Planning a funeral for a loved one that has recently passed away can be stressful and exhausting. One might also have feelings of anxiousness that may stem from not knowing what to do, when and where to start, and what to expect, among other things. If your loved ones didn’t have any pre-need funeral arrangements before their death, here’s how you can plan and arrange their funeral. Read on to learn more.
Checking For Any Pre-Arrangements
When planning a funeral, one of the first things you should look for is information about the pre-need funeral arrangements of your loved one. You should check if they already paid for funeral plots, bought funeral insurance to cover costs, or wrote down a list of wishes before they passed away.
Having this information can help you tremendously. The more arrangements your loved one has made, the more time you’ll have to mourn with your family. Contact the funeral home where your loved one made plans to ensure that their wishes are met.
Choosing the Type of Internment
One of the most important steps when planning a funeral is to choose the type of internment. There are many different choices when it comes to the final disposition of the body like Burials and direct Cremation, just to name a few. Talk things over with your family members before deciding on what to choose. Here are a few options you can consider:
Burial – Burials are one of the most common types of funeral services. Its process begins by preparing and dressing the body. After that, the deceased will be placed in a casket for final viewing.
After a period of visitation comes the funeral service, where the final ceremonies of death are observed. At the end of it, the body will be lowered into the ground, where the final resting place will be. You can add sentimental items and memorabilia that will be buried along with the body.
Cremation – Cremation is one of the rising trends when it comes to final dispositions. During its process, the body is exposed to high temperatures, reducing it to ash and bone fragments. After this process, the bones and remnants are then ground and pulverized. The cremains are typically placed in an urn.
Green Burial – As the name suggests, this is popular among people concerned with the environment. In these Burials, the funeral homes use biodegradable caskets and refrain from using embalming fluids on the deceased. However, not all funeral homes offer these services, which is why you should talk to the funeral parlor and ask if they provide this type of Burial.
Other Options – There are many other ways to find a final resting place. Eternal reefs are a great option for people who want a more aquatic Burial. Instead of spreading the remains in the sea, it is mixed with concrete to create an orb where fish, coral reefs, and other marine life can thrive.
Another option would be donating your body to science. In this way, you can help medical practitioners gather knowledge about the human body and study a specific disease process which can help people in the long run.
Choosing the Funeral Home or Cremation Service
After deciding on the type of internment, the next step is contacting a funeral home that offers the kind of Burial the family has chosen. A good place to start to find one is to ask for referrals from friends and family. Their recommendations can come a long way in helping you choose the right funeral home or Cremation service for your loved one.
On top of this, the funeral or Cremation service you choose will help you arrange the memorial or funeral and obtain the death certificate for the deceased. Discussing religious beliefs and customs with your service provider would also be a good idea. Many of them have experiences with families from different cultural backgrounds that cater to different beliefs and traditions.
Talk to a Professional
Being tasked to plan and decide big decisions while in a heightened emotional state can become overwhelming. That’s why you should talk to a funeral director. They can help and guide you throughout the entire decision and planning process. Call your local funeral home now for more information.