Write Your Own Obituary
This article provides guidelines for writing your own obituary, suggestions for a eulogy, and for choosing an epitaph if you plan to have a grave marker or memorial marker.
Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge
Protecting your end-of-life rights
Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge
Protecting your end-of-life rights
Category Funerals
Brochures
These professionally designed brochures about funeral and end-of-life topics from the Funeral Consumers Alliance may be downloaded and printed for distribution to members or at events.
PowerPoint Programs
Who says death is boring? We have PowerPoint presentations on alternative funeral practices, green burial, and more that you can use to host your own event.
About the FCAVBR
The Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge (FCAVBR) is an affiliate of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, a nation-wide network…
What to Do When a Family Member Dies
This expanded “Checklist of Things to DO After Death” is based on an article published by AARP in June 2020,…
Let’s Include Funerals in the Conversation
Include funerals in the conversation when a loved one is dying to relieve you of the stress and confusion of practical decisions.
Documents Everyone Needs at End of Life
These essential documents for end of life will help you to cover all the bases for yourself or a loved one.
Designate an Agent for Body Disposition
Your power to designate an agent for body disposition is honored in all states. Learn more and download a pre-made form for Virginia.
Backyard Burial: What a Way to Go
A Virginia family chooses a backyard burial for their loved one, just up the hill from the house.
FTC Funeral Rule
The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, makes it possible for you to choose only those goods and services you want or need and to pay only for those you select, whether you are making arrangements when a death occurs or in advance. The Rule allows you to compare prices among funeral homes, and makes it possible for you to select the funeral arrangements you want at the home you use.
How to Pay for a Funeral or Other Arrangements
Explore how to pay for a funeral, economize on expenses, comparison shop, set aside resources, and get financial assistance.
Financial Assistance for Final Arrangements
Where to inquire for financial assistance with final arrangements, including Department of Social Services, Catholic charities, even local funeral homes.
How to Plan a Memorial Service
Learn how to plan a memorial service, with ideas for style and venue, participants and invitations, programs, music, words, flowers, and more.
Embalming Explained
What is embalming? Are there religious concerns? Are there alternatives to embalming? Answers to these questions and more.
Traditional Burial
Traditional burial, for most Americans, includes using a funeral home, embalming, casket burial in a public cemetery. However, families do have a wide range of choices.
How To Choose A Funeral Home
Use this step-by-step guide to help you find the best funeral home for you and your family.
How to Arrange a Home Funeral
Learn how to arrange a home funeral and why you might want to, the legal requirements, how to handle the body, and ideas for holding a vigil.
How to Read a Funeral Home Price List
Learn how to read a funeral home price list so that you understand the charges and ensure that the funeral you want fits within your budget.
Ten Tips for Saving Funeral Dollars
By Funeral Consumers Alliance, published at funerals.org. There are many ways to save money while still having dignified, memorable arrangements. You…
Pre-Planning & Pre-Paying for Funeral Arrangements
Pre-planning and pre-paying for funeral arrangements can save money and reduce stress. Learn about how to navigate pre-need plans and mitigate risks.
Veterans Funeral and Burial Benefits
by Funeral Consumers Alliance, published at funerals.org. United States veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors are entitled to many…
Did You Forget? The Most Important Part of Funeral Planning
Salespeople urge you to plan your funeral—for “peace of mind.” But a piece or peace may be missing if you forget that funerals are for the living.
End-of-Life Resources
Helpful forms, to-do lists, DNR forms, and resources related to the funeral industry, and end-of-life issues.
Common Funeral Myths
Uncover the truth about common funeral myths and save money by making informed choices during the funeral planning process.