Losing a loved one is hard, regardless of the reason. Even when a loved one dies after suffering from a terminal illness, we still grieve their loss. One fact that will not change is that one day, we will all die. It will help if we do all that we can to plan for that inevitability to help make it easier on the loved ones we leave behind. The Funeral Consumers Alliance has helpful information on its website for planning a funeral, the costs, your rights, and options.
Make Sure You Begin the Planning Process
In the same way that we plan for special events in our lives such as vacations, weddings, and having children, we should prepare for having a funeral. Not talking about the subject will not make it go away. When family members know their loved ones’ wishes, it can make it so much easier for the ones who will be making the decisions once that person dies.
Things to Consider When Planning a Funeral
Some of the decisions will involve the type of service, style, and cost of a casket, open or closed casket, or whether to consider cremation. Some factors involved will depend on the religious beliefs of the deceased. A pastor or priest may be an excellent resource to consult. You will need to purchase a burial plot, headstone, or grave marker. For the service, who do you wish to do the eulogy. Is there any particular music you want to include?
Explore All Your Options Before Deciding
When planning a funeral, there is no one size fits all. In the United States, we have become accustomed to purchasing a nice casket to have an open-casket wake, followed by a funeral ceremony and grave-site service. However, most religious leaders will tell you that the care of your loved one is your decision. They may have ritual customs, but the body of the loved one and how you want to lay them to rest is the family’s decision.
Some basic questions you should expect to answer are the following:
Do you wish to have your body cremated, buried, or donated?
Will there be a viewing of the body by family members or members of the public?
Do you wish to have a funeral or memorial service?
Consult More Than One Funeral Home
Often, we choose a funeral home because that is the same one that we’ve always used. However, you may find that another funeral home can provide the type of service you want more economically. Each funeral home may offer a unique style of service that may be more appealing in certain situations. According to the Federal Trade Commission, by law, funeral homes must provide you with an itemized price quote of the services they are offering. If you are considering donating your body, you should check with the medical schools in your area to see if they are accepting donations and their requirements.
Put Your Plans in Writing
When you decide on the type of funeral you want, share it with your loved ones. Make sure you put it in writing and leave it someplace where your loved ones can find it. If something happens where your plans change or cannot be honored, your loved ones will be able to plan and negotiate the cost of the funeral. One example of something unanticipated is when a loved one travels overseas and dies in another country or traveling to that country. In this case, there may be some unexpected logistical expenses.
Don’t Prepay For Funerals
Although it’s an option that most funeral homes offer, the FCA recommends that you do not prepay for a funeral. Over the years, many things can change. You can move to a different state. Funeral homes can change owners or even go out of business. However, even if you do not prepay, it is still recommended that you preplan.
