Welcome to “Ask Barb.” This blog will serve as an open forum for your questions, concerns and normal curiosities involved in funeral and cemetery decision making. What’s a Celebrant? Can I hold a funeral at home? Do I have to wear black to a funeral? How does cremation work? Why do some people take pictures? Finally, laws vary by state so let me know where you call home. I might have to do some research but I know who to call!

Rethinking Jazz

I use to think that designing a funeral arrangement was equivalent to creating and conducting a symphony.  Then again, isn’t it more like jazz where there is experience and talent  balanced by spontaneity, listening and playing in the moment.  It more a memorial conversation amongst family and friends.

New Technology

Like many industries there is new technology on the horizon that may redefine our traditions.  Here is an example.  What are your thoughts about the future and options. Promission, a technique of disposing of bodies by freezing the body to -18 degrees Celsius and then submerging it in a liquid nitrogen at-196 degrees Celsius, might relieve the presure of Scotland’s overcrowded cemeteries.  Sound fibrations shatter the brittle remains into a powder which is buried in a small, biodegradeable starch coffin in a shallow grave.  The remains are then turned into compost in as little as six months.The first disposal using promession will take place in Sweden in 2008 following the technique’s approval by the Swedish health authorities.

Pets are People Too!

Well, not really. But very often we consider our pets as members of our family. At Flanner and Buchanan, we understand that the life and death of a pet can affect us deeply. Let us know how the lives of your pets have affected you and the loved one’s in your life.

Green Burial

“Green burial” refers to making eco-friendly funeral and burial decisons. Some of those decisions traditionally include selecting biodegradeable products such as wood caskets or burial shrouds. The body is prepared without the use of embalming fluids and may be refrigerated until the time of viewing and burial. The grave may have a more rustic appearance and be mark by a shrub, tree, or natural styled stone.

You’re question actually does have a technology twist …there are several companies developing eco-friendly embalming products that would permit families to have additional time to travel before time of burial. Current natural options require a tight time table and restict transportation options.

Know that a family can still arrange to have a visitation and funeral service. Some families may choose to host the funeral in their home or grave side. It always good to research all your options.