What to Say while Attending a Funeral?

Expressing yourselves might be a hard task for many of us, especially at events like funerals. It is hard to find the words of sympathy, especially when you are in a state of grief. We get anxious the moment we try to express ourselves and how others will perceive it. You might be wondering that is there a better way to say it? Will they be upset if I say something wrong? According to Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder at funeral services in Staten Island, there are a few things that you can on a funeral to honor the deceased without hurting the sentiments of anyone.

The first thing you must keep in mind is that you are there to support them. Losing a loved one all of a sudden can be stressful for the family members. The words should come straight from the heart, and the grieving must know that you are with them during thick and thin.

What to say at a funeral?

Try to stay as much relaxed as possible while grieving, and you don't have to say anything perfect. Words must be expressed from the heart.

Michael Scarpaci has given different examples that can be used to express the thoughts at a funeral:

I am sorry for the loss.
You and your near and dear ones are in my thoughts and prayers
If your family needs anything, I am there for you.
(Insert Name) brought joy to everyone and will be truly missed.

Try not to say the following things:
He or she is in a better place now
I know how you feel
At least the deceased is no longer suffering
Be strong
It is time for him to go

Finding the words of sympathy at a funeral is a delicate issue, says Michael Scarpaci. They must be planned before expressing them to the family of the deceased to avoid hurting their sentiments.

Funeral Etiquettes by Scarpaci Funeral Home Services

During funerals, family and loved ones come together to mourn the loss of a loved one. It can be hard on people when the loss is unexpected, as it can even take a toll on their health. Funerals are a sensitive matter. Hence it is expected that proper behavior is shown while attending the funeral of a deceased. It includes dressing up well and showing compassion while visiting the funeral home to show utmost respect to the dead. Hiring the services of a trustworthy funeral home is also essential to conduct the event smoothly. Michael Scarpaci shares a few etiquettes that you must obey while visiting a funeral service:

Cell phone manners - Keeping your phone on ringing mode is not acceptable while attending a funeral as it is a very intimate event. It is advised to limit attending calls during the event or to only participate in urgent needs.
 

Bringing kids to the funeral - If you have children at home who are relatively young to follow appropriate funeral behavior, then it is advised not to bring them along. Funeral services can be difficult for children to infer, so you must avoid tagging them along. Michael Scarpaci explains that funeral services can be intimidating for children. They may not be prepared to deal with such a situation so early in their lives. So it’s better to hire a babysitter for a couple of hours.
 

Do not post on social media - Funerals can be a very personal event. Relatives of the deceased such as cousins might come together to console each other. Make sure you don’t start posting pictures and videos on social media as it might be an invasion of privacy. Staying low key is the best resort while attending funerals.
 

Funerals can be tough to attend, as an individual has to go through a lot emotionally. Death might come as a sudden shock if it is unexpected. Hence you must try to be decisive and take care of the loved ones of the deceased. Planning the funeral at an excellent funeral home such as Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island helps you get rid of unnecessary hassle during a funeral.

Guide by Michael Scarpaci to Make Proper Funeral Arrangements

Death of a loved one is one of the most significant losses a person goes through. The person is very close to us, and it is hard for us to believe that they are no longer with us. You are grieving, and at the same time, you take the responsibility of making the funeral arrangements for the deceased one. Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder at Scarpaci Funeral Home Services, can help you during these difficult times. Follow the guidelines given by Michael Scarpaci, rendering top-notch funeral services in Staten Island that can help you arrange a beautiful and unique funeral for the loved one:

Make the first calls: Making the first call entirely depends on the circumstances of the person's death. Make the first call to the appropriate parties and get the deceased to the funeral home.
 

Look for pre-arrangements: Certain people plan their funeral well in advance. The funeral service must plan the events as per the requirements of the deceased. Check if the deceased has made any pre plan funeral arrangements. If he or she has, it will take the burden of making the funeral arrangements as per their preferences off of your shoulder.
 

Cemetery arrangements: It is essential to plan the cemetery arrangements well in advance as the deceased would be buried there. In case they haven't planned, have a word with the cemetery officials to purchase the interment property (Grave plot, a niche for an urn). Michael Scarpaci can make the desired cemetery arrangements on behalf of your family.
 

Select funeral and memorial products: It is vital to select the right merchandise(Casket, Burial vault, urn, etc.) while making the funeral arrangements. No one wants the trouble to take place during the last minute. You want to bid memorable adieu to your loved one.
 

Handle estate and administrative matters: After organizing the funeral, it is essential to handle the estate and administrative matters of the deceased properly. Tasks such as sending death notes, filing death benefit claims, and changing the title on the deceased's assets must be done promptly.

Follow these tips given by  Michael Scarpaci, offering the best funeral services in Staten Island. Planning the funeral well in advance will keep you organized. Celebrate the life of the deceased by making funeral arrangements that resonate with their interests and life.

How to Bid a Memorable Adieu to your Deceased Loved One?

Mother is the closest and essential individual in an individual’s life. She is an epitome of love and sacrifices her entire life in making her child a better human being. Giving her a memorable funeral can be a hard task for many of us. There is nothing more immeasurable than giving your mother a tribute for all the things she has done for you. The primary purpose of this tribute is to write something for the deceased person and wish that the soul of your loved one gets a place in heaven. Thus, to ensure everything goes smoothly and your mother gets the funeral she always wanted, it is recommended to choose reliable and trustworthy funeral services.  Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder at Scarpaci Funeral Home Services, shares some tips to bid a memorable goodbye to your mother:

Writing a Tribute
Writing a tribute is one of the most critical aspects of a funeral. People close to the deceased such as family and friends, talk about the sweet memories they had with the person and the kind of influence he or she had on their lives. Thus, writing a tribute must include some relevant points, such as highlighting personality traits, hobbies, and love. It is recommended to be precise and avoid long sentences.
Honor her wishes
To give your mother a final goodbye, you must try to include things as per her wishes. Decorate the funeral house with the flowers she loved. It can also add her last preferences, such as the type of material used at her coffin to pay respect to her.
Choosing the right location
Choosing the right place for the funeral is crucial. If your mother was a religious person, you can conduct all the funeral rites in church or have it at Scarpaci’s Funeral Home in Staten Island.

Mother is an epitome of care and spends her entire life for the betterment of the family. By following these tips by Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder of funeral services, you can honor her life and wishes. You can never pay her back, but you can show your respect by mourning her loss.

How To Deliver A Great Eulogy?

Losing a loved one is the hardest thing in the world to deal with. Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder of Scarpaci Funeral Home, says that even though they organize a dozen funerals and memorial services every month, they still find it hard to see a family losing their loved ones. He mentions that death is inevitable, which is true. If there is anything that’s certain in our life is our death.

If you have lost a loved one recently, it must be an extremely stressful time for you and the deceased’s family. But the best way to cope with the death of a loved one is to celebrate their life one last time. Funerals and memorial services are a great way to say a final goodbye to them while celebrating the deceased’s rich and beautiful life. If you have gotten the honor of delivering a eulogy at the funeral service, you can make the best use of this opportunity to honor the life of the deceased.

Michael Scarpaci says, “A eulogy is a lot more than just a few words.” He further adds, “We see many people delivering a eulogy at funerals every day, and it’s something that shows how much you cared about the deceased and what kind of the bond you two shared.” Moreover, whatever you say in your eulogy will stay with the bereaved family forever. Therefore, it’s important to deliver a great eulogy that touches hearts and does not offend anybody.

Here are some tips to help you write a great eulogy

• Prepare your notes well in advance

Delivering a eulogy is a big thing. Therefore, you do not want to take it for granted. Make sure you spend time in writing one. Always prepare notes of what you are going to say, even if you plan to ditch your notes while delivering. It’s a great way to focus on your thoughts and ensure you are not missing anything important.

• Be personal and conversational 

This is not a formal speech; it’s an honor. You are getting an opportunity to share how you feel and how much the deceased touched your life.

• Don’t shy away from taking help 

Writing and delivering a eulogy can be extremely stressful. After all, it’s not easy to lose a loved one. Therefore, it’s okay to take help from your friends and family. This will also give you support and encouragement to keep going.

Remember, people attending the funeral share some memories with the deceased. So don’t forget to address them.

3 Tips to Reduce The Cost of a Funeral - Michael Scarpaci

Michael Scarpaci, explains that besides emotional stress, losing a loved one can also be financially exhausting. This is often because the family of the deceased spends a lot of money on organizing the funeral and memorial service. This often results in a financial burden. In fact, according to a report by the National Funeral Directors Association, the cost of organizing a funeral and burial is approximately $7,323 that includes viewing, embalming, and metal casket. 

Considering this statistic, Michael Scarpaci shares a few tips to reduce the cost of a funeral or memorial service. Michael Scarpaci has been arranging funerals for years and offers the most inexpensive way to arrange a funeral in their funeral home. 

Set a Budget

Just like any other occasion, it is important to set a budget for arranging a funeral service for the deceased. We understand funerals are sensitive occasion but you don’t want to go overboard with the expenses only to find yourself in a financial crisis after this is over. Set a budget and strictly follow it. 

Choose caskets and urns according to your budget 

When it comes to caskets and urns, they are the most expensive things at a funeral. However, you can save a lot of money by choosing an inexpensive casket. Also, when it comes to caskets, the major cost involved is the shipping cost. If you buy them from a local provider, you can save money on shipping. Michael Scarpaci provides quality caskets to their customers as per their preferences. You can always talk to your funeral organizer if they can arrange one for you. 

Ask for help from friends and family

Another way to cut down on the funeral costs is by asking for help from your loved ones. For example, you can ask them to bring food to the wake, instead of hiring a professional caterer.

You may find these tips simple, but they are extremely effective and can really help you slash down the funeral cost. 

Michael Scarpaci : 6 Ways to reconnect with yourself after the loss

Of course, the loss of a loved one is painful, says Michael Scarpaci. Michael and his team meets a variety of people grieving after the loss. In fact, Scarpaci Funeral home of New York has helped a number of people getting back on track after the grief.

Often, people feel a sense of loneliness or lose interest in activities they used to enjoy the most. Some people choose to stay at home, and others may shut away from the world. But do you know if this type of lifestyle goes on for a long time the person may not be able to heal? This is why it is important to keep yourself engaged in things that nurture you, even when you don’t feel like doing it.

If you or your loved one have been grieving over the loss of someone special for a very long time, it’s time to reconnect to life.

Here are some ways that help you reconnect with yourself after grief.

Look for the right opportunity to reconnect - Grieving is normal. Once you have been given enough time to yourself grieving, the next step is exploring to identify the right opportunity to slowly make a way to your routine life. It’s not necessary to look for big ways to re-engage in your life, you can begin with small steps. For example, you can call a friend or family member to have a conversation at least for a few minutes, you can meet a friend over a coffee for an hour, or can even go out to lunch.

Never try to run away from your feelings - Often, grief results in turbulent emotions and most of them are negative ones, which we try to avoid. You may experience some days when you will not feel like getting out of your bed. No matter how hard it is, don't beat yourself up for spending several hours in bed without food. Instead, accept your feelings and try to make new changes in your life.

Don’t shy away from seeking others’ help - Never hide from your friends and family about how you are feeling after the loss. It is good to seek support and companionship from your loved ones in your hard times. Don’t shy away from asking them to regularly check on you and invite you for family or friends gatherings.

Takeaway

Everyone griefs after the loss of their special ones. It is very normal. But one thing you need to keep in mind is that grief is a process, not a prolonged event. This means no matter what, you need to resume your normal activities after a certain period. If it’s difficult for you, there is nothing bad in reaching out to others for help.

Michael Scarpaci:Everything you need to know about the wake!

Everyone has to go through the pain of losing a loved one. Whether or not you have ever experienced this, it is important to get yourself familiar with all the “after-death rituals.”

“Wake” is one such ritual that plays a great role, says Michael Scarpaci. 

What is the wake? - It is an intimate gathering of the deceased’s family before a funeral service. Today, people host wakes at a funeral home or house of worship. This can either be held on the same day as the funeral or the day before. 

However, there may be slight variations in the wake service. The purpose remains the same. The wakes are typically hosted to console the deceased’s loved ones and family and to say goodbye to the lost loved one. The guest list of a wake includes close friends, family or colleagues.

According to Michael, the wake is an opportunity to gather, and comfort each other after the great loss. 

What you should say?

The wake is the gathering involved a few people. This means it is difficult to escape the ceremony without saying anything. Most often people have no idea about what they should say to the deceased’s family and friends at the wake. Never say cliche lines, such as “I understand how you feel,” or “He or she is in a better place”. 

Instead, share a short story or memory that you have with the deceased. And, never forget to sign the guest-book before leaving. Always remember, grieving doesn’t end with the funeral. It is a journey that can last for months, years, or lifetime. Hence, it is important to stay in touch with the grieving person and help them heal. 

What can you wear?

When it comes to the dress code for a wake, it is similar to what you wear to a funeral service. Although it's not necessary to wear black, you should pick simple clothing that represents the somber nature of the occasion. You can also attend the wake in your work clothes if you’re directly coming from your office. Just remember, stick with the basics and you’re good to go to the wake. 

What to expect?

In the wake, an obituary or death notice will be read to tell the mourners about the place and time of the services, such as funeral, and memorial.

These are things to keep in mind while attending a wake. For more tips and suggestions, consult Michael Scarpaci. 

Insight into memorial service etiquette by Michael Scarpaci

Memorial services are important says Michael Scarpaci. 

Scarpaci Funeral Home in Staten Island, Michael Scarpaci understands that it’s stressful for both friends and family to deal with the loss of a loved one. The funeral or memorial service time is very vulnerable, and people are still high on emotions. In such a condition, even the smallest mistake can cause an outburst. Hence, it is extremely important for you to behave properly at the memorial service and respect all the rules. 

What are memorial services? - These rituals usually take place in the absence of the body after it has been cremated or buried. This service involves people saying prayers, singing songs, delivering eulogies, and reading passages from the scripture. 

Memorial service is a somber occasion. Therefore, if you behave or dress inappropriately, it can hurt the feelings of the deceased’s family and friends.  

If you have a memorial ceremony to attend and it's your first time, here are the memorial service etiquette you need to know.  

Where to sit? 

The venues for memorial service can range from a theater to fire station, cultural arts hall, restaurant, and a nature preserve. If it's your first time to a memorial ceremony, it is important to know that the front seats in the memorial service are usually reserved for the family and intermediate relatives. And other guests can sit anywhere. However, if you arrive late for the funeral service, make sure you take a place at the back without disturbing others.  

How to dress up? 

Well, the place and time play an important role in deciding the dress code for the memorial service. For example, if the service takes place on a beach, lose those high heels. Overall, you can dress formally for the service. These days, families even have a dress code for the memorial service, so make sure you follow the dress code and dress accordingly. 

What to say?

The main purpose of having a memorial service is about sharing memories about the deceased person. This includes who the deceased was and talking about the good and positive things. If you have any beautiful memories related to the deceased person, memorial service is an ideal place to share it with the deceased's friends and family. 

In fact, some people even organize an open mic at a memorial service where guests can speak publicly about the memorable moments with the deceased. If you’re not comfortable talking publicly, you can share your best thoughts with the deceased’s family in private. But make sure, keep it real. Using canned phrases such as “ she’s in a better place” or “I know how you feel right now,” can make things worse than comforting. 

The bottom line

Usually, a memorial service is organized to honor and remember the deceased loved one. And every guest should behave properly to avoid making it more stressful for the deceased’s family and close friends. These are some of the things you need to consider while attending a memorial service. 

For more tips and suggestions about memorial or funeral service, consult Michael Scarpaci. 

Frequently asked questions about funeral pre-planning By Michael Scarpaci

According to Michael Scarpaci, Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island recommends people to opt for a pre-planned funeral. This is because pre-planning your own funeral lessens the burden of planning your funeral on loved ones. And it also gives you the opportunity to put your preferences in the funeral service plan. Hence, you can plan your funeral service depending on how you want others to remember you.

However, as you initiate your funeral pre-planning process, you’ll have queries about payment plans, services and more. To help you with the same, Michael Scarpaci explains some of the common questions about funeral pre-planning.

What benefits will I get with funeral pre-planning? 

Planning a funeral is one of the most stressful things for the family who’s already grieving due to the loss of a loved one. Apart from this, arranging a funeral service can also be one of the most expensive affairs. Therefore, by pre-planning your own funeral, you can relieve your family from arranging your funeral service. This will help lessen the burden both financial and emotional that your family may face while planning a funeral. 

Besides this, the other benefits of choosing a funeral pre-planning include:

You have the opportunity to choose between burial or cremation.

You get to choose the services, such as visitation, gathering, funeral or memorial services.

You can choose your own headstone, casket, and cremation urn.

Personal touches like favorite music and photos. 

Is it ok to prepay for the funeral?

Although it’s not required, many people who choose funeral pre-planning service also repay the costs involved. However, if you’re also considering prepaying for your funeral, make sure the service is backed with a guarantee that the costs of the items or services will not increase. 

Depending on the funeral home you are working with, you can either pre-pay for your funeral the total amount or through installments.

Is it possible to transfer the pre-arranged funeral plan to another funeral home?

According to the United States funeral rules, you can transfer your pre-planned funeral plans to another funeral home at any time. And the amount you agreed to pay when you started your funeral pre-planning process is final. However, it’s important to know that due to some conditions, you may not get a refund for a cost difference. This means if you transfer your funeral plan with higher rates, you’re required to pay the remaining balance. 

“Pre-plan your funeral and relieve your loved ones from the funeral burden,” says, Michael Scarpaci. If you need any guidance regarding funeral pre-planning, consult the funeral expert, Michael Scarpaci.  

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Michael Scarpaci: How to choose the final outfit for your deceased loved one?

Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, understands the pain of losing a loved one. And he knows, when it comes to the funeral ceremony, there is so much that goes into planning and arranging. At times, it can be overwhelming for the family members who are already going through a difficult phase. 

While arranging a funeral, people often forget to pay attention to what will be the final outfit for the deceased. If you’ve lost a loved one and they didn’t make their preferences clear, follow these guidelines by Michael Scarpaci to choose final clothing for your loved one. 

Casual or formal? 

While choosing the final outfit for your loved one, consider their personality and the type of memorial service you are hosting. For instance, if the funeral service is more traditional, then you can go with formal clothing, such as their favorite suit or dress. On the contrary, for non-traditional funeral service, it’s absolutely alright to choose an outfit that is more casual, says, Michael Scarpaci. This means the final outfit could be anything from the deceased’s favorite holiday sweater to their lucky hat and favorite sports jerseys. But make sure whatever you choose, it goes with the personality of your loved one and the type of memorial service organized. 

Religious considerations - If the funeral ceremony involves any religious or cultural customs, it’s important you pick clothing that goes well with the religious traditions. The best way to do that is to consult the religious leaders in your community and ask about the specific dress that your deceased should wear during the service. 

Special items to bring for the loved ones - Sometimes people have a wish to be buried or wearing special things such as wedding or engagement rings, and their favorite jewelry and accessories. These things and items can make the funeral more personalized. Other common items include:

• Pictures
• Letters to the deceased
• Favorite books

Remember, if your deceased body will be cremated, all metal must be removed from the body before the cremation. 

These are some of the things you need to consider while choosing the final outfit for your loved one. However, if you still find yourself wondering which is the appropriate clothing for the deceased loved one, consult Michael Scarpaci. 

5 ideas by Michael Scarpaci to make your loved one’s funeral personalized

Losing a loved one is never easy for anyone. However, there are ways you can make the funeral service of your loved one special and personalized. 

According to Michael Scarpaci, manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, from displaying photographs to music and mementos, there are many ways to give your loved a special farewell. 

Let’s see the top 5 ideas to make a funeral service personalized. 

Photo display - If you’re looking for an idea to personalize a funeral service, displaying different types of photos is a good way to get started. Unlike most funerals where photos are displayed formally, you can choose a more creative way to display photos. For example, you can make a collage of your favorite photos of your loved one. It is a good way to encourage people to share their memories with the deceased person.  

Personalized floral arrangements - The next idea is using personalized floral arrangements to make your loved one’s funeral unique and special. To do this, you can use little accessories in flower arrangements, including your loved one’s favorite coffee mug or fishing tackle if you’re loved one enjoyed fishing. There are various ways to personalize floral arrangements. To know more, consult Michael Scarpaci. 

Play your loved one’s favorite song - Michael Scarpaci understands that a funeral is remorse and grieving time for friends and family, but he says it is also the time to celebrate your loved one’s life. To do so, you can even play a favorite song of the deceased person. Doesn’t matter whether the song is traditionally regarded as appropriate for the funeral or not. If it’s your loved one’s favorite song, then it is perfect in all ways. 

Use clothing - Nowadays, people follow a trend of using pieces of clothing that the deceased person used to wear. This is another way to personalize a funeral service. They often turn their loved one’s clothes into pillows or small sachets so that they can stay close to them all the time. Or use them at the funeral service to make the occasion more personalized. 

Gifts for guests - Another excellent way to personalize a service is to offer gifts to the funeral attendees. Mementos to guests not only personalize a service but also give guests a small keepsake. You can choose a small photo magnet or a bookmark with a favorite poem. 

These are some of the ways to personalize a funeral service. If you need more ideas and suggestions, consult Michael Scarpaci. 

Insight into the importance of death certificates by Michael Scarpaci

According to Michael Scarpaci, the manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, a death certificate is a document that states the location of death, cause of death, time of death and other personal information about the person who has died. It is mandatory in New York to register the death with the State Department of Health and Vital Statistics at the earliest. You can get the copies of the death certificate from the vital records office. 

Here are the top reasons by Michael Scarpaci why do you need a death certificate.

Although there are several reasons why do you need to obtain a death certificate, mostly it is used as a proof of death for legal purposes. Some of the common reasons include:

• Veterans benefits
• Insurance policies
• Property ownership 
• Social Security Administration
• Testament and Last Will
• Union benefits
• Pension plans
• Treasury Bills 
• Individual Retirement Account
• Safe deposit box
• Bonds, stocks, or brokerage accounts
• The beneficiary of a savings account 
• Internal Revenue Service
• Post office 

Who can get death certificates?

People who are eligible to receive death certificates include:

• Children
• Parents
• Spouses
• Grandchildren
• Legal guardians 
• Siblings
• State and Federal agencies for legal purposes

However, while submitting the application to the office of vital statistics or the registrar, you may be required to provide the proof of your relationship to the deceased person. This documentation includes a birth certificate or letter stating who the applicant is representing and how they are related to the person.

How can you obtain copies of death certificates? 

Typically, there are three ways you can obtain certified copies of a death certificate:

1. You can get it through the funeral home that manages the funeral or memorial service arrangements.
2. With the help of the Department of Health’s Vital Statistics and Registry website.
3. From the local registrar at the municipality where the death occurred. 

What is the cost of death certificates? 

Currently, the State’s Registrar charge $25 for the first copy, while $2 for each additional copy. The state registrar will issue the death certificates and directly send them to the funeral home through the mail. 

To know more about death certificates, Michael Scarpaci co-owner of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island. 

Different uses of funeral flowers after the service

Flowers have been planning an important role in funeral traditions for thousands of years. According to Michael Scarpaci, manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, they not only symbolize the life cycle but also bring a sense of comfort. Funeral wreaths and funeral flowers are the best way to celebrate the life of your loved one and to express sympathy. However, many people have this question about what to do with funeral flowers after the service. Here Michael Scarpaci has given some of the ways to reuse funeral flowers. 

Get them framed - The best way to use the flowers sent in memory of your loved one is by drying and framing them. This is a very special token of remembrance. 

What type of paper you should use to dry the flowers?

While carrying out the drying process, you need to dry out the flowers as quickly as possible before they turn brown. You can do it by using newspaper, printing paper, blotting paper, facial tissue or flat cardboard. There are two ways to press flowers including using a book and using a wooden flower press. 

Using a book - In this method, you require an absorbent paper and a heavy book. Since the flowers pigment can stain the pages of the book, it is advisable to use paper on each side of the flowers.

Using a wooden flower press - Nowadays, there are plenty of flower press kits available online, which come with their own sets of instructions. 

Potpourri - It is such a beautiful thing to have the natural fragrance of flowers lingering in your establishment. Since Medieval times, potpourri has been used in homes. In the past, dried lavender was used to refresh bedrooms and laundry. After the service, you can use funeral flowers to make homemade potpourri. The process of making potpourri is very easy, and all you need are flowers, scissors, baking tray, parchment paper, and home fragrance oils. 

Pressed flower cards - Often, people feel out of touch with family and close friends after their loved one’s funeral. You can create beautiful handmade cards using pressed flowers from your loved one’s funeral, and send them to your dear ones. It is a personal as well as a sentimental way to show your love and to thank your loved ones for being firm support all through the funeral services.

Make a centerpiece or wreath - Another best way to repurpose funeral flowers by making little remembrance bouquets for all the funeral ceremony attendees, it is the most beautiful way to show your gratitude. Or you can send these bouquets to hospitals and care homes.

Do you need more ideas to use funeral flowers after the service? Consult Michael Scarpaci. 

Best options by Michael Scarpaci to scatter ashes

According to Michael Scarpaci, manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, there are various things you can do with your loved one’s remains after the cremation. Although the options include burying the ashes in a graveyard, entombing them in a columbarium, or storing them in an urn at home, some people choose to scatter their loved one’s ashes.  If you’ve no idea about where to scatter the ashes of a loved one, don’t worry! Below Michael Scarpaci has explained some of the most popular places to scatter ashes.

Private land - One of the best places to scatter your loved one’s ashes is private land, including a field or garden. If you’re considering this option, make sure you take the prior permission from the landowner. Also, consider visiting rights. For instance, if you choose to scatter ashes in your garden, and you move house, many years later you will not have any right to right to visit that place.

Rivers - Another popular place for scattering ashes is streams or rivers or lakes. Well, when it comes to rivers, you don’t need any permission to scatter your loved one’s ashes. However, Michael Scarpaci advises checking with the Environment Agency about the stretch of the river you’re considering to use.

Nowadays, some people also cut flowers or petals in the ashes to mark the occasion as one of remembrance and to see the ashes flow down the river. But, you should avoid casting plastic flowers or wreaths into the river because this will pollute the water body as well as the environment.

Sea - As compared to a burial at sea, scattering ashes at sea is an affordable option. This is because burial at sea requires a license and special coffin. The good thing about scattering ashes at sea and many coastlines and beaches is that it doesn’t require any license. Plus, scattering ashes at sea is accessible to the public. However, you need to consider people who use the beach and choose it as a spot away from fishermen and swimmers. Before you scatter ashes, also get yourself familiar with wind conditions.

Mountains and hilltops - Mountains and hilltops are one of the most beautiful settings to say goodbye to your loved one. But, you need to consider some of the things before scattering ashes on the mountains and hilltops. Cremation ashes are not toxic, but they can have a serious impact on plant life. Therefore, you need to avoid scattering ashes on mountain peaks with fragile plant ecosystems.

Plus, also consider that popular beauty climbs and spots may have several visitors and it may be difficult to a private place to say goodbye. As hilltops and mountains are very windy, so stand upwind while scattering the ashes.

Lastly, there is no particular rule to scatter ashes all in one place. You can scatter ashes of your loved ones in portions. For more information on scattering ashes, approach Michael Scarpaci.

3 Iconic Breakfast Items That Are Must Try During Your New York Visit

The majority of people visit New York not only to experience the pizzazz and the excitement the city is well known for but to experience the journey of food in the city. Food is an extremely essential part of the New York City. It is in this city that you can enjoy the food of almost all cultures. Before you get lost or are unable to find the right place to have an amazing breakfast, here are top three choices by New Yorker, Michael Scarpaci:

• Eggs Benedict at Delmonico’s:- Delmonico’s is not only the New York City’s oldest restaurant but also an institution. It was founded in 1860 and since then its breakfast has become staple dish for the New Yorkers. The classic dish is a unique interaction between English muffin, poached eggs, Canadian bacon, Hollandaise sauce. The Eggs Benedict is named after the regulars of Delmonico’s --  Mr. and Mrs. LeGrand Benedict. This dish best enjoyed with Bloody Mary.
• One of the regular’s at Delmonico’s is Michael Scarpaci. He is all praise for the Eggs Benedict and holds his annual Christmas party at the restaurant. 

• Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Co. and Restaurant:- Another must visit place in New York, if you get craving for pancakes is Clinton St. Baking Co. and Restaurant. Since 2001, Clinton St. Baking Co. and Restaurant has been serving the most fluffy and amazing pancakes. The pancakes are created from egg whites and are served with banana walnut, chocolate chucks, and wild Maine blueberry. The short stack of the pancakes is served with maple butter which makes it one of the must have breakfast items to have.

• Chicken and rice platter at The Halal Guys:- No matter where you are, you will always find halal carts in the city. The question is which one to buy the food from. The best halal cart is The Halal Guys. The rice and chicken platter is considered best in the city and with tossed vegetable and the white sauce it is also healthy.

If you are visiting the New York City, make sure that you try out the above mentioned 3 delicacies. For a full New York experience, make sure you add hot dogs, fried calamaris, and the typical NYC pizza on your food bucket list.

Reasons why you should consider pre-planning your funeral

If you haven’t plan your funeral yet, you must do it now. There is no better time than today to plan your funeral. Now, you must be wondering what's the need to pre-plan a funeral? Because planning a funeral brings along many advantages for you as well as your family. Can you plan your wedding or any celebration in a few days? Of course not, right? So, why leave the best celebration of your life to the last moment? Michael Scarpaci, a share holder at Scarpaci Funeral Home, advises that pre-planning a funeral is a wise decision to make. 

The following are a few of the reasons why you should consider pre-planning your funeral ceremony.

You don’t want to put the burden of your funeral on your family - If your wishes about your funeral remain unknown to your family, they will have to face a difficult time deciding your funeral. How will they know if you want to be cremated or buried? Will all your family members agree on a close or opened casket? Lack of planning often leads to confusion and disagreements among people. All this can be solved or avoided if you leave behind your funeral plan.

You want your family to enjoy the benefit of a meaningful funeral - A funeral is important for mourning family. Typically, it is the time that offers a sense of closure and allows the family to start the healing process. Families usually get benefit both socially and emotionally by respecting the lives of the departed souls with a perfect funeral ceremony and by organizing a proper send-off.

You want your last wishes to be fulfilled - If you wish that your remains should be disposed in a specific way and have a plan about the nature of your funeral services, you can mention them all in your funeral plan such as the preference for cremation or burial, the epitaph on your headstone, or the reading, video or the music at your funeral.

You want to take on the financial responsibility of your funeral - Pre-planning a funeral allows you to make a financial arrangement to fund your funeral ceremony. Michael Scarpaci will help you to pre-plan everything you want at your funeral ceremony.

You want to be self-sufficient even at the last affair of your life -  Planning a funeral is a thoughtful and caring thing one can do for their family. It is such as a relief to know that you have done everything that can reduce your family burden.

Well, death is the real truth that no can deny or ignore. Pre-planning a funeral helps the family to arrange a personalized funeral and help them to overcome the grief.

Top Tips By Michael Scarpaci On Helping Your Loved Ones Cope With Grief

It is extremely difficult to console a person who is grieving the death of their loved one. While you might be feeling and sharing their pain, it is extremely difficult to express the same in the words. It is necessary to know how to console them and help them move on with heir life. According to Michael Scarpaci, the owner of Scarpaci funeral homes, it is necessary that people know basic tips about consoling someone and helping them move on.

• Reach out:- The first thing that you should do is know how you can console them. For that, you need to let the person know that you are there for them. Take the first step. Call them, visit them or email them. All you need is to let them know that you are there for them.

• Listen more:- While it is a tough one, it is very important for you to listen to what they are feeling. Losing a loved one is hard and they need to be heard clearly. Try to listen intently and keep your body language open. But, needless to say, they won't easily open up and when they do they might cry for hours.

• Check-in:- Grief does not have a time table. It can go on for months and years. Make sure that you check in regularly and see how they are doing. You can ask them out for dinner or for a cup of coffee. This will help them cope with the loss.

• Reminisce:- Death of loved one is hard. Another thing that can help your loved ones move on with their lives is the memories of the loved one. Remembering the memories and sharing the stories of the deceased will help your loved ones understand that while the person may be gone their memories live on.

• Don't ignore:- Ignoring the person who is grieving will hurt them and make them feel that they are alone in the world. You don't need to there for them 24/7 but just let them know that they can count on you. Reaching out is better than ghosting the person and making them feel bad.

Death is a natural process and thus, it is necessary that you should move on in life but do not complicate the process.

Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YCs1WGLyjM for more info.

6 tips by Michael Scarpaci to have a healthy funeral

Death of a loved one brings is extremely tough. It takes a huge toll on family and friends. A death in the family means that the remaining family members need to make serious decisions. Remaining family members will need to plan for a funeral that will be a final goodbye for their deceased family member.

Michael Scarpaci, the owner of Scarpaci funeral homes, has helped numerous families to move on after the death of their loved one and create a funeral. Here are a few tips are given by a funeral expert, Michael Scarpaci:

• Add family traditions:- The funeral is not meant to be sad. It is a celebration of the life of the deceased family member. If any member of your family has fond memories such as of annual vacation, board games or any family event, you should celebrate who they were.  Any special memories should also be added. This would make the family members feel more close to the deceased family members.

• Keepsakes:- Majority of family members are opting for a funeral where they send the guests back with the keepsakes. The keepsakes could be anything: A family recipe, to baked good, favorite books or even something from the jewelry collection.

• Humor:- If your deceased family member was known for his humor, you can add a few funny punchlines were it would lighten the mood and give an uplifting feel to the service. You can also add music and play the song that makes you and the people in service feel attached to the deceased.

• Memory Table:- Small things make a big difference. You can also collect the items that your loved one used to love such as golf, puzzles or anything as such. The attendees can appreciate the life and the spirit of the loved one.

• College of photographs:- Another way to plan a funeral that would show your love for the deceased and help you move on is creating a collage. Displaying the pictures of your loved one would make you feel connected to them and help you find a way to move through the grief you are experiencing.

• Special Send-Off:- People also try to give the deceased family member a special send-off by releasing doves or butterflies or planting trees.

Remember, the funerals are a way to help you move on from the grief and celebrate life. You should not let the grief and pain run your life.

Read More  Michael scarpaci and finding the right headstones by Michael - Issuu

Michael Scarpaci on why should you have the funeral service for the deceased?

It has become very common for people to dismiss the traditional funeral. Nowadays, they skip the ceremony and go straight to the cremation or burial. What they don’t realize that funeral services have a lot of value.

Why should you opt for the funeral service?
The traditional funeral service is so much more than rituals. Michael Scarpaci, owner of Scarpaci funeral homes in New York advice that the majority of rituals have stood the test of time and should not be dismissed. The rituals of the funeral give the mourners the chance to support each other through the testing time. Remember, the funeral service isn’t for the deceased. It is for the survivors.

Funeral Service

Customization
As each family is different, so is the funeral service. There was a time when the funeral service would mean sitting in the church pews and listening to people give speeches about the diseased. However, now the funerals are entirely customizable. You can incorporate the music, create memory presentations and even broadcast the entire funeral service to the relatives abroad. No matter how different or unique you want the funeral service to be, everything can be done.

All faiths are welcome
The best part of about the funeral service is that it can be attended by the people of all faiths. If you are not a religious family, you can opt for the funeral service to be held anywhere you want. All you need is a room big enough for the casket and the people in attendance. The service can be officiated by the celebrant, friends, family member or any individual you think is perfect for the job. Funeral directors know how the funerals work and are well-versed in all the aspects.

Honoring the dead
No matter what kind of funeral service you want, when it comes about celebrating the life of deceased the best way is to honor them. No matter how old the deceased is, you have to honor them and surround yourself with the people who loved them. The road towards being normal is enough. It is a long and arduous grieving journey.

The loss of a beloved is difficult. You have to remember that you cannot let the pain of death overcome you. Death will drain the family and friends physically and emotionally. Thus, it is necessary that you take care of yourself.

Go through https://www.wattpad.com/569630175-3-tips-for-a-better-funeral-etiquette-by-michael

to get more info.