Funeral Traditions and Final Resting Choices

Decisions about funerals, burial, and final resting places are more varied than many people realize. Personal values, family needs, cultural traditions, costs, and practical realities can all influence what feels appropriate—and understanding the available choices before they are needed can make future decisions more manageable.

This live online class offers a clear, accessible overview of traditional and emerging funeral and final resting practices. Participants will consider the costs, logistics, and ethical questions that may accompany different options, along with the ways funeral traditions and contemporary approaches can shape end-of-life decisions.

The class also looks beyond disposition to the meaningful choices that can be made before and afterward, including legacy planning, memorialization, and thoughtful or creative ways of honoring and placing ashes.

By the end of the class, participants should have a clearer framework for comparing options, discussing preferences, and identifying the questions they may want to ask when planning for themselves or supporting someone else.

This class is open to everyone. No previous knowledge or professional experience is required.

All class proceeds directly support the Center for Death Education’s mission to keep accurate, compassionate information about death, dying, grief, and end-of-life care accessible and affordable.