• Offer prayers or blessings
• Play meaningful songs

Each action helps create a peaceful and personal farewell surrounded by nature’s calming presence. Each floating urn is crafted to remain steady on the water’s surface for a few minutes before gradually sinking and breaking down. The ceremony creates a quiet, respectful goodbye–one that honors your loved one’s spirit and love for the water.

Meaningful Things to Keep Ashes In for Lasting Tribute

Choosing the right things to keep ashes in is an important part of honoring your loved one’s memory. From classic urns to modern keepsakes and nature-inspired memorials, each option offers a unique way to preserve their spirit. Exploring different designs can help you find something that brings both comfort and meaning to your family.

Founded in 2004, we at Lone Star Cremation bring over two decades of experience helping families like yours. You can complete everything online in under 20 minutes. Let us guide you through this process with respect, simplicity, and heartfelt support.

Eulogize Memorials Can Enhance Both Family Healing and Your Direct Cremation Revenue

More and more families are choosing direct cremation for a variety of reasons, but simplicity, affordability, and flexibility certainly top the list. It’s estimated that about 40% of U.S. families opted for a simple and straightforward direct cremation with no memorial service in 2024. But because this disposition option bypasses traditional rituals, families can sometimes feel emotionally unanchored or as if something is missing in the grieving process. Creating a memorial or tribute, even weeks or months later, can offer meaningful benefits to families choosing direct cremation. By offering these families access to Eulogize’s innovative and easy-to-use self-service platform, your funeral home can help families to grieve on their own terms, while at the same time enhancing your direct cremation revenue.

A win-win for families and providers

Pairing Eulogize’s self-service tribute creation option with direct cremation services is a strategy that’s already being proven successful by direct cremation providers across the country, says Eulogize co-founder Nick Kelly. 

“Our direct cremation partners wanted to have a way of offering a tribute and memorialization process to families,” Kelly shared in a recent interview with DISRUPT Media’s Ryan Thogmartin. “Offering families a single email link to create keepsakes like video books or photo albums can make quite a difference in post-cremation revenue.” 

The Eulogize platform was designed to enable people with any level of technical or creative expertise to produce beautiful, high-quality results. Users can start with professionally designed templates and choose from a growing number of personalization and product options from stunning slideshows to lovely leather-bound video books.

“These are beautiful meaningful pieces — not the kind of stuff that will be thrown away,” Kelly adds. “They’re personalized and unique to each family, and they help to tell their story and continue that memory.”

Grief and healing have no timetable

Direct cremation doesn’t mean skipping grief, and it doesn’t have to mean skipping tribute. By decoupling the cremation from the memorial, families gain time, space, and creative freedom to honor their loved one in a way that feels right to them. In fact, grief experts have reached out to the Eulogize team to discuss the incredibly beneficial cathartic effects of families working together to memorialize a loved one.

Whether tribute creation happens immediately after a loss or continues for months, the therapeutic benefits are undeniable. When you give your direct cremation families self-service access to the Eulogize platform, you also give them: 

• Space for intentional grief and reflection, making room for emotions that might otherwise be overlooked when there’s no service;
• Opportunities reconnect with loved ones who may have missed the chance to say goodbye and share their stories;
• A way to shift focus from a person’s death to the value of their life by honoring their personality, values, and achievements;
• Freedom to design an authentic and comforting memorial to suit their loved one’s unique character or passions without the pressure or timeline of a traditional service;
• A ritual that marks an emotional transition and closure — something they may miss with direct cremation;
• Tangible digital and physical pieces that keep a loved one’s memory alive and supports long-term remembrance they can return to over time; and, perhaps most importantly, 
• A catalyst for healthy mourning that gives people permission to feel, remember, and speak openly about their loss.

“The process of going through those photos can be a beautiful moment,” Kelly says. “Families can look back on someone’s life and find the anecdotes and the quotes and things to include in the tributes. Without a platform like Eulogize, this could be a huge task, but we can make that process easy and simple so they can focus on telling their loved one’s story.”

Personalize what you provide

The limitations of direct cremation often leave deathcare professionals little opportunity to do what you do best — provide professional care and personalized service. The Eulogize platform allows you to extend the scope of your support well beyond disposition. Even though you’re giving families access to the Eulogize portal to work at their own pace, the Eulogize team and your own staff will be available to answer questions and provide oversight on their projects. If you prefer for your team to be more involved in the creation process, you can always turn off some of the self-service features.

“You personalize how you work with people,” Kelly says. “I believe that Eulogize is offering you another way to personalize your level of service, not just in a creative sense, but in an engagement and interaction sense.”

Best of all, because Eulogize can be hosted through your funeral home’s digital assets, anyone collaborating in the tribute creation process or viewing the finished product will be visiting your website and driving highly valuable traffic numbers and providing ongoing lead generation opportunities. 

It’s easy to add access to the Eulogize platform to both your direct cremation packages and your traditional deathcare services. To learn more about Eulogize, book a complimentary demo with the team or reach out via the Eulogize website. 

Going to CANA’s 107th Cremation Innovation Convention next week? Add Booth 49 to your agenda and stop by for a one-on-one chat with Nick Kelly and a Eulogize demo!

When we honor a loved one’s life, it’s about more than a ceremony—it’s a chance to reflect on their legacy, individuality, and the memories they leave behind. At St. Louis Cremation, we understand that personalization is at the heart of meaningful memorials. Our commitment to compassionate care makes us a trusted choice for cremation service Ballwin, MO families, ensuring your loved one’s memory is cherished in a way that truly reflects their life.

Celebrating a Unique Life

Every individual is unique, and their memorial should reflect that. Personalizing a cremation memorial allows families to celebrate what made their loved one special. This could involve incorporating their favorite music, hobbies, or cherished traditions into the service. It’s these personal touches that transform a memorial into a heartfelt tribute. For families opting for cremation, the flexibility to create a highly personalized service is a significant benefit. Memorials can be held at a time and place that suits your family, allowing ample time to plan and gather loved ones. Whether it’s an intimate gathering at home or a larger service at a venue, every detail can be tailored to honor your loved one’s legacy.

Unique Ways to Remember

Beyond traditional services, families often seek creative ways to remember their loved ones. Planting a memory tree, creating a photo book, or setting up a charitable foundation in their name are just a few options that bring comfort and meaning. Incorporating these elements into a cremation memorial offers an enduring connection to their memory. For those seeking modern ways to honor their loved ones, digital memorials or live-streamed services allow family and friends from afar to participate. These options ensure that everyone who cherished the individual can share in celebrating their life.

Supporting Families with Compassion

Planning a memorial while grieving can feel overwhelming, but having a compassionate guide makes all the difference. Our dedicated team works closely with families to create thoughtful and personalized services. From the initial planning stages to the memorial itself, we’re here to provide support, ensuring your loved one’s memory is honored with dignity and care. By emphasizing transparency and personalized care, we strive to alleviate the stress families often face during such challenging times. We believe in creating a seamless process that allows families to focus on what truly matters—celebrating their loved one’s life.

A Lasting Legacy

Creating a personalized cremation memorial isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Memorials are a source of comfort and a way to share your loved one’s story. As you reflect on their life, it’s an opportunity to bring family and friends closer together, united by shared memories and love. We believe that every individual deserves to be remembered in a way that reflects their unique journey. Whether it’s a simple service or an elaborate celebration, our mission is to help families create moments of meaning and connection.

Partnering with You to Honor Life

At St. Louis Cremation, we’re committed to making every memorial special. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating a recent loss, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a tribute that captures your loved one’s essence. As a trusted provider of cremation service Ballwin, MO families rely on, we’re here to honor your loved one with care and compassion.

In recent years, the popularity of cremation as a preferred method of memorializing loved ones has surged, dramatically transforming traditional funeral practices. As part of this shift, the integration of cremation keepsakes into memorial services has become increasingly common. Particularly in Henrietta, NY cremation services
, families are seeking unique and personalized ways to honor those they have lost.

The Changing Landscape of Memorialization

The shift towards cremation has brought with it an evolution in how we commemorate the departed. Traditional burials often centered around cemeteries and gravestones, providing a fixed point for remembrance. However, cremation keepsakes introduce a more flexible, personalized approach to memorialization. From jewelry to custom art pieces and even biodegradable urns that promote tree growth, cremation keepsakes allow families to carry a piece of their loved ones with them, quite literally, wherever they go.

This move towards personalized memorials reflects broader societal changes. As families become more geographically dispersed, the desire for a single, static memorial location diminishes. Cremation keepsakes fit seamlessly into the modern lifestyle, offering mobility, personalization, and a means to keep loved ones close in a tangible way.

Unique Keepsake Options

One of the fascinating aspects of cremation keepsakes
is the diverse array of options available today. Glass ornamental items, for example, can incorporate the cremains into stunning pieces of art, capturing and reflecting light in ways that can bring comfort to those grieving. Similarly, memorial jewelry like rings and necklaces can encase a small amount of cremation remains, allowing individuals to keep their loved ones close daily.

There are also eco-friendly options that are gaining popularity. For instance, some services offer to turn cremains into coral reefs or biodegradable urns that can grow into a tree. These options not only provide a unique way to remember a loved one but also contribute positively to the environment, creating a living legacy.

Moreover, these innovative keepsakes provide a sense of control and involvement in the memorial process. Families can choose the design, material, and even the function of the keepsake, making it a truly unique tribute that reflects the personality and preferences of the deceased.

Emotional and Practical Benefits

Cremation
keepsakes offer both emotional and practical benefits. For many, the ability to keep a loved one close by can provide immense comfort during the grieving process. This closeness can help with emotional healing, as keepsakes often serve as gentle reminders of the continuing presence of the deceased in the lives of those left behind.

On a practical level, cremation keepsakes are versatile. They can be shared among family members, ensuring that everyone has a personal memento. They also bypass the challenges associated with maintaining a traditional gravesite, such as frequent visits and upkeep, which can be physically and emotionally draining for some.

Additionally, the affordability of cremation compared to traditional burial presents an economic benefit. While the focus remains on honoring the deceased, it’s undeniable that many families find comfort in knowing they can commemorate their loved ones without enduring financial strain.

In conclusion, as the trends in memorial practices evolve, so do the options available through Henrietta, NY cremation services. At Rochester Cremation, we pride ourselves on adapting to these changes by offering a range of keepsake options that allow families to commemorate their loved ones in deeply personal and meaningful ways. Whether through jewelry, artwork, or eco-friendly memorials, these keepsakes provide a lasting, tangible connection to those we have lost. To explore more about how we can help you create a unique memorial, call us or visit our website today.

At US Urns Online, we’ve been observing funeral industry trends for over ten years now.

Our picks for 2025 trends reveal the normalization of some ideas that were once new and are now standard, and introduce other funeral service trends that are on the cutting edge of technology and creativity.

With the new year comes new expectations, and every family engaged in funeral planning this year will be more online, more adept at research, and will have more unique requests than ever before.

If you are in the funeral profession, are you ready?

Let’s take a look at the funeral options that will interest the families you serve in 2025.

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2025 Funeral Trends

As the New Year begins, we’ve collected our thoughts on the most important Funeral Trends.

Towards the end you’ll find some tips (for both consumers and funeral professionals) to get the most out of these trends in making final arrangements, planning funerals, and hosting memorial services.

Note: This article is updated each year as new trends emerge, preferences change, the industry adapts, old practices fade away, and new trends become common and expected services.

Personalization and Participation

In recent decades, industry trends have moved away from traditional funerals. Unique, creative personalization of the funeral service has become the new normal.

Along with making the service personal, families also are looking for ways to participate. This could involve open mics, dividing and scattering cremated ashes, making music or singing, planting seeds, releasing paper lanterns, and more.

These things aren’t news to anyone in the funeral industry, but, if you’re a funeral professional, awareness of what your clients want is the key to providing exceptional service.

If you’re a family member planning or arranging a funeral, this is a good trend to take into account while you’re thinking about what you want.

Remember, according to the FTC’s Funeral Rule, you have the freedom to choose exactly which products and services you think fit best with your needs and the individual.

Related: 55 Creative Memorial Service Ideas

Death Doulas

The relatively new profession of death doula (or end-of-life doula) is surging in popularity.

It’s easy to see why. Having outsourced dying to hospitals and funeral homes, we no longer have deep traditions surrounding the death process. Families and individuals feel overwhelmed and out of touch.

The doula is an informed advocate who helps the dying person think through their end-of-life wishes, the environment of their last days and deathbed, family involvement, rituals, and reflection on the meaning of their death and the legacy of their life.

Secondarily, the doula aids the family in how to interact with a dying loved one, planning together for what to do immediately after the death, and offers emotional support with a time of reprocessing with the family after the dust settles from all the funeral arrangements.

Expect to see more demand for end of life doulas this year and beyond.

Aftercare

Amber Carvaly, a licensed funeral director serving in LA, California, notes that families want to better understand how to remember and grieve their loved one after the funeral is over.

Now that web-savvy consumers are the norm rather than the exception, families are looking to the internet to connect with aftercare. This is an area that the local funeral home can step into with some creative partnerships.

Carvaly says, “I know that funeral homes are busy places. Rather than making a page that just says ‘Resources,’ funeral homes can put out an open request for pitches” from the community. You never know what unique resources are out there until you open the door.

That’s how Carvaly came across her side hustle. “I have been really excited about the growing interest in grief and cooking and have found that families have been responding positively to creating recipes [handed down] from their loved ones.”

Carvaly, who created and runs the Mortician in the Kitchen website, says that her site was founded on this very idea and notes that “more mainstream publications are beginning to publish articles about food and grief as well.”

What sort of aftercare resources will your funeral home feature?

Digital Memorials

In 2020, in this space, we predicted that virtual funerals and live streaming would be a growing trend. But we never anticipated the reality of what would happen that same year.

As the effects of the pandemic took hold, virtual funeral services exploded. Simply out of necessity, most funeral homes began to offer some sort of streaming service, or at least accommodation for it.

Now in 2025, live streaming funerals has become standard. Many funeral homes offer live streaming as an option, and you likely have family members who would be eager to help set up a Zoom, Facetime, Vimeo, YouTube, or Skype.

As this funeral trend continues into the new year, look for more services that offer professional live streaming for small to medium sized events such as funerals and memorial services. You’ll probably be able to find a streaming service locally by searching in your area, which will be a professional-level upgrade from Uncle Dave or Aunt Maggie with their cell phone.

Other digital memorials include virtual memory books and memorial websites. We’ve curated a list of the best free online memorial websites to honor your loved one, including ways to collect donations online in lieu of flowers.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is the most affordable mainstream disposition option. It’s affordable because all the body preparation and full-body funeral service options are simply bypassed – the body of the decedent is cremated “directly” after death.

The “direct” part makes this a very low-cost options, and that’s why you’ll hear about it more and more as an emerging mainstream funeral trend.

The advantage of this option, aside from the immediate savings, is that the family can hold on to the remains until memorial service, scattering, or funeral arrangements can be made.

This allows time for a custom cremation urn to be built, travel arrangements made, charter boat for ocean scattering to be arranged, chapel or community center to be rented, etc.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen more funeral homes own and operate their own crematorium, or partner closely with a crematorium, to offer direct cremation services. So while you may find some independent crematoriums, often you’ll get the same thing with a similar price by going to a funeral home. Just remember to shop around a little and compare prices.

Learn more: What is Direct Cremation?

Green Funerals

As consumers have become more aware of the effect we humans have on the environment, eco-friendly and sustainable options have come to be a priority for many.

This trend has been felt in the funeral industry, with the rise of green burial practices, eco-friendly cremation urns and caskets, and a growing sensitivity towards to issues regarding waste, renewal, and sustainability.

Here are some resources for green funeral products:

Here are some further resources for green burial and funeral practices:

At-Home Funerals

The DIY generation is learning how to do funerals at home. Advocates of the movement say it helps the family process their grief, as they are personally involved in taking care of their loved one’s body.

A “home funeral” cuts down many of the common funeral costs. And it can be much more eco-friendly, with simple freezer packs used to cool the body and slow down decomposition in place of embalming.

Help-at-home services such as Death Midwifery are becoming more commonplace as well, in which a “Death Doula” or “End of Life Doula” helps out with the home funeral in a similar way as a traditional midwife with home birth.

Natural Burial

Hand-in-hand with the DIY trend is the natural, earth-and-humanity-conscious trend. No more formaldehyde, no more expensive flowers imported from countries with horrible business practices, no more overpriced fancy caskets that just get buried in the ground to waste away.

For the final disposition of the body or remains, there are several options. You can use a biodegradable burial urn, an eco-friendly scattering urn, a bamboo casket, or even just an organic cotton burial shroud. The idea behind this funeral trend is to keep it simple, natural, and earth-friendly.

More: Natural Burial Guide for a Green Funeral

Local Reviews More Important Than Ever

Word of mouth will always be key, whether you’re a family looking for funeral services or a funeral home building and maintaining a reputation. The way that word of mouth recommendations are passed along, however, will change.

And it already has – online reviews are more popular than ever, and for many people that is the first thing they look for when contemplating any product, service, restaurant, hotel, etc.

Look for more funeral homes to find ways to get local online reviews, and look for more consumers to start their funeral arrangements by looking for online reviews.

Memorial Gardens

Community gardens are starting to pop up everywhere. This is a great trend that emphasizes community, eco-consciousness, giving, serving, and of course delicious locally grown and healthy foods.

A community garden can become a memorial garden (officially or unofficially) when someone donates land for the purpose, provides a memorial bench for an existing garden, or simply invites friends and family to spend time gardening at the community garden in honor of a loved one.

Gardening is a great physical activity that allows you to move at your own pace. It also provides something constructive for a spouse to do after the passing of their loved one.

Look for more community memorial garden ideas to come along, including compost-based renewal, special gardens for the scattering of ashes, memorial flower gardens, memorial vegetable gardens, front lawn gardens, and more.

More: 5 Types of Memorial Gardens

Advance Planning

There are many reasons that advance planning of final wishes and funeral arrangements is a smart idea. Among many other benefits, advance planning helps you to:

• Save on pre-paid services
• Save time, stress, and rush shipping costs on funeral products
• Choose details of your own funeral
• Keep your family from the stress of having to decide on those details at the last minute
• Plan something unique and personal
• Lay the groundwork for finalization of legal affairs

For these reasons and many others, advance planning is an important option for smart consumers. With an already-tight economy and the increase in Baby-Boomer generation retirees, look for many families and individuals to start advance planning in 2025 for their eventual need of funeral services.

For further reading, you may be interested in these three helpful books:

I’m Dead. Now What?
96 pages in a spiral hardcover, a well-organized and useful workbook to fill out with your plans.

Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won’t Have To (7th Edition)
432 pages, a thorough and highly-reviewed resource book for advance planning.

When Someone Dies: The Practical Guide to the Logistics of Death
256 pages, trade paperback resource and guide written by a venture capitalist and lawyer who “made a series of agonizing and costly mistakes in squaring away her affairs.” This book is his guide to help you avoid doing the same.

Online Shopping & Arrangements by Text

Text is simply the way people communicate. With advances in technology, communication and purchasing have both become mobile-first even in the funeral industry.

You can now easily arrange a funeral by phone (actual dial-the-number voice calling, email, and/or text – usually a combination).

And even when meeting in person, families aren’t shy anymore about pulling out their phones and shopping for better deals, so the trick – for funeral professionals and consumers alike – is going to be finding the best ways to utilize online shopping together.

For funeral homes, this will mean keeping your prices fair and competitive while realizing you’ll gain back what you lose in immediate revenue by the low cost of social sharing and advertising.

Be open and honest. Let your clients know they are welcome to research further online. You can use this as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge, experience, and local understanding against the generic content of the internet. Doing so allows clients and families to truly value the services you provide.

For families, this means telling the funeral home staff that you found their listing online, keeping off your phone when it’s respectful to do so, and responding to the funeral home’s review requests or social media content.

You should also be aware that you are not required to buy everything through the funeral home; if you find something different or at a lower price online, you are legally entitled to purchase the cremation urn, casket, or other product and bring it to the funeral home to use.

You may find that more funeral homes are pricing their cremation urns and caskets at comparable prices to online retailers, and that this saves you the time and trouble of ordering and waiting for delivery.

The best place to shop online for cremation urns: Urns Northwest

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding funeral costs will remain a trend, especially in the event of an unexpected death. Fueled by the rise of Kickstarter and GoFundMe, there are many options for family and friends to raise money to help cover the funeral costs of a loved one.

Here are some of the best crowdfunding sites for funerals:

• EverLoved – This is our favorite, because first and foremost it’s a free memorial website you create in honor of your loved one. They also have a seamless donation button where people can make a contribution in lieu of flowers. It’s a subtle, classy option.
• GoFundMe – One of the most popular and familiar sites for crowdfunding. Thousands of funerals and legacy funds have been created through this platform.
• Treasured Memories – Crowdfunding network designed specifically for funding of funeral and memorial costs.
• Funeral Fund – Another popular crowdfunding platform where donations can be made to cover an individual’s funeral expenses.

Related: What to Post Online When Someone Dies

Community has become valued more than ever before as we deal with the affects of social distancing. Here are some ideas to promote community involvement and togetherness:

For Funeral Homes

• Donate a portion of sales to providing services to lower-income families
• Make donations to local charities and families in need
• Volunteer at community centers and events, or in local charitable organizations
• Rent out your location as an event center, and offer discounts for community events & low income families

For Families

Tips & Ideas For Funeral Homes

Here are some ways for funeral homes to stay ahead of the curve with these funeral trends:

Get a subscription music service, such as Spotify or Apple Music. This will give you the ability to personalize music for any service, and also add a comforting ambiance when the family is there to work on the funeral arrangements.

Create an app for your funeral home. More and more, everyone stays connected through their smartphones and they will be expecting your funeral home to do the same.

Look into other web services. There are many online platforms that can provide you with a creative service, such as hosting memorial websites, video streaming, follow up with review requests, and much more.

Look into other local services. People love local. Contract with local video editing and production teams, funeral photographers, caterers, florists, urn and casket makers, and others to add a local flavor to your services.

Offer home funeral guidance. If the home funeral trend really takes off, wouldn’t you rather benefit from it? Don’t be the cranky old business that resents customers buying things on the internet – adapt! You are the professional, you have a breadth of useful knowledge and skill, and you want to help people in a time of need. Create an affordable home funeral assistance program that includes a guidebook, a few recommended products, and a meeting with a funeral director. Send your interns or trainees to help. Offer the hearse, your reception area, direct cremation, etc. There are many ways you can effectively become involved in the home funeral trend, and while it will be a small revenue stream, that’s better than none, and your reputation will improve immensely.

Read and research. Subscribe to industry magazines and periodicals, such as the American Funeral Director and Southern Funeral Directors. Sign up for our newsletter, which features industry news along with interesting ideas, products, and inspiration. Read up on the funeral practices of other religions and cultures, especially if you find your local demographics are shifting.

Find creative new products to stock. There are thousands of new and trendy funeral products out there. People will be looking for them, so if you can keep on hand some competitively-priced memorial tree urns, biodegradable balloons or floating paper lanterns, have a deal with a local printer to print funeral invitations (“shop local!”), etc., your families will see you as an advocate rather than an adversary. Also, check out these popular memorial bird feeders, which families love.

Be open to new possibilities. As many consumers are getting more web-savvy, in combination with larger economic trends, many funeral homes are considering alternative revenue streams. Team up with food trucks to cater a celebration of life service, rent out the property as a wedding venue, or build a back porch and gazebo for BBQ memorial receptions in the summer months.

Tips & Ideas for Families and Funeral Consumers

Here are a few ways families and friends can use these funeral trends to lower costs and honor your loved one in special ways:

• Be aware of your rights. Read up on the FTC’s Funeral Rule and the helpful articles on the Funeral Consumers Alliance.
• DIY what you can. There are tons of online resources for DIY, which will get you involved and save you money.
• Let the professionals do their thing. The professionals, such as the funeral home, cemetery, and crematorium staff, know what they’re doing. If you don’t know or aren’t comfortable doing something, by all means have the pros do it. And remember to thank them!
• Don’t go overboard. One of our all-time most popular posts talks about shooting remains into the air as fireworks, having a Viking send off, turning ashes into a Frisbee, and more bizarre ideas. But how many people actually do that stuff? Don’t fall prey to the idea that you need to make the funeral some sort of over-the-top event. True, it is once in a lifetime, but you don’t need to do every unique idea or spend multiple tens of thousands of dollars. Personalize the funeral in one or two small ways, make use of one or two creative alternative ideas, but also remember to keep it simple.
• Ask about pricing. It’s not cheap or insensitive to your loved one to avoid getting ripped off. Ask about prices, call multiple funeral homes, and shop online. At the same time, the lowest price options are generally low price for a reason. Be sure to compare reviews and reputation when ordering an urn or choosing a funeral home.
• Remember to emphasize family and friends. Eat together. Share memories. Have an after party or a life celebration event. Make it fun. Don’t be afraid to let it be sad. Grieve together. Invite a ton of people to scatter the remains together. Don’t worry about the wrong color flowers. Get everyone involved – crowdsource the memorial scrapbook by asking for photos, throw a potluck reception, have your Aunt’s Etsy Shop make some DIY memorials, have the avid gardener supply flowers, get everyone a memorial cremation ring, a memorial bird feeder, or a plantable seed packet.

What are some funeral trends that you see on the near horizon? Comment below!

Read Next: 55+ Best Easy Comforting Funeral Food Recipes

I’m big on the concept of memorialization.  My life is better because those relatives that came before me left a history of their time on earth for me to grasp onto.  That history consists of their burial places marked with memorials at our local cemetery as well as photos and newspaper articles about who they were that has given me a greater sense of who I am?

And, as I look into the future I have tried to decide how future descendents of mine will learn about me via a memorialization process.  I’m pretty certain that I’ll be buried at the same cemetery as my ancestors so that when looking at my memorial stone these future descendents (and anybody else) will see a name of someone who “lived”.

While that may be enough “memorialization” for me, there is a whole new generation of people in this world who are being brought up in what, for them, is an almost complete “digital world”.  For those people there is no file cabinet of papers or old physical newspapers or tangible photos to go through. . . . . .this ever growing group of people live in a digital world.

It makes sense then, that their memorialization process will very likely be digital also.  The question that we have in today’s world is “What will that look like?”

Architect Alex Josephson contemplated that question as he was sitting with his hospitalized father back in 2020.  And, as this recent article from Fast Company points out, Josephson had questions about the legacy his father may leave.  Here’s a quote from Josephson in that article, “I knew my father was more than just a date of birth and a date of potential death.  And I think everybody could say the same about their loved ones.”

Josephson went on to contemplate the following according to that article, “Memorializing a person and capturing the essence of who they are should be much more than a line or two of data inscribed on a rock. (Josephson) started thinking of what else could be done, particularly in an age awash in digital media, to create a more representative memorial of a person.”

It was out of that thought process that the company Cumulus was born.  . Here is what the article says of Cumulus, “It’s evolved into a collaborative digital memorial platform where more of the depth of a person’s life—in the form of photos, videos, audio, documents, and weblinks—can be collected and shared. Josephson sees it as a place where a person like his father could have a more comprehensive life story and memorial, and one that he could work on himself before he dies.”

Josephson explains Cumulus as such, “In a sense, it started with the physical monument being a limited medium for the message.  My vision for Cumulus is it becomes the place where you curate that message, the digital assets that have become our formal existence on the earth outside of our relationships, and create a meaningful place for them.”

The company is recently coming out of Beta-mode and, according to the article, has signed up funeral home and cemetery operator Park Lawn Corporation as one of its first customers.  Here’s part of, from the article, what Park Lawn Corporation executive Jay Dodds says of the idea of Cumulus, “The funeral and cemetery business is about legacy. It’s about keeping a memory or remembrance alive forever for a family. And as the trend moves more towards cremation, it somewhat takes the cemetery out of the picture because they don’t need to bury the full remains in the cemetery. . . . . I’ve been in this business for 40 years. What people don’t understand is once you have a loved one who dies, that doesn’t mean the relationship stops. You still have a relationship.  Cumulus is a connectivity piece. And humans need that connectivity.”

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  What is interesting about Cumulus is that while it is about the legacy that will be left as a memorial, the people that are most interested in creating these memories are living and in the ages of between 30 and 50.  Here’s what the article says about that situation, “They’re the ones faced with mortality because their parents are either arranging their plans or they’ve had to deal with it on a surprise basis. And so the people who end up having to do the work are between that age bracket. . . . . This is also a generational group of people who have seen more and more of their lives recorded or documented in digital media, but who have few good options for collecting and curating it all.”

I’m not the most digital-savvy guy in the world, but I can see opportunity for Cumulus.  I also see this type of memorial being fine-tuned as technology changes and advances.  Reading the article gave me a much bigger perspective on differing ideas and possibilities for future memorialization that all funeral directors should be aware of.

That being said, there is a lot of people and money in “Digital Memorials” at this time.  I think that no one company has it “figured out” yet, but the opportunity for the first company that “gets it right” is big and should provide a very big upside over the next two to three decades. . . . In my opinion, the idea of the “correct” style of digital memorials is a play for the long-haul of Death Care, not simply for next week.

Here is the website for Cumulus

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

In recent years, the popularity of cremation as a preferred method of memorializing loved ones has surged, dramatically transforming traditional funeral practices. As part of this shift, the integration of cremation keepsakes into memorial services has become increasingly common. Particularly in Henrietta, NY cremation services, families are seeking unique and personalized ways to honor those they have lost.

The Changing Landscape of Memorialization

The shift towards cremation has brought with it an evolution in how we commemorate the departed. Traditional burials often centered around cemeteries and gravestones, providing a fixed point for remembrance. However, cremation keepsakes introduce a more flexible, personalized approach to memorialization. From jewelry to custom art pieces and even biodegradable urns that promote tree growth, cremation keepsakes allow families to carry a piece of their loved ones with them, quite literally, wherever they go.

This move towards personalized memorials reflects broader societal changes. As families become more geographically dispersed, the desire for a single, static memorial location diminishes. Cremation keepsakes fit seamlessly into the modern lifestyle, offering mobility, personalization, and a means to keep loved ones close in a tangible way.

Unique Keepsake Options

One of the fascinating aspects of cremation keepsakes is the diverse array of options available today. Glass ornamental items, for example, can incorporate the cremains into stunning pieces of art, capturing and reflecting light in ways that can bring comfort to those grieving. Similarly, memorial jewelry like rings and necklaces can encase a small amount of cremation remains, allowing individuals to keep their loved ones close daily.

There are also eco-friendly options that are gaining popularity. For instance, some services offer to turn cremains into coral reefs or biodegradable urns that can grow into a tree. These options not only provide a unique way to remember a loved one but also contribute positively to the environment, creating a living legacy.

Moreover, these innovative keepsakes provide a sense of control and involvement in the memorial process. Families can choose the design, material, and even the function of the keepsake, making it a truly unique tribute that reflects the personality and preferences of the deceased.

Emotional and Practical Benefits

Cremation keepsakes offer both emotional and practical benefits. For many, the ability to keep a loved one close by can provide immense comfort during the grieving process. This closeness can help with emotional healing, as keepsakes often serve as gentle reminders of the continuing presence of the deceased in the lives of those left behind.

On a practical level, cremation keepsakes are versatile. They can be shared among family members, ensuring that everyone has a personal memento. They also bypass the challenges associated with maintaining a traditional gravesite, such as frequent visits and upkeep, which can be physically and emotionally draining for some.

Additionally, the affordability of cremation compared to traditional burial presents an economic benefit. While the focus remains on honoring the deceased, it’s undeniable that many families find comfort in knowing they can commemorate their loved ones without enduring financial strain.

In conclusion, as the trends in memorial practices evolve, so do the options available through Henrietta, NY cremation services. At Rochester Cremation, we pride ourselves on adapting to these changes by offering a range of keepsake options that allow families to commemorate their loved ones in deeply personal and meaningful ways. Whether through jewelry, artwork, or eco-friendly memorials, these keepsakes provide a lasting, tangible connection to those we have lost. To explore more about how we can help you create a unique memorial, call us or visit our website today.

Memorials, Honors, and Ceremonies

As Chelsea and I are taking Rowen to many of his “firsts” such as Aggie sports events and other special ceremonies, I’ve found myself thinking more about when my parents first taught me about etiquette and rituals as special occasions and memorials. As we have been going through this for the last year particularly do I have a much greater appreciation for all the planning and teaching that goes on before a child reaches kindergarten classes.

Quick self-test—what is the one thing each of these events or occasions has in common—memorials, honors, and ceremonies? Pause for 120 seconds and the answer should come to mind.

If it didn’t, perhaps it is because the clearest answer within arm’s reach seems to be the farthest away. Close your eyes and envision what’s happening. Something beautiful, special in that it tends to happen only once (a year at least if not just once forever). There’s a United States flag present at each of these occasions.

Consider a military burial. Among the ceremonial rituals is the folding and presentation of the flag that is traditionally draped across the coffin during the service. Two soldiers approach the coffin, pay their own respects, and proceed to carry out the flag folding with such dignity and respect that it’s not unusual to find a lump in your throat, holding back the tears at the beauty of the honor of the U.S. flag and how the service person is held in regard and esteem for their gift of time to our country.

Friday, June 14, was Flag Day, and while it may have been a while since your elementary school U.S. history class, the day was chosen for the day in 1777 where a single flag, then called the “Stars and Stripes” was chosen as the unified choice for the country rather than each state having its own signature flag. This event was on the occasion of the Second Continental Congress, so it was a key aspect of the formation of our country and what are now considered traditional values.

The Veterans Affairs Bureau notes that the Stars and Stripes…”was first carried into battle on September 11, 1777, in the Battle of Brandywine.”

As children, if we remember only one fact the teacher told us, it is likely the flag is never to touch the ground, but despite the myth that if it does actually touch the ground, it needs to be destroyed. That’s not the case but there is a relevant list/code of what is and is not appropriate for our flag, prepared by the American Legion:

• Only fly the flag in inclement weather if your flag is made of all-weather material.
• Fly the flag at half staff out of respect in the event of the passing of an individual held in honor or esteem, such as in the Executive Branch of the federal government or high-ranking member of the state government.
• Disposing of a flag is to be conducted by the American Legion; individuals are not to toss them away independently. For local information, you can always bring your deteriorated flag to us at our Callaway-Jones Funeral Center, and we will get it to the American Legion for you. For more information, read our resource online here. We will present you with an official flag retirement certificate and a custom commemorative coin for your family to know of your patriotic disposal.
• Flags can be flown at night, only if there is sufficient light around it to be seen clearly by everyone. Think about the large American flag by the Allen Honda dealership that is distinct in its appearance 24 hours per day. One is not to just leave the flag out overnight without proper lighting.
• Outside a business or office building, there are rules for which flags to fly, left to right, when facing them. As you drive around town, you’ll see numerous flags (U.S., Texas, other organizations, etc.) displayed together, such as outside banks. The first is the U.S. flag, next is the state, the city or county/municipality, the POW/MIA flag, the military branch flag, and finally, the American Legion flag. These are the rules for businesses with separate flagpoles. For offices with one flagpole, as long as the U.S. flag is the largest, and the first flag flown at the very top of the pole, several flags can be placed on the same pole.

Children learn flag etiquette in kindergarten and first grade, but often by the time they reach adulthood, they’ve forgotten the traditionally accepted rules.

If you’re not wearing a military uniform, men are to remove their hats and place them in their left hand, with their right hand over their hearts (with similar solemnity to prayer), and women have the option of keeping formal headwear on but more frequently will remove “gimme caps” and cowboy hats during the national anthem.

A salute is appropriate to offer if men and women are in military uniform at the time. Otherwise, the hand over the heart is sufficient to show respect.

On Flag Day our community was again blessed to have volunteers placing U.S. flags on display just as they do several times a year, and then to return at day’s end to retrieve them until the next occasion for our July 4^th holiday in three weeks’ time. Our beautiful U.S. flag: Long may she wave!

Cody D. Jones ‘02

Owner & Community Member