Have you thought of pre-planning your funeral or the funeral of a loved one? Most people prefer to avoid the topic, but planning a funeral in the midst of loss and grief can be one of the most difficult challenges we and our loved ones will ever handle. On the other hand pre-arranging a funeral can be one of the wisest decisions we can make - for our peace of mind, as well as for that of family and friends.
Pre-arrangement allows us to make the time of loss a bit easier for the bereaved by taking the difficult and important decisions regarding funeral and burial services off of their shoulders. Such arrangements can spare survivors the burden of incurring expenses on our behalf during their time of grief and, perhaps most importantly, pre-arrangement ensures that our wishes are fulfilled.
Whether or not you pre-arrange, planning a funeral starts with choosing the right funeral home. Talk to people who have recently experienced a death to find out what recommendations and suggestions they may have. Ministers are also great sources of information and referral . Look for a funeral home that offers an atmosphere of kindness, understanding and respect.
Once you've chosen the facility you'll be using , it's time to make specific decisions regarding the visitation, cremation, funeral, and/or burial plans. Keep in mind that when you are planning a service the funeral home is required by law to give you a price list for services requested. Don't be charged for services you don't want and don't be afraid to ask about any special needs you or your family members may have.
When making the arrangements, remember that the choices you make should reflect the personality of the deceased. Personal hobbies and personality traits can be illustrated through special displays or in the details of the service.
Much more than just a ceremonial duty, a funeral is an opportunity to let loved ones honor the deceased and play a crucial role in their grieving process. Take steps to ensure the experience is fulfilling to loved ones by discussing your plans and pre-arranging your funeral early.
