Planning a funeral is an emotional process that should not be taken lightly and should be done sooner rather than later so that any necessary arrangements can be made before it’s too late.
Today more and more people are planning their own funerals and designating their funeral preferences in advance to help give their families some relief during an already difficult and stressful time.
Often, funeral planning is seen as an extension to will and estate planning, but can be a daunting process. In this post, we will provide some tips on how you can plan your own funeral.
Why You Should Plan Your Own Funeral
There are many reasons why you should plan your own funeral. First and foremost, by planning your funeral in advance, your family won’t have to while in their darkest hour providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones in knowing that everything is taken care of.
Additionally, by selecting one of the best prepaid funeral plans, you can ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly the way you want them. You can choose the kind of service you want, the music, eulogies, whether or not to have a religious ceremony, and even how your body will be prepared for burial.
Funeral Planning Tips
Thinking ahead can help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about funeral arrangements. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind when planning your own funeral:
- Who will take responsibility for contacting the funeral director and organising the day?
- Do you want to be buried or cremated?
- Do you have any wishes about how your body should be prepared for burial or cremation?
- If you’re cremated, would you like someone to keep your ashes or scatter them?
- If you want to be buried, who would you like to carry your coffin?
- Where would you like to have your funeral or memorial service?
- Who would you like to attend?
- Is there a specific celebrant you would like to conduct the service?
- Is there specific music you would like played?
- Are there any poems, prayers or readings you want to be included?
- Who would you like to do readings or make speeches?
- Would you want people to send flowers or donate to a charity of your choice?
Informing Loved Ones
If you are not preparing these arrangements yourself, it is important to inform friends and family of your wishes. This can be documented in a number of ways. If you organise your funeral through a funeral director, you can ask them to send copies of the arrangements to you or your family. Writing down your wishes in an advance statement can make it easier for people to understand and follow them in the future.
Helping You Celebrate Life
Funerals are a way of celebrating a soul that was loved and a life well-lived. Dying to Understand is a charity and online community dedicated to helping you and your loved ones overcome death and help you live your life to the fullest. With a host of resources, communities, books and stories, you are sure to find what you need.