What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?
A funeral is a service to commemorate a deceased individual with the body present. A memorial service involves memorializing the person without the body. The deceased individual’s ashes might be present at a memorial event.
Is burial or cremation better for me and my family?
Based on the options you pick regarding each choice, one might be more affordable, time-sensitive, practical, or better suited to the needs or preferences of your family. Since every person is unique and may have different values and beliefs, this decision will be personal.
What if I am a veteran or the loved one I am planning for is a veteran?
Contact the right organizations to identify eligibility for VA burial and cremation benefits and to arrange a burial if your relative has chosen a national cemetery as their final resting place. You may also be able to find other sources of financial assistance to help cover the costs of burial and cremation services.
Can I purchase multiple cemetery plots next to each other at the same time?
Yes, some cemeteries allow a family to purchase a small section of the cemetery to be assigned to the family. A family plot could be a row of single plots bought as a package by one family.
What can I do to show my support and condolences in New Orleans?
How you demonstrate sympathy for the death of a relative will depend on your relationship with the grieving individual and what you feel comfortable with. There is no right or wrong way to give your condolences; only the sentiment matters. You could try to call them on the phone, send them a text message, visit them in person, or send a condolence card or flowers.
econdolence.com is a helpful resource for finding ideas on how to express condolences, what to bring to a funeral, and what to say to a friend or loved one who is grieving.
Do I need a burial permit in New Orleans?
Louisiana law states that all bodies be buried in established cemeteries. The only exception is if someone would like to bury a body on their private land, they could set up a family cemetery on that space but will need to check with the county concerning zoning laws and ordinances. You must also get a permit from the local registrar before you bury or cremate someone.
How much does cremation cost compared to a burial?
Cremation is typically less than 1/3 of a funeral's total cost. Many families opt for cremations since they offer an economically efficient alternative to a conventional funeral burial.
Can you be buried without a casket in New Orleans?
No law in New Orleans requires a casket for burial. But you should check with your cemetery to see if it has rules requiring a specific type of container.
How long will I be grieving the loss of my loved one?
There’s no timeline for how long your grief will last. After 12 months, it might feel like you lost your loved one yesterday or like everything happened a lifetime ago. Each grieving person may deal with the emotional and life changes that accompany the death of a loved one differently. There are countless resources for grief counseling in the New Orleans area. Here are a few resources for grieving the loss of a loved one:
Grief Support CenterFind a Grief CenterChoosing a Grief Center