Funeral Planning
Cremation in Nova Scotia: Questions and Answers
Nova Scotia cremation information, including process, cremation cost, and related funeral information is availabl...
May 20, 2022
How to Write an Obituary
Learn how to write an obituary using tips in Eirene's online obituary writing guide. You can also post it to Eirene's memorials site for free.
April 22, 2022
Nova Scotia Government Funeral Financing Assistance Programs
There are many funeral funding options available to families ...
April 20, 2022
What to Wear to a Celebration of Life Event
Wondering what to wear to a celebration of life event? Here is a guide to celebration of life attire for men, wom...
April 15, 2022
What Happens to Bones, Pacemakers, Surgical Implants, Metal Joints, Breast Implants, and Tooth Fillings After Death?
Find out ...
April 11, 2022
How to Scatter Ashes Into the Atmosphere From a Balloon
U.S. company Mesoloft can launch cremation ashes via balloon to the edge of space and release them into the atmos...
April 8, 2022
10 Funeral Trends That May Surprise You
Here are 10 new funeral trends that are reinventing how families honour their loved ones after death, including t...
April 5, 2022
What is the Capsula Mundi Body Pod or Urn?
Learn about the body burial pod called Capsula Mundi and how it can be used to grow a tree in a "sacred forest".
March 30, 2022
What is Human Composting?
An emerging funeral option called human composting turns human remains into soil, which can be returned to the environment.
March 24, 2022
What Does a Green Burial Cost?
Find out what green burial costs. Plus comparisons to the cost of a traditional burial as well as cremation and a...
March 20, 2022
Can I Have a Green Burial in Canada?
What is a green burial and is it possible to have a so-called "green" funeral in Canada? This article discusses e...
March 12, 2022
How the Mushroom Burial Suit Works and What Does it Cost
Learn how the mushroom burial suit by Coeio works, how much it costs, and where it can be used.
March 11, 2022
Where in Canada is Aquamation Legal?
Learn which Canadian provinces and territories have legalized aquamation for use as a funeral technology.
March 6, 2022
Where in the United States is Aquamation Legal or Allowed?
Here is a state-by-state breakdown of where aquamation is legal or allowable in the absence of legislation in the...
March 5, 2022
Aquamation is Being Considered in Hawaii and it's More in Line With Traditional Funeral Practices
Authoriti...
March 4, 2022
Funeral Costs: Questions and Answers
Ever wonder what a funeral costs in Canada? This series of questions and answers reveals what typical cremation a...
February 26, 2022
What Are the Last Rites?
Learn about the Roman Catholic tradition of the Last Rites, for church followers who are sick, dying, or may face imminent death.
February 25, 2022
How to Write a Funeral Order of Service
Learn what a funeral order of service is and how to write and produce one for a funeral event.
February 25, 2022
What is a Reef Ball or Memorial Reef?
Can you be buried in a reef? Several companies now offer memorial reef products that make cremation ashes become ...
February 18, 2022
How Long Do Funerals Last?
Funerals can be conducted in a matter of days after death or as long as a week. Each funeral event has its own variable duration. We explain how long funeral events ...
February 10, 2022
Driving in a Funeral Procession and What to Do if You Encounter One
Learn about the etiquette expected if you are participating i...
February 4, 2022
The Cremation Process for Flame Cremation and Aquamation
Learn about the cremation process for both flame cremation and aquamation. This article explains what happens whe...
February 4, 2022
What is a Visitation or a Viewing? What is the Etiquette Around These Funeral Events?
Learn what a funeral viewing or visitation is. What happens a...
January 21, 2022
Celebrities Who Chose Cremation
Desmond Tutu is not the only celebrity to choose cremation over burial. Here are eight more famous people that ch...
January 20, 2022
What is a Funeral Repast or Repass?
A repast is any gathering of people after a funeral service. Some people called it a reception. Learn more about ...
January 14, 2022
Memorial vs. Funeral: What is the Difference?
When someone dies, you may be invited to attend their funeral or their memorial. Sometimes it is not clear what t...
January 14, 2022
What is a Wake? What is Wake Etiquette for Guests?
Learn about the funeral ritual of a wake. What is a wake and what is expected of guests that attend this funeral ...
January 8, 2022
What Colour Should Funeral Flowers Be?
Choosing funeral flowers including the color and type for use at a service or as a gift to the mourning family ca...
January 7, 2022
What Does a Funeral Cost?
Learn what a funeral costs, what fees are payable for each component, and the variable cost of the different types of funerals, and how they compare.
January 7, 2022
Funeral Ceremonies, Services, and Memorials
A comparison of funeral events to help you plan a service, gathering, wake or other events that helps mourners gr...
January 5, 2022
What is Interment? Learn About Final Resting Places
Learn what interment is, and what types and options you may encounter when planning a funeral. We define the term...
December 31, 2021
How Long After Death is a Funeral Held?
How long a funeral is held after death depends on what services are selected before burial or cremation. Learn mo...
December 24, 2021
What to Wear to a Funeral
Learn what to wear to a funeral. Includes guidance for men and women, cultural and religious practices, and attire based on the type of funeral event. ...
December 21, 2021
Funeral Questions and Answers
This extensive post answers all your questions about a funeral and its component parts and includes links to articles about cremation, burial, grief, planning, urns ...
December 21, 2021
How the Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit Can Help Fund a Funeral
Learn how the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) death benefit can he...
December 20, 2021
Understanding Funerals: What to Expect at the End of Life
Most people do not like thinking about funerals and death. However, they are inevitable parts of life, so knowing...
December 18, 2021
What is a Funeral?
Learn what is a funeral for different people and cultures and what rites or services are held to honour the dead and put them to rest.
December 17, 2021
What is Aquamation? A Sustainable Cremation Alternative Called Alkaline Hydrolysis
For many years, most people in the midst of arranging a funer...
December 15, 2021
How Ontario Works Funeral Assistance Works
Families in Ontario that need financial assistance to pay for a loved one's funeral can apply to Ontario Works. H...
December 10, 2021
Cadence Cares: Eirene's Estate Settlement Services Partner
Learn how Cadence Cares provides online estate settlement services. These services are free for anyone who makes ...
December 7, 2021
Tasks to Do in the 30 Days After Someone Dies
After a person in your family dies, there are numerous tasks to handle in the first month. Here is a 30-day post-...
December 3, 2021
Memorial Stones and Grave Markers: A Guide to Funeral Markers
Learn about memorial stones and marker stones in this guide t...
December 1, 2021
A Checklist of What to Do When Someone Dies
When someone dies, the deceased's family is faced with a lot of tasks. Here is a checklist for what to do in the ...
November 26, 2021
10 Things to Know About Direct Cremation
Learn why direct cremation is a simple funeral option and 10 things you need to know about why people choose it
November 12, 2021
How Service Providers Ensure Cremation Ashes are not Mixed
Learn how reputable cremation companies such as Eirene ensure cremated ashes are never mixed or misidentified
November 5, 2021
The Five Most Environmentally Friendly Funeral Alternatives
These are the top five most environmentally friendly funeral alternatives currently available.
November 3, 2021
Beautiful Death Rituals and Funeral Traditions
These death rituals and funeral traditions from around the world are beautiful ways to say goodbye to a loved one...
October 29, 2021
What Does Next of Kin Mean? What Happens When There isn’t One?
In this post, we define“next of kin“ and explain what happen...
October 15, 2021
Death in the City: When City Cemeteries Are Full
In this blog, we discuss what happens when city cemeteries are full and possible solutions.
October 13, 2021
How to Plan a Celebration of Life
A celebration of life is an event that memorializes a loved one who has died. Here are some ideas, tips, and a gu...
October 8, 2021
How to Buy a Casket or Coffin: Costs, Types and Choices
In this buyer’s guide, you’ll learn about caskets and coffins, the various types, and costs, as well as other hel...
October 1, 2021
What is Promession? A Guide to a New Funerary Process
Learn about promession, an emerging sustainable funerary process in which a body is freeze-dried and reduced to ...
September 24, 2021
Celebrating Life Every Day: Lessons in Losing People We Love
There are many non-traditional ways to honor your loved ones ...
September 14, 2021
Guide to Family-led Deathcare in Ontario
When a loved one dies, their family isn’t required to use a funeral home for funeral services. Here’s how to cond...
September 10, 2021
Is a Viking Funeral Possible in Canada?
A Viking funeral in Canada is possible today, although it would require some concessions and a few modifications ...
September 3, 2021
Best Bible Verses for Funerals and Ash-scattering Ceremonies
Here are popular Bible verses for funerals and ash scattering...
August 20, 2021
10 Poems & Passages for Secular Funeral or Memorial
Inspirational secular poems and passages that can be read at a funeral or memorial for a loved one who was not re...
August 13, 2021
What is a Columbarium? How is it Used to Store Ashes?
Learn about what a columbarium is, who invented them, and how people use columbariums to place the ashes of a cre...
August 6, 2021
Aquamation: Questions and Answers about Alkaline Hydrolysis as a Funeral Process
Learn about aquamation, a funerary process that is considered...
July 30, 2021
Honoring Your Loved One with a Celebration of Life After a Cremation
As funeral traditions change, many people are choosing a cele...
July 27, 2021
What the Major Religions Say About Cremation
Here’s what the major religions say about cremation practices. This article includes views on cremation for Chris...
July 9, 2021
Scattering Ashes in Canada
Scattering ashes in Canada has some limitations and rules that vary by province and municipality. Here are the rules and guidelines.
July 2, 2021
What Government Funeral Assistance is Available if You Can't Afford End of Life Expenses in Canada
Learn abo...
July 1, 2021
Difference between Medical Certificate of Death and Proof of Death Certificate in Ontario
A medical certificate of death and a proof of death certifica...
June 25, 2021
Veteran in Canada? How to Access Financial Support for Your Funeral
The Canadian government recognizes the sacrifice that veteran...
June 22, 2021
Can I Fly with Cremated Remains?
A traveling passenger can transport cremated remains by air or train in Canada. Here are the rules and guidelines...
June 11, 2021
What to do with Cremated Ashes to Honour a Loved One
Learn what to do with cremation ashes to honour a loved one. We explore traditions, religious rituals, and altern...
June 4, 2021
What is a Space Burial? Do Ashes get Sent to Space?
A space burial is a service where cremated remains or DNA is sent to space on a rocket. Read this post to learn h...
May 28, 2021
What To Do When Someone Dies: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
While we certainly can’t take away the pain, we can provide s...
May 25, 2021
The Cost of Cremation for a Child, Infant, or Stillborn Baby
Learn about the cremation cost for a child, infant or stillbo...
May 21, 2021
How to Make Eco-friendly Funeral Choices
Green funeral options allow for a more "eco-friendly" impact on the planet at the end of life.
May 14, 2021
How to Choose a Cremation Urn
Cremation urn options include size, material, and style. Learn how to choose a suitable urn for your loved one with our helpful tips.
May 7, 2021
Shipping A Loved One’s Body and Cremated Remains from Abroad
What you need to know about shipping cremated remains by mail...
May 6, 2021
Being Named An Executor: What It Means and Your Role
Being named an executor is both an honour and comes with responsibilities (and possible risks). It’s important to...
May 4, 2021
How to Write a Eulogy
How to write a eulogy for a loved one that memorializes them perfectly and honors their life.
April 30, 2021
How Families Grieve During the Pandemic: Home Funeral Ceremonies
As found in numerous other traditions worldwide, we can creat...
April 22, 2021
Cremation: Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions
In this cremation Q&A article, our experts answer the most commonly asked questions about the cremation process, ...
April 15, 2021
Probate Goes Digital in Ontario: Everything You Need to Know
Probate Goes Digital in Ontario: Everything You Need to Know...
March 26, 2021
How to Choose a Funeral Home or Cremation Service in Canada
This guide explains to choose a funeral home or cremation service in Canada and what questions to ask about servi...
March 15, 2021
How to Clean Out a House After Someone Has Passed
Here are the most important steps when cleaning out the house after someone has passed, from clearing out persona...
March 10, 2021
How to Legally Bury Cremated Remains of a Loved One
If you or a loved one have chosen to be cremated as your final wish, you have options. From scattering ashes to b...
March 8, 2021
How to Claim a Life Insurance Benefit After Death
When your loved one passes, they may have a life insurance policy that lists you as a beneficiary. If so, you’ll ...
March 2, 2021
The Most Important Questions to Ask Your Funeral Home
By choosing the right funeral home, with the questions and considerations that we have shared above, you’ll be we...
March 1, 2021
How to Navigate Cremation Arrangements When Someone Has Died
The following blog post will make this difficult time easier ...
February 22, 2021
Funeral and Memorial Etiquette Tips for Wakes, Viewings and Visitations
Understanding the differences between a wake, a viewing, a vi...
February 19, 2021
What if You Can’t Afford to Die? Tips for Funding Funeral Costs
Funerals can be expensive and for many people a burden to aff...
February 8, 2021
10 Creative Things to do With Cremated Remains
Here are 10 interesting ways to memorialize your loved one by turning their ashes into something special.
January 24, 2021
Scatter, Bury or Keep? What To Do with a Loved One's Ashes
With the choice of cremation comes other considerations, one specifically being: what do you do with a loved one’...
January 24, 2021
All You Need to Know About Cremation Caskets: How to Buy a Casket
Choosing a cremation casket is an essential consideration for...
January 22, 2021
After a Death: Who to Notify Immediately After Someone Has Died
This guide explains what you need to do straight away after a...
January 8, 2021
Memories That Live On: How to Preserve Heritage and Family Memories
In this latest edition of Intimate Conversations on Death, we...
January 6, 2021
What Happens to Your Body During the Cremation Process? A Step-by-Step Guide
This step-by-step guide explains how cremation works and what...
November 23, 2020
How to Buy a Cremation Urn: Where to Buy Urns for Cremated Ashes?
When purchasing an urn, there is a myriad of things to consid...
November 5, 2020
How to Close Accounts and Cancel Services After a Death: Who to Notify and How
Managing the leftover accounts of someone who has passed can ...
October 26, 2020
What is Embalming? And is it Legally Required for a Funeral?
Contrary to common belief, embalming is not legally required ...
October 22, 2020
Going Green: How to Make Environmentally Friendly Funeral Plans
With the impending climate crisis, we are all looking for way...
October 14, 2020
Dealing with a Funeral Home: A Guide to Funeral Contracts and Consumer Rights
We’re here to help you demystify some of the lesser-known par...
August 26, 2020
Funeral Planning on a Budget: The Best Ways to Save on the Costs of a Funeral
We're on a mission to provide a cost-efficient, simple and tr...
January 5, 2020
Burial vs Cremation: How to Choose
Cremation vs. burial is a choice families are making these days as funeral traditions and preferences change. Her...
January 5, 2020
Cremation Cost: What are Common Funeral Fees in Canada?
Cremation cost in Canada varies largely depending on which company is used. We outline the fees to expect for a b...
January 5, 2020