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Changing the Conversation Around Cremation: Featured in American Cemetery & Cremation

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:48:15 GMT

Last month an article, written by our very own Nikki Nordeen, was featured in American Cemetery & Cremation . This insightful piece in the Cremation Column explores how funeral professionals can reshape the cremation conversation by showing families more meaningful, visually impactful options. With over 60% of families now choosing cremation, the need to offer thoughtful, personalized alternatives is more important than ever.

You can read the full article below.

American Cemetery & Cremation: Cremation Column

Movies, TV shows, and social media have shaped how we see cremation. It’s portrayed as “funerals are expensive,” so a person chooses direct cremation, is put into an urn, then either placed on a shelf or spread somewhere. For many families, they’ve made the choice for a basic cremation before even visiting a funeral home. And for many, it’s where the conversation ends.

But what if they were educated? What if you had the tools to show families their options before someone they loved passed away, or even when they’re right there in person? And what if the options you showed sparked a meaningful conversation instead of a quick decision? What if they inspired reflection, memory-sharing, and most importantly, a desire to create a service that honors the person they’ve lost?

In a time where over 60% of families choose cremation, showing their options is more than just practical. It’s an emotional turning point. You can either close the door on service discussions or throw it wide open and be the hero.

Options Shape Perception

Even when families are shown only the most basic choices, their thinking may be unintendedly guided to: “Keep it simple. Keep it affordable.” The result: many choose direct cremation with no service, no viewing, and no opportunity to gather and begin healing.

This isn’t because families don’t care. They just need the inspiration to think bigger and know what it means when they don’t and have to live with regrets. That’s where you can really shine.

When you introduce a family to cremation options that feature artful, personalized, or symbolic designs, they begin to understand how these choices can act as a centerpiece in celebrating a life well lived. The right visual presentation communicates possibility. It says, “You have choices” and invites deeper thought and emotional investment in the process.

Did you know? Every month 300,000+ Americans search for both personal funerals and eco-friendly funeral options. This tells us that cremation doesn’t always mean basic. Families want more.

A Selection Room is Not Just for Burial

When a family chooses burial, you take them into the selection room to select a casket, so why not with cremation? Start by showing them the basic containers beside more premium options. Not only will you see their reaction, but from there on, you’ll see a change in their thinking.

Because visuals matter – they trigger emotion. Say a wife sees an option with a lake scene on it for their late fisherman husband. Suddenly, the memories of July out on the water, just the two of them, start coming back. Then it becomes: “Should I bring in some of his rods?” and “I should invite his fishing buddies to the service.” And you’re there to help guide them along.

Options like LifeArt cremation containers are designed with this idea in mind. With designs inspired by life, they show that cremation doesn’t mean cutting corners. It can be just as personal – and full service – as any traditional funeral.

But it doesn’t just stop at the container. Do you have coordinating urns and keepsakes they can see side by side? What if they still want to bury? Do you have urn vaults or a headstone catalogue? People are visually oriented and seeing options helps them create a mental picture of what their service could be.

So, is it time to switch up your showroom to showcase cremation options? To build this experience online? Seeing all their cremation options makes families more confident in their decisions. When they feel their choices reflect the unique qualities of their loved one, they feel good about the experience.

Show More. Serve More.

When funeral directors lead with thoughtful, visually impactful options, families respond differently. Instead of “just cremation,” they start talking about:

Holding a viewing for close family and friends
Adding keepsakes to share among loved ones
Hosting a celebration of life that reflects the person’s interests or personality

This is where your wealth of experience with traditional burial services and products comes into play. You already understand how to guide families through creating personalized, heartfelt burial ceremonies. Now, it’s about applying that same care and creativity to cremation.

Let them see what a service with cremation could look like with a viewing, a ceremony, and different kinds of gatherings. People nowadays are always looking for different ways to personalize. Do you offer at-home or in-the-community celebrations of life? Whatever options you offer, simply let them know on your website and in person. You’ll get more planned services and more satisfied, repeat families.

People Heal Better Together

When families choose more funeral services, they’re not just making arrangements. They’re creating space for their community to show up and support them. For friends, neighbors, and extended family to say their goodbyes, share stories, and offer a helping hand. These shared moments help families feel less isolated in their grief and more connected to those around them.

Rather than simply moving on from a direct cremation with little closure, families who take the time to plan find greater comfort in knowing they honored their loved one in a way that mattered, not just to them, but to everyone who cared. That experience leads to fewer regrets and a deeper sense of peace.

And when families are guided through this kind of planning with care and clarity, they’re more likely to see your funeral home as a vital partner in their journey, not just a provider of services, but a source of lasting support.

Be Memorable in Families’ Minds

The funeral profession is built on relationships, and those relationships are built on the families’ experience, or lack thereof. If families aren’t told about cremation options, the end result is “I’ll just go with the basic package.”

Now some will always want the cheapest option, but many will want more. If all families know what you offer is the same, standard options that everyone offers, what’s drawing them back to your funeral home?

What families remember long after a service isn’t always the cost or the paperwork, it’s how they felt. Whether they felt supported and seen. And whether they honored their loved one in a way that mattered.

The right cremation options, those that truly speak to the life lived, can elevate the entire experience. Families are more likely to walk away feeling at peace and feeling connected, and they remember who helped them create something meaningful. Not only do they come back, they tell others.

Make Choice a Team Effort

Introducing new cremation options isn’t just about placing them in the arrangement room. It requires a team approach. Your staff needs to understand how to present these options in a way that feels natural, respectful, and aligned with the family’s needs.

Equipping your funeral home team with the right tools and training can make all the difference in how new cremation options reach your community and are received. Your staff plays a vital role in shaping each family’s experience, and giving them confidence starts with meaningful support.

Resources like:

Professionally designed brochures and marketing materials
A branded landing page to help families explore options at their own pace
Pre-written emails and social content to spark interest
Training videos and ongoing support to guide staff in conversations

These materials make it easier for your team to show and educate families on their options, helping them feel more supported, more informed, and more inspired to plan something meaningful.

Look to Your Providers for Support

You already wear so many hats; you don’t have to shoulder the responsibility of change alone. Product and service providers like LifeArt by Terrybear are often equipped with ready-to-use resources to support you and your team.

From marketing kits and digital tools to staff training and showroom display materials, providers can act as partners in helping you enhance your offerings and communicate them effectively.

Don’t hesitate to ask your suppliers what they offer. You may be surprised by how much support is available, and it means you’re not starting from scratch. You’re building on proven tools and strategies that are already designed to help you succeed, so focus more on your families and less on logistics.

A Conversation That Connects

Ultimately, the right cremation option isn’t about sales. It’s about helping families understand that, even when choosing cremation, a service can still feel personal, dignified, and complete.

When a family is shown a cardboard box next to their options, they may choose the basic. But when they see a choice that feels meaningful, they ask questions. They share memories. They start thinking about what their loved one would have wanted.

And in that moment, a true celebration of life begins to take shape.

Funeral professionals are in a unique position to guide these conversations. By choosing to show better options, they not only create more rewarding experiences for families, they set themselves apart in a competitive, evolving market. Be the place known for better cremation options.

If you're interested in reading the featured article in American Cemetery & Cremation, follow the link here .

LifeArt Spotlight on The Final Curtain Never Closes Podcast

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:39:17 GMT

LifeArt Spotlight on The Final Curtain Never Closes Podcast

Episode #34 of The Final Curtain Never Closes podcast features Nikki Nordine and Brent Thorson from LifeArt and Terrybear, spotlighting how innovation and shifting consumer trends are reshaping cremation services.

At the heart of the conversation?

LifeArt cremation containers, meeting the demand for personalized and eco-conscious products.

TerryBear’s journey from plush toys to personalized memorials might surprise some listeners, but it’s a perfect illustration of how the industry has evolved to meet the desires of families. What started with brass urns has expanded into an ever-growing offering of products that reflect both the lives of those lost and the values of the people planning their goodbyes.

While it used to be “what you see is what you get,” now that’s not viable. The way families search for products and services has changed with the expanding influence of the internet. Most families are searching for options before they even step foot in a funeral home - and they want more than just the basic options.

For Terrybear, it has put the consumer in the driver’s seat. By listening to what families are searching for, they use that data to direct product development and create new innovations that fulfil the demand.

That’s where LifeArt comes in, as an answer to what people are searching today:

“In the Houston market alone there are 15,000 people Googling for personalized funerals every single month” Says Brent, “and there are 25,000 people a month looking for eco-friendly options, so that’s what people are looking for and the internet sort of tells us what those preferences are.”

And it doesn’t stop there. The future of the industry is going to be driven by personalization. From thumbprint jewelry to themed cremation containers to scattering urns and more. The demand for more personal products and experiences is expected to continue to grow. That begs the question - are you offering the options families are searching for?

�� Listen to the full episode

Cremation Innovations Event: Quick Tips & Watch the Recording 👀

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:06:19 GMT

Cremation Innovations 2025, hosted by Kates-Boylston Publications , brought together funeral professionals from around the country for a forward-looking virtual event aimed at helping firms thrive in a rapidly shifting market. Our very own Brent Thorson, Client Success & Growth Manager at LifeArt, hosted a session which provided clear, actionable strategies for helping cremation-offering funeral homes stand out in a competitive landscape.

Titled “ Cremation Innovation: 5 Ways to Catapult Your Firm Ahead of Your Competition ” Brent’s talk offered real-world insight and practical ideas for engaging today’s cremation families - not just in your funeral home, but before they walk in the door as well.

Furthermore, Brent went on Kates-Boylston’s Funeral Service Insider: The Podcast to speak more about his presentation at the event with Tony Russo. There he highlights the disconnect between a funeral home's reputation for service vs their visibility as cremation providers. Below are some key takeaways from what he shared.

Cremation is #1 But Families Don’t Know What’s Possible

Cremation now accounts for over 60% of U.S. dispositions (predicted to grow to 84% in 2045), yet many families still choose direct cremation without any service, not because they prefer it, but because they don’t know what else is possible. Many times they walk in already chosen direct cremation beforehand and then aren’t shown anything different.

Takeaway: Show families all the cremation options you offer. You have the unique opportunity to educate your families on their choices and the result will be more services and add-ons. Extra tips in the recording!

Be Known for Best Service AND Cremation Service

Funeral directors take pride in the high level of service they offer and it’s what brings families back to them. But do all families know this service is offered? Brent talks about a New York cremation presentation he attended, where it turned out that 70% of families in the area surveyed didn’t even know their local funeral home offered cremation.

Takeaway: It’s simply not enough to hang your hat on best service today. The firms that have an online presence that attracts researching families and make themselves known for cremation win. Is it time to do more with cremation? LifeArt can start the cremation conversation differently - we guarantee it!

Take Advantage of Search Numbers and Offer Options Families Want

More families than ever are turning to Google to find cremation options.

590,000+ Americans search every month for cremation
300,000+ Americans search every month for personalized funeral options
330,000+ Americans search every month for eco-friendly options

These numbers show that cremation providers should be asking themselves a few questions, such as: “Does my website have cremation content that attracts and lets families know about my cremation services?” “Am I offering cremation options that families are searching for?” (Including LifeArt, a more personal and eco-friendly option).

Takeaway: The opportunity is out there for more cremation calls. By making cremation more visible on your website, and adding the options families are searching for, you can drive more traffic to your funeral home.

Want to see the number of people searching in your local area?

�� Click here to get your personalized options search numbers in YOUR community.

�� Click here to see how many people in your area search for eco-friendly funeral options.

All in all be the Best Known for Cremation Service

With all these key points and more, many left Brent’s Cremation Innovations talk with new ideas and strategies for becoming the best known in their area for cremation and driving more cremation calls to their door.

��If you missed the event or want to revisit Brent’s talk, you can watch the recording here .

��Or listen to Brent’s post-event podcast here .

Let’s keep the cremation conversation going.

Doors Open for LifeArt Week : June 2-6, 2025!

Thu, 22 May 2025 22:59:33 GMT

We’re throwing our office doors wide open - all we need is you, MN funeral professionals!

Introducing LifeArt Week . We know your schedule is busy and unpredictable, so that gave us an idea. Since there’s something powerful about seeing LifeArt in person - why not make it easier than ever to come in, see it, and learn more about this meaningful cremation option?

That’s why from June 2 to June 6, our doors will be open 8am to 5pm for you to stop by at your convenience. No RSVP needed. Come see all eight container designs, plus urns and cremation accessories, and learn how LifeArt can work for you.

You’ll see why earlier this month, when we hosted our LifeArt Lunch & Learn, every funeral home in attendance added LifeArt to their selection room . The reason? LifeArt premium cremation containers offer:

A meaningful, elevated alternative to corrugated or MDF
Beautiful, eco-friendly designs that resonate with families
A powerful way to differentiate your business
Marketing support to help you present and sell LifeArt with ease

We still haven’t gotten to the best part: Order by June 6 and you’ll receive 20% off all LifeArt purchases for the rest of 2025.

So make sure to mark LifeArt week in your calendar and don’t miss out!

But if you can’t make it - no worries! Click here to schedule a one-on-one demo at your convenience.

We can’t wait to see you this LifeArt week!

LifeArt is Heading to Vegas for the 2025 ICCFA Annual Convention

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 02:37:34 GMT

Viva Las Vegas! LifeArt is excited to announce our attendance at the 2025 ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition , taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 30th to May 3rd . As one of the funeral profession’s premier events, ICCFA brings together industry leaders from across the country—and LifeArt is proud to be attending for the first time.

At ICCFA, we’ll be showcasing our beautiful line of premium cremation containers —a revolutionary alternative to the standard cardboard box in most basic packages. Designed to elevate and expand upon cremation services, our containers are environmentally responsible, visually stunning, and crafted with quality to help families engage in fuller, more emotional farewells.

If you’ve been curious about LifeArt, this is your chance to experience our products in person, connect with our team, and learn how funeral homes are using LifeArt to start more meaningful conversations with cremation families—and increase funeral services while doing it.

�� Find us at Booth #708
�� April 30 – May 3, 2025
�� Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

From design inspiration to business growth strategies, we’ll be sharing how LifeArt empowers funeral professionals to lead with innovation and care. Whether you're already interested in LifeArt or just hearing about us for the first time, we’d love to meet you and show just what’s possible with LifeArt.

Can’t wait until Vegas? Visit www.lifeartus.com to preview our design collection and learn more.

Let’s change the future of cremation - together. See you in Vegas!

LifeArt’s New Site Is Changing the Conversation

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 02:36:38 GMT

We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand new website: www.lifeartus.com - designed to better serve funeral professionals and families searching for more meaningful, beautiful, and sustainable cremation options.

Built with families and our partners in mind, the new site is more than just a new chapter. It’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for: innovation, empathy, and a deep commitment to reshaping the cremation conversation through education.

Visitors can now explore our full line of premium, eco-friendly cremation containers, designed to feel personal and create a lasting impression. Each container tells a story of a unique life - what was important to them and the values they lived by - making LifeArt a compelling choice for families.

Beyond showcasing our container designs, the site offers new educational content, marketing support, and insights into how LifeArt helps funeral homes connect with families on their funeral options. Whether you're a funeral director, industry partner, or a family looking for something unique, the new website provides a seamless, inspiring way to learn how LifeArt is transforming cremation care.

“This isn’t just about a website,” said the LifeArt North America team. “It’s about empowering funeral professionals to lead conversations with families about exploring funeral options that reflect their values and their loved one’s story.”

Ready to explore? Visit lifeartus.com today—and see why more and more funeral homes are choosing to bring LifeArt into the conversation.

Funeral Home Sells First LifeArt Container—In Less Than a Week

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:14:47 GMT

A customer in Texas is winning with LifeArt!

The modest, no-frills container certainly has its place—but for some families, a cardboard container simply isn’t enough. When given the choice, many are wanting more! Many are wanting something that feels personal, beautiful, and dignified. The key? Presenting the options.

One of the first funeral homes to offer LifeArt, located just outside of Houston, TX, saw results almost immediately. Within a week of placing two LifeArt containers in their selection room, they sold the Soulful Songbirds design to a family making arrangements.

During the meeting, the funeral director physically presented the cremation container included in their standard package—a basic corrugated box. “Here is the cremation container that comes with your package,” the director said. “But we do have other options. Like this.” They then introduced the LifeArt container.

The family didn’t hesitate. As soon as they saw the difference, one of them placed a hand on the LifeArt design and said, “This one will work for us.”

It’s a simple truth: families don’t know what they don’t know . If the only option shown is the standard container, that’s all they’ll choose. But when you offer something more—something meaningful—many families will gravitate toward it. LifeArt is a premium choice, and while it won’t be right for every family, it creates an opportunity that otherwise wouldn’t exist.

Want to see what LifeArt can do for your families and your business? Contact us!

LifeArt to Host Exclusive Launch Party in Houston, TX

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 02:52:40 GMT

We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of LifeArt—the premium cremation container unlike anything else in the industry. Thoughtfully designed to reflect a life well lived, LifeArt transforms the standard, emotionless corrugated container into something beautiful, dignified, and meaningful for families during their most tender moments.

To celebrate our launch, we’re hosting an exclusive Launch Party in Houston, TX, and we invite all local funeral directors and staff to join us for an inspiring evening of education, networking, and of course, great food and drinks. This event is designed to spark fresh thinking and meaningful conversations around the future of cremation care.

Guests will get an exclusive first look at four stunning LifeArt premium cremation containers on display. Discover how LifeArt can help you spark deeper conversations with families—conversations that lead to more viewings, gatherings, and services that truly honor and celebrate the life of the deceased.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the LifeArt team, connect with fellow funeral professionals, and walk away with new insights into how a more personalized, eco-conscious approach can elevate your offerings and increase revenue.

Event Details:

Tuesday, February 25th & Wednesday, 26th 2025

5:00 – 6:00: Open Bar with Hors d’oeuvres & Networking

6:00: Dinner & Education

Location

Ronin Art House – Harrisburg

3501 Harrisburg Blvd

Houston, TX 77003vent