Let’s be honest; most people are unprepared for when a death occurs. It is natural to feel overwhelmed at the time you experience a loss. What can you do to better prepare? For starters, it is important that you be well informed.
Research your providers. Each funeral home is unique. Don’t be afraid to stop in at your local funeral home to meet the staff, take a tour, and look at their product offerings such as caskets, urns and printed materials. Funeral homes can offer a wide variety of products- from traditional to modern and everything in between. Take a look around the funeral home and determine if the facility will suit your needs. Can it accommodate the number of guests expected? Can the DVD slideshow be played on a large screen? Can you have food available to guests in a separate room? Make sure the facility provides the feeling of warmth and welcome and offers a space to allow for grieving and healing. Get to know the people who will be walking with you during one of the most delicate times in your life. You want to feel comfortable and confident in their skills and abilities to carry out your wishes. Planning ahead and getting to know your funeral providers can help alleviate any panic when the need for them arises.
It is important to know the different types of ceremonies each funeral home can offer. Does the funeral home only offer immediate cremation? Can you have a traditional Catholic funeral service at the funeral home? Are you able to bring your dad’s motorcycle into the facility to display as a centerpiece? Become familiar with your options and know that many things are possible. Some families choose to do things very traditionally while others prefer a more personal experience. Sit down with a funeral director and discuss what your desires are and what options they allow you. Together, you can come up with a ceremony that will best fit your needs and honor your life. You can plan as little or as much as you are comfortable with.
Cost can be a huge factor in selecting a specific funeral home or ceremony. Familiarize yourself with different offerings and their costs to help ease the stress that comes with planning a funeral. You should never feel pressured to over consume but should be shown all options so you are able to make a sound decision for what best fits your needs. It is suggested you sit with an advance funeral planner or a funeral director to get an idea of the financial responsibility for when the time comes.
Plan ahead. Planning ahead can provide financial savings for when funeral services are needed. It allows for peace of mind and gives you control in ensuring your final wishes are carried out. It eases the burden placed on survivors to make “the right choice” and helps prevent disagreement which can often lead to tension. Most importantly, planning ahead ensures that your life is honored the way you would like it to be.
Get to know your local funeral homes and funeral directors and educate yourself on the services and products they offer. All funeral homes are unique but the goal is still the same- to create and provide meaningful funeral services to honor each life live. Do your research and become well informed.
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