The Funeral Director As Party Planner: Creative Funeral Ideas

Stoel Rives partner and wealth management adviser Wendy Goffe talks about the growing popularity of creative funeral planning in a column published today by the Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch section. It turns out that, for those who don't want a religious funeral, the instructions left behind are starting to look more like a party planner's agreement, complete with directions for invitations, festive attire, menu, decorations and even souvenirs.

Wendy describes an array of options for the disposal of your remains, including event themes, party favors and memorabilia. For those who simply want to go out with a bang, the sky's the limit, Wendy explains. Literally. Spaces Services, Inc. can launch your ashes into the final frontier, and Angels Flight can pack them into fireworks for an explosive farewell.

Read "50 ways to leave your loved ones," republished by the Wall Street Journal, January 21, 2014. (Subscription required.)

Originally published in LISI Estate Planning Newsletter #2182, January 13, 2014.