My Wishes Planning Guide - Everest Funeral · Did you know... People choose cremation for a range of emotional and financial reasons, including environmental issues, religious beliefs

My Wishes Planning Guide

“My Wishes” Planning Guide

An 8-step process for developing your “My Wishes” plan

Step 1: Decide if you want burial or cremation . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 2: Indicate your preferences for services . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Step 3: Decide how to personalize your services . . . . . . . . 15

Step 4: Decide whether you want a metal,wood or cremation casket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Step 5: Decide about the floral arrangements. . . . . . . . . . 33

Step 6: Decide which stationery items are appropriate for you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Step 7: Decide if you have any preferences for memorial contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Step 8: Decide if you would like to speak to an Everest Planning Advisor or submit your plan directly to Everest . . . . . . . . . 41

At your fingertips resources:

Reference Guide. This comprehensive reference tool is designed to beyour first point of reference. It includes frequently askedquestions and a glossary of terms to assist you in makinginformed decisions.

Advisor Assistance. Call us toll-free at 1-877-456-5050 to speak with one of our knowledgeable professionals.

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Advisor Assistance 1-877-456-50502


PurposeYou must decide whether burial or cremation is best suitedfor you – which will impact many other decisions madethroughout the advanced funeral plan process.

The importance of this sectionYou are choosing the process by which your remains will belaid to rest.

Did you know...Whether you choose burial or cremation, the range ofservice options available to you remain the same.

Burial

Burial is the final disposition of a body in a casket through theact of burying underground or entombment in a mausoleum.

When it is held:

Burial generally takes place after a funeral or memorial service,although it can take place at any time after all necessarypaperwork has been completed by a funeral home.

Cremation

Cremation is the use of heat and evaporation to reduce thebody to its basic elements, which are referred to as crematedremains.

When it takes place:

Cremation can take place at any time after which all necessarypaperwork has been completed by a funeral home.

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STEP 1 Decide if you want burial or cremation.

!A.

B.

Did you know...People choose cremation for a range of emotional andfinancial reasons, including environmental issues, religiousbeliefs and permanent personal retention desires.

Indicate your preference:

� Burial, as indicated in section A

� Cremation, as indicated in section B

� Cremation before the funeral or memorial service

� Cremation after the funeral or memorial service

� I do not have a preference

If you chose burial or entombment, determine the type.


� I prefer an earth burial

� I prefer entombment in a mausoleum


Earth Burial:

� Earth burial in a single grave

� I own cemetery property at: ________________ cemetery in ___________________________________(city / state)

� I do not own cemetery property

� I do not own cemetery property, but prefer to be buried at: ________________ cemetery in ___________________________(city / state)


Entombment:

� Entombment in a public mausoleum

� I own mausoleum space at: _________________ cemetery in ___________________________________(city / state)




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Step 1: Decide if you want burial or cremation.

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� I do not own a mausoleum space

� I do not own a mausoleum space, but prefer mausoleumspace at:____________________________________________


If you chose cremation, determine your resting place.

Earth burial or mausoleum:

Burial locations:

� I own cemetery property at: ____________ cemetery in ___________________ (city / state)

� I do not own cemetery property

� I do not own cemetery property, but prefer to be buriedat: _________________ cemetery , in______________(city /state)

� Above-ground inurnment of your cremated remains ina columbarium

Columbarium locations:

� I own a columbarium niche at: __________ cemetery in ___________________ (city / state)

� I do not own a columbarium niche

� I do not own a columbarium niche, but prefer a columbarium niche at: ______________ cemetery, in ___________________ (city / state)


Other options for resting place:

� Retention of your cremated remains by an individual:_______________________________________

� Division of your cremated remains and retention amongseveral people: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B.

� Scattering of your cremated remains in one location:________________________________________

� Scattering of your cremated remains in multiple locations:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tribute to a Traveller

My friends Morgan and Jordan met in Hawaii 16 years ago,fell in love and made it a point to go back every year. Afterthe shocking news of Jordan’s terminal illness, they agreed tolive their life together to its fullest. They took great care inprearranging his funeral and to create an event that wouldbe meaningful. Everyone wore Hawaiian shirts and leis wereplaced around their necks at visitation. Dancers performedtraditional Hawaiian dances during the services and it broughtback fond memories of Hawaiian parties in the backyard thatMorgan and Jordan had so beautifully landscaped. Perhapsthe most touching and memorable part of the service tookplace after friends and family gathered on the lawn for thepig roast and luau. To symbolize the unwavering devotionthey shared, two turtle doves were released. In that moment,a celebration of life and love took place.

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PurposeThe purpose of the funeral or memorial service is to allow anopportunity for friends and family to gather to say good-bye,celebrate the life of a loved one and begin the healing process.

Did you know...

A Funeral Service is a tribute at which the casketed bodyis present.

A Memorial Service is a tribute “In Memory of” thedeceased. It is appropriate whether you select Cremationor Burial. The Memorial Service does not have the casketed body present. The Urn containing the crematedremains or other memorablia such as a picture may bepresent depending upon personal preferences.

Whether you choose cremation or burial, the funeral ormemorial service can be the same.

Decide if you want a funeral or a memorial service.


� Funeral service

� Memorial service


Place of service:

� Funeral home:_________________________________________

� Church or other place of worship:_______________________

� Other location: ________________________________________


STEP 2 Indicate your preferences for services.

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A.

Viewing options for service:

� Open casket – the casket is open during the service sothat the body can be viewed

� Closed casket – the casket is closed during the service sothat the body cannot be viewed

� Cremated remains are present

� Neither your casketed body nor cremated remains arepresent


Decide if you want visitation.

A visitation is a specified time period, typically in advance of the funeral or memorial service, during which friends visitwith the family of the deceased to pay their respects.

Purpose:A visitation offers an opportunity for persons to pay theirrespects to the deceased and the family, confront the realityand finality of death and begin the grieving process.

The benefits of visitation:Visitation is usually held in addition to the more formalfuneral or memorial service. It provides an additional oppor-tunity to participate in honoring the deceased. Visitors are afforded a more casual setting and an unstructured timeframe in which to interact with the family, gather withfriends and recall memories.


� Yes, I want to have visitation

� No, I do not want to have visitation




B.

Step 2: Indicate your preferences for services.

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Place of visitation:

Visitation is generally held at a funeral home, although youmay also designate another location.

� Funeral home:_________________________________________

� Church or other place of worship:_______________________

� Other location: ________________________________________


Timing of visitation:

Visitation, which is generally held in addition to a funeral ormemorial service, is frequently held in the evening on theday preceding the service.

� The day before the funeral or memorial service

� For ____ day(s) before the funeral or memorial service

� The day of the funeral or memorial service


Type of visitation:

� Family-only (private)

� Family-only visitation, followed by public visitation

� Public


Viewing options for visitation:

Similar to the funeral service, if you choose to have one, a range of viewing options is available during visitation:

� Open casket during family and public visitations

� Open casket during family visitation, followed by closedcasket during public visitation

� Closed casket during all visitations

� Cremated remains are present during family-only andpublic visitation

� Cremated remains are present during family-only visitation and no cremated remains are present during public visitation

� Neither your casketed body or cremated remains are present during visitation

Decide if there will be a service at the resting place.

Purpose:A service at the final resting place provides an opportunityfor family and friends to participate in the committal of thecasketed body or cremated remains to the resting place.

Where it is held:While a cemetery or mausoleum are the most common resting places, your options are extensive and can be tied topersonalizations you wish to make.

When it is held:This service typically follows the funeral or memorial service.

Did you know...A service can be held at the resting place in addition tothe funeral service, memorial service and/or visitation. Or,if you choose, this can be the only service that is held andserves as the committal or graveside service.

The benefits of a service at the resting place:This service brings closure to the funeral process and providesa range of opportunities to personalize the service and permanently memorialize the deceased at the resting place.


� Yes, I want a service at the resting place

� No, I do not want a service at the resting place


Advisor Assistance 1-877-456-50501 0


C.

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Types of services:


� Public


Decide if you want a gathering after the service(s).

What it is:An after-service gathering provides an opportunity for thefamily and friends to continue to celebrate the life of thedeceased, share memories and offer support in a more relaxedenvironment.

Purpose:Time constraints often prohibit adequate one-on-one timefor family and friends to convey their thoughts, memoriesand verbal tributes to one another. An after-service gatheringis a timely opportunity for those conversations to take place.An after-service gathering typically includes food and refresh-ments for those who attended the service.

Did you know...An after-service gathering can be held at various locations, including the family’s home, funeral home,church, country club, restaurant or other location.

When it is held:An after-service gathering is generally held immediately following the conclusion of the formal service(s).


� Yes, I want a gathering after the service(s)

� No, I do not want a gathering after the service(s)


Types of gathering:


� Family and selected guests

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� Public


Places of gathering:

� At the family’s residence:_______________________________

� Funeral home:_________________________________________

� Church: _______________________________________________

� Restaurant: ___________________________________________

� Country Club: _________________________________________

� Other location: ________________________________________


Decide which service vehicles should be included in your plan.

Service vehicles are available to perform transportation services to assist your family and friends.

Service vehicles include:

• Transfer Vehicle – transfers the deceased from the place ofdeath to the funeral home in advance of any services

• Funeral Coach (Hearse) – transports the casketed body during funeral services from the funeral home to the service location and the final resting place

• Lead Car – transports funeral home staff and clergy andleads the procession from the funeral or memorial servicesto the final resting place

• Limousine – transports family members throughout the duration of services

• Pallbearer Vehicle – transports pallbearers throughout services

• Flower Vehicle – transports flower tributes throughoutservices



E.


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Did you know...There are several different specialty vehicles used in afuneral or memorial service. A funeral home will typicallyprovide the transfer vehicle, funeral coach, lead car andflower vehicle as a part of their services. The primarydecision for the family is typically focused around the useof limousines.

Limousines for family members and Pallbearer Vehicles arefrequently used but are not required for services.

Indicate your preferences:

In addition to the required transfer vehicle, funeral coachand funeral service lead car, you can utilize the services ofother vehicles: (check all that you would like)

� Limousine(s)

� I prefer not to use a limousine(s)

� Pallbearer Vehicle

� I prefer not to use a Pallbearer Vehicle


Other transportation services:

� Limousine services (check all that you would like)

� To and from the home(s) of family members to thefuneral home

� To and from the airport for arriving and departing family members

� To and from the airport for arriving and departing out-of-town visitors

� To and from services for family-designated attendees

� Other: ______________________________________________


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� Transport flowers to designated location(s) (check all that you would like)

� The home(s) of the deceased’s family

� Nursing home: ______________________________________

� Hospital:____________________________________________

� Other location(s):____________________________________

� Locations(s) designated by my next of kin


Notes:



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Each service, whether a funeral, memorial, committal orafter-service gathering, represents a unique opportunity topersonalize the service to be a unique tribute to the deceased.

The options for creating a more meaningful experience are limitless. The following ideas are offered to stimulateyour creativity in thinking through events that would bemeaningful to you, your family and friends. Services can bepersonalized through visual tributes, inspirational tributes,music, affiliation-specific services, the officiant, verbal tributesand pallbearers.

Did you know...A tribute can be as simple and inexpensive or as involvedand expensive as you wish. Both simple tributes – theplacement of a handkerchief, possibly monogrammedwith a name or message – to video tributes – messagesfrom the family and background music with your selections – can create meaningful experiences and cherished memories.

Visual tributes to include with services

� Video tribute with film footage, photographs or a combination, enhanced with background music

� Photo tribute featuring framed photographs, as a collageor in scrapbook form

� Memory table to display personal items, photographs,medals and other tangible items


� I do not want a visual tribute

STEP 3 Decide how to personalize your services.

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A.

Inspirational tributes to include with services

Releases

� Dove release to symbolize peace and tranquility

� Butterfly release to signify the transformation of life

� Balloon release to signify the lifting of spirits


� I do not want this type of inspirational tribute

Ceremonies

� Candlelighting ceremony to signify the family’s bond withthe deceased

� Angel ceremony to symbolize the wings of love. (Involvesgathering near the casket, urn or other designatedmemorial area for the placement of guardian angel pinson family members or designated ceremony participants.)

� Teddy bear ceremony to offer a lovable source of comfort,particularly for children and grandchildren. (Involves the gifting of Teddy bears to children or other ceremony participants to serve as a symbol of their love for andbond with the deceased.)



Take-Home Tributes

� Memory pillow for written messages and notes from family and friends

� Pins and pendants to signify the marriage commitmentand the earthly separation of two hearts

� Bird seeds passed out to family and friends to signify the deceased’s love of animals

� Flower seeds that can be planted to symbolize a growingbond with the deceased, even in death





B.

Step 3: Decide how to personalize your services.

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Music

Music is inspirational, soothing and thought provoking. It canspark fond memories, bring comfort and enable reflection.

Did you now...While funeral music is frequently faith-based, you canselect any type of music and specify specific songs.

Important to remember:

• The type of music and the specific selections should bea reflection of your life, passions and personal style.

Music options: (check all that apply)

� Faith-based: ___________________________________________

� Country � Pop

� Rock � Jazz

� Other: ________________________________________________


Music selections:

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Musician options: (check all that you would like)

� Organist � Pianist � Bagpiper

� Trumpeter � Harpist � Violinist

� String Quartet

� Other instrumentalist(s): _______________________________

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� Other musician(s)


Affiliations

Veterans

A veteran is entitled to military honors, available upon requestto the funeral director and at the availability of the military.

What is required:

Honorable discharge papers must be provided to the funeralhome, which will handle all associated arrangements.

My military discharge papers are located ___________________

__________________________________________________________


� A flag-folding ceremony at the graveside

� To the next-of-kin

� To a designated recipient: ___________________________

� A free headstone or marker

� A free grave within a veteran’s cemetery, pendingapproval and availability

Personalization options:

� Personalized casket with your rank and branch of service

� Rank: ______________________________________________

� Branch of service: ___________________________________

� Personalized urn with your rank and branch of service

� Rank:_______________________________________________

� Branch of service: ___________________________________



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� Display of your military memorabilia

� Medals

� Certificates

� Photographs

� Placement of your military uniform near the casket or urnat the service

� A military service

� Taps

� Other military music:___________________________________

� A gun salute, if permissible

� Stationary to reflect your branch of service

� Display of the flag after the service in a case:

Civic Affiliations

If you are a member of certain organizations, an organization-specific service can also be held during the funeral, memorial,graveside or other formal service.

Indicate your affiliations:

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

2.

Society or Fraternal Organizations


� Fraternal organization pin attached to your burial clothing

� Other pin attached to your burial clothing

� Memorabilia included on a memory table

� Other: ________________________________________________


Officiant

An officiant is the person designated to lead the services. In many instances, the officiant is a member of the clergy or a close family friend, although you can designate anyoneyou wish.


� Clergy or minister: _____________________________________

� Family member: _______________________________________

� A family member designated by family at time of need

� Friend:________________________________________________

� Friend designated by the family at time of need

� Celebrant

� Funeral Director

� Other: ________________________________________________


Verbal Tributes

Eulogy

A eulogy is a summarization in written or spoken word of thedeceased’s life. The eulogy is generally given at the memorialor funeral service.



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3.


� Clergy or minister

� Family member: _______________________________________

� A family member designated by family at time of need

� Friend:________________________________________________

� Friend designated by the family at time of need

� Celebrant

� Funeral Director

� Other: ________________________________________________


Readings, Poems and Verses

Readings, poems and verses of particular meaning to you,your family and/or friends can be included in the services.


� Faith-based reading

� Specific reading: ____________________________________

Read by: ____________________________________________


Read by: ____________________________________________


Read by: ____________________________________________


� Poem

� Specific poem: ______________________________________

Read by: ____________________________________________

� Specific poem: ______________________________________

Read by: ____________________________________________


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2.

� Specific poem: ______________________________________

Read by: ____________________________________________


� Verse

� Specific verse: _______________________________________

Read by: ____________________________________________

� Specific verse: _______________________________________

Read by: ____________________________________________

� Specific verse: _______________________________________

Read by: ____________________________________________


Pallbearers

Pallbearers are designated to escort the casketed bodythroughout the services to the final resting place.

Who they are:

Many times, the pallbearers are close friends and familymembers or members of one’s church or union.

Did you know...The funeral home can also arrange for pallbearers toescort the body.

Indicate your preferences for pallbearers:

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________



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5. ______________________________________________________

6. ______________________________________________________

7. ______________________________________________________

8. ______________________________________________________

Tribute to a Gardener

Some of my fondest memories of my mother are of hermeticulously tending to her garden. When she became ill,Mom couldn’t even walk the three steps from the back porchto her prized garden. It was heartbreaking.

I incorporated Mom’s love for gardening into her funeral service by filling the room with photos of Mom in the garden,and decorating with plants, baskets of colorful vegetables,potted wild flowers, and her gardening tools, some stillencrusted with dried soil.

At the cemetery, we handed out packets of forget-me-notseeds to our friends and family with our request that theyplant the seeds in Mom’s memory. When all was said anddone, I was pleased that Mom’s service not only celebratedher life, but really helped my brothers and me to say good-bye in a unique and meaningful way.

Everest’s Advisors have years of funeral planning experience.They can suggest many ways in which to celebrate your lifewith warmth, dignity, and love.

Notes:



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A wide range of caskets are available in today’s marketplace.Selecting the appropriate casket to meet your needs is animportant decision and is a matter of personal style, religiousbeliefs and disposition preference. There are three types ofcaskets: metal, wood and cremation.

Important to know:The casket cost is primarily determined by craftsmanshipand materials.

Metal Caskets

Metal caskets are available in a range of materials – bronze,copper, stainless steel and steel.

Important to know:Metal and wood casket price ranges are comparable toone another.

Metal casket material options: (listed in descending order of quality)

� Bronze is a semiprecious metal and a premium selection.It is measured in ounces and each square foot of the casketshell holds a determined number of ounces of bronze. Forexample, a 48 ounce bronze casket equates to each squarefoot of the casket shell holding 48 ounces of bronze. It is the strongest and most dense casket metal available.It will neither rust, corrode or oxidize.

� Copper is a semiprecious metal and a premium selectionbut is a softer metal than either bronze or stainless steel.Each square foot of the casket shell holds a determinednumber of ounces of copper. For example, a 32 ounce

A.

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STEP 4 Decide whether you want a metal,wood or cremation casket.

copper casket equates to each square foot of the casketholding 32 ounces of copper. It will never rust or corrode.

� Stainless Steel is composed of chromium and nickel and isa metal that should not rust or pit as soon as steel.

� Steel is measured in gauges – 16, 18 and 20. For example,in each inch of a 16 gauge casket, 16 sheets of steel areused to make one inch of steel. The thickness of the steeldetermines its longevity and the lower the number, thethicker the metal. Steel is not a protective metal and willrust and pit over time.

Wood Caskets

Wood caskets are available in hardwood, comprised of leafbearing trees such as mahogany, walnut, cherry, oak andpoplar, and softer needle-bearing woods such as pine. A notable difference between wood and metal is that no two wood caskets are alike.

Important to know:

• Craftsmanship and materials determine the cost ofwood caskets.

• Wood and metal casket price ranges are comparable toone another.

Wood casket options: (listed in descending order of quality)

� Mahogany is a durable hardwood that varies in colorfrom pinkish to deep reddish brown.

� Walnut is a hardwood that is typically stained to a mediumto dark brown color.

� Cherry is a hardwood of variable color averaging moderate red.

� Oak is a hardwood that is lighter in color than mahoganyand cherry.



B.

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Step 4: Decide whether you want a metal, wood or cremation casket.

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� Pine is a softer wood that ranges in color from white to yellow.

� Poplar is a hardwood that is typically stained to resemblea wood casket of a different type.

� Cloth-covered pressboard comes in multi-textured clothfinishes and are a low-cost alternative.

Cremation Caskets

Cremation caskets are used exclusively for those who selectcremation. Cremation caskets are also the appropriate choiceif you want to have your body present at a funeral serviceand then have it cremated following the service. A cremationcasket affords the option of having the body cremated in acasket verses an inexpensive, less personal cremation container.Unlike cremation caskets, cremation containers are typicallymade of inexpensive materials like particleboard or cardboard.Craftsmanship and materials determine the cost of a crema-tion casket.

Important to know:

• Some funeral homes provide the option of a rental orceremonial casket if you choose to have your bodypresent at the funeral services then cremated followingthe service.

• A rental or ceremonial casket has an insert that is cremated with the body.

Cremation casket options: (listed in descending order of quality)

� Mahogany is a durable hardwood that varies in colorfrom pinkish to deep reddish brown.

� Walnut is a hardwood that is typically stained to a medium to dark brown color.

� Cherry is a hardwood of variable color averaging a moderate red.

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� Oak is a hardwood that is lighter in color than mahoganyand cherry.

� Pine is a softer wood that ranges in color from white to yellow.

� Poplar is a hardwood that is typically stained to resemblea wood casket of a different type.

� Cloth covered pressboard.


� Metal casket, as indicated in section A

� Wood casket, as indicated in section B

� Cremation casket, as indicated in section C


If you chose a metal casket, indicate your preferences in this section.

Metal casket material options:

� Bronze

� Copper

� Stainless Steel

� Steel

� I prefer a metal casket, but do not have a preference forthe type of metal.

Metal casket exterior options:

� White � Blue � Pink

� Gray � Cream � Other: ________________________

Metal casket interior options:

� I prefer a neutral interior color that comes with theselected exterior color.



A.

� I prefer a customized interior color and understand thatcustom orders may require additional delivery time.

� Blue � Pink � Cream

� Other: ______________________________________________

If you chose a wood casket, indicate your preferences in this section.

Wood casket options:

� Mahogany � Walnut � Cherry � Oak

� Pine � Poplar � Cloth-covered pressboard

� I prefer a wood casket, but do not have a preference forthe type of wood.

Wood casket interior options:

� I prefer a neutral interior color that comes with theselected exterior color.

� I prefer a customized interior color and understand thatcustom orders may require additional delivery time.

� Blue � Pink � Cream

� Other: ______________________________________________

If you chose a cremation casket,

indicate your preferences in this section.


� I prefer a cremation casket.

� I prefer a cremation container.

� I prefer a rental casket, if available.

� I do not have a cremation casket or alternative cremationcontainer preference.

Cremation casket options:

� Mahogany � Walnut � Cherry � Oak

� Pine � Poplar � I do not have a preference


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B.

C.

If you have selected an earth burial for a casket orfor cremated remains, decide whether you want aburial vault or a grave liner.

Most cemeteries require the use of a burial vault or graveliner to protect the remains from the loads imposed on theground by heavy equipment used to maintain the cemetery.

Burial Vaults are most commonly used because of their durableconstruction and protective features. However, non-protectivegrave liners, generally constructed of concrete, will meet theminimum requirements of most cemeteries.

Like caskets and urns, the cost of the burial vault depends onthe materials used.

Burial Vault

A burial vault is designed to be a protective receptacle madeto contain and protect the casket or urn.

Grave Liner

A grave liner is a box-like container that houses the casket orurn and protects it from the weight of the earth.


� I prefer a burial vault

� I prefer a grave liner


Burial vault material options:

� Metal

� Plastic

� Concrete



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Burial vault personalization options:

� Your name

� Life dates

� Emblem

� Religious: ___________________________________________

� Military: ____________________________________________

� Civic: _______________________________________________

� Other: ______________________________________________

If you are being cremated, decide what type of urn you want.

An urn is a container used to hold cremated remains and canbe the resting place.

Purpose:An urn secures and protects the cremated remains.

Did you know...An urn does not have to be purchased at a funeral home.You can supply a container of your choice.

Important to know:

• Requirements for urn dimensions and types vary bycemetery and should be discussed before an urn is purchased if the resting place is a grave or niche.

• Some urns are designed specifically for burial whereasothers are designed for retention.

• As with caskets, the craftsmanship and materials usedto construct the urn determine its cost.

• Any urn can be personalized.

• Urns are designed specifically for the type of restingplace you prefer, whether earth burial, scattering, nicheor retention.

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• You are not limited to selecting only one urn. Forexample, keepsake urns can hold a small amount of thecremated remains that have been apportioned.

• Some urns are works of art due to materials andprocesses used in their construction. For example, a castbronze urn represents a work of art because of the lostwax process that prevents its duplication.

• When an urn is returned to the family of the deceased,it is accompanied by a permit stating the resting place.

Material options:

� Wood

� Cast bronze

� Stainless steel

� Steel

� Acrylic materials

� Sheet bronze

� Glass

� Other: ________________________________________________


Urn Options:

� Jewelry box

� Memory chest

� Scattering urn

� Multi-use urn

� Vase

� Wind chimes

� Jewelry

� Bird bath (some of which hold multiple cremated remains)




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� Humidors

� Fountain

� Sun dial

� Other: ________________________________________________


Tribute to a Bike enthusiast

When I met Robert in college, I thought his lust for hittingthe open road on his bike was something he would outgrow.Twenty-five years and thousands of miles later, he had taughtour sons to ride and had also made an enthusiast out of me.When cancer confined Robert to a bed in the living room, thefour of us began to speak openly about planning a properbiker send off. Robert was cremated on a Thursday. On thefollowing Saturday morning, my sons and I met all of his riding buddies at the pavilion on Route 5, just as Robert haddone every weekend for years. We stood his bike in the backof his son’s pickup and started out on the 200-mile loop.More than 40 bikers road along with us on that crystal day.As we neared Robert’s favorite stretch of road over themountain, my son and I opened Robert’s urn and scatteredhis ashes into the valley.

Notes:



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Floral arrangements can be personalized through the selectionof meaningful colors, flowers, plant species, the number of flowers in the arrangement or the actual shape of thearrangement.

If you choose to state preferences in your plan, you may wantto note alternatives, as seasons can affect availability.

Important to know:You can designate which flowers go to the resting placeand whether floral tributes should be distributed to otherplaces following the conclusion of the services.

Casket Spray

The casket spray is a floral expression of sympathy and lovethat oftentimes include colors or types of flowers that havesignificance to the deceased.

Did you know...The casket spray can be enhanced by ribbons, terms ofendearment, charms, statues, candles or other tangibles.

Where it goes:

On a closed casket, the casket spray is placed on top in themiddle of the casket. On an open casket, the casket spray is centered atop the closed end of the casket. After the conclusion of formal services, the casket spray is placed ontop of the burial site.

Family Piece

A family piece is a floral expression of sympathy and lovefrom family members.

STEP 5 Decide about the floral arrangements.

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A.

B.

Types:

A family piece can be a standing spray, a basket of flowers or fresh-cut flowers in a vase.

Who gives it:

Family pieces are given by the surviving spouse, children, siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles andcousins.

Where it goes:

Family pieces are generally placed near the head of the casket, near the urn or at a focal point in a memorial service.Family pieces often accompany the casket or urn to servicesat the final place of rest.

Did you know...A family piece can be enhanced by ribbons, terms ofendearment, charms, statues, candles or other tangibles.

While the type of piece and florals included in the piece aregenerally selected by the family member sending the floraltribute, you may wish to make notes that will be beneficial toyour family at the time of need.

Floral Arrangements:

� Yes, I do want flowers

� No, I do not want flowers

Types of floral arrangements:

� Casket Spray

� Family Piece

� Other: ________________________________________________




!

Step 5: Decide about the floral arrangements.

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Types of flower species and colors:

� Roses: ______________________ Colors: ___________________

� Carnations: _________________ Colors: ___________________

� Mums:______________________ Colors: ___________________

� Lilies: _______________________ Colors: ___________________

� Other Species:_______________ Colors: ___________________

� Other Species:_______________ Colors: ___________________

Distribution after services: (check all that you would like)

� Family members

� Hospital

� Nursing home

� The graves of other family members

� Other: ________________________________________________

Notes:

A Tribute to a Golfer

Uncle Jim was a golf nut. From early spring till late fall, he played 18 holes almost every Sunday and found time foranother nine holes several times a week after work. Youmight think that his love for golf would have kept him frombeing a loving husband and devoted father, but that was notthe case. Everyone loved Uncle Jim. When he died suddenly,on a golfing holiday in the southern United States, Aunt Kateknew exactly how to pay tribute to his life.

On the morning of the service, his buddies gathered to play a round. When they reached the 18th hole, there was a small canvas tent set up, as a kind of outdoor chapel, next to the fairway. Family and friends were dressed in golf attireand a few even brought along their clubs. Next to a portrait of Uncle Jim stood his prized bag of clubs and an array of hismany golfing trophies. At the end of the memorial service,everyone received a helium balloon that looked like a golfball. His three golfing buddies lined up and drove three ballsout of bounds as the balloons were released towards heaven.

No matter where you are, Everest is always as close as thenearest telephone. Even if you’re away from home whendeath occurs, we can help make the arrangements easier withquick access to your Everest plan, and any other informationor assistance that’s needed.



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The written word represents a powerful way for both thefamily and service attendees to record attendance and forthe family to provide a written tribute and offer appreciationfor support.

� Register book – allows guests to register their attendance

� Memorial folders– a simple take-home program of the service

� Thank you cards

� Prayer / Holy Cards

� Laminated obituary notices

Notes:

STEP 6 Decide which stationery items are appropriate for you.



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If you have ties to a particular place of worship, charitableorganization or civic club, whether through membership, volunteer work or other events, you may prefer to have contributions made to them in your memory versus receiving floral tributes.


� Place of worship: ______________________________________

� Charitable organization: _______________________________

� Civic club: _____________________________________________

� Other: ________________________________________________

Notes:

STEP 7 Decide if you have any preferences towhich memorial contributions should be made.



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Once you have compiled your selections in the “My Wishes”Planning Guide, it is very important to communicate yourdecisions to Everest so that your plan can be held in safe-keeping in our secure electronic data file.

You have two options to finalize and submit your plan to thesecure electronic data file:

Option 1:

If you are satisfied with your selections and do not wish tospeak to a Everest Planning Advisor, please mail the foldertitled “My Wishes” Planning Guide to Everest. Use theenclosed self-addressed envelope for your convenience.

Option 2:

If you would like to speak to a Everest Planning Advisor tofinalize your funeral plan, call us toll-free at 1-877-456-5050to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our knowledgeable Planning Advisors. With this option, theEverest Planning Advisor will complete and submit the foldertitled “My Wishes” Planning Guide to the secure data file on your behalf.

After you submit your plan:

Everest will use your completed “My Wishes” Planning Guideto produce a formal “My Wishes” plan.

The “My Wishes” Planning Guide will be returned to youalong with your “My Wishes” plan. Everest will keep a copyof your plan in our secure data file in case you wish to makechanges in the future.

STEP 8 Decide if you would like to speak with an Everest Planning Advisor or submityour plan directly to Everest.

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Additional Wishes:

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Documents

My Wishes Planning Guide - Everest Funeral · Did you know... People choose cremation for a range of emotional and financial reasons, including environmental issues, religious beliefs