Planning a funeral for the death of a loved one can be extremely overwhelming, No one wants to talk about death, much less people are making the funeral plans for a loved one who is terminally ill. But this will give you and your family member peace of mind, help to denigrate stress during a grieving time and let you to honor the person you love and care for. Here are some basic yet essential steps to consider for your loved one’s funeral,
Make the big decisions early:
Don’t wait until the demise of your loved one’s to select the funeral home, casket, place of burial or even the music and flowers, so better plan all these in advance. But making such decisions while the person is still alive is really an stressful experience for everyone involved. Another big decisions will be whether your loved one will be cremated or buried, type of service like graveside, church or at funeral home and whether to incorporate your loved one’s religious beliefs into the service.
Engage your loved one in the plans:
Include your loved one in the funeral plans, from start to finish if possible. Really it’s a difficult topic, but it’s well worth having that conversation, it can draw people close, and it can also definitely give peace of mind to know you’re doing exactly what your loved one wants. It’s really a gift to listen and have a conversation to someone’s wishes. This conversation will let your loved ones to finish writing that last chapter of their life, and it can be very healing and gratifying for them to know that their wishes will be carried out. It’s their last gift to their family.
Shop around for a funeral Service:
Surveys shows that most of the people simply choose the funeral service closest to them or the one their family has always used. Funeral services must give you price quotes over the phone and also must provide printed, itemized price lists when you come in person to discuss funeral arrangements. Things like a velvet-lined casket, flowers, music, special transportation or a large service can make that price jump significantly, so anticipating such costs can help lessen the burden. Don’t be afraid to shop around, it could save you money.
Compile and collect necessary documents:
Don’t wait for your loved ones demise to assemble the necessary paperwork and personal information, the clearer your mind is, the easier it will be. In general, you’ll need information like Social Security number, date and place of birth, life insurance policies, veteran information, wedding anniversary date, names of church and pastor, cemetery information, jewelry and clothing preferences, etc., for the funeral director.
Write the obituary:
Though the funeral services assemble and release an obituary for the media, family members can get closure by taking on this important task. Be sure to include life accomplishments, memberships, education credits, military service and names of spouse, siblings, children, etc...
Compile a tribute video/slide show:
You need not be a high-tech wizard to download photos for a memorable slide show or even make a tribute video that could add a very special touch to a memorial service or family gathering. Now most funeral services are really into this and will often at least suggest making a collage of the person’s life and displaying it on an easel, It’s very comforting, and this gives perspective to the whole person’s life and not just their death.
Personalize the service through music and flowers:
Music can really speak to the person’s life, and it’s one of the best ways to personalize the funeral and make it even more meaningful. Singing or playing their favorite song can be incredibly powerful, prominently displaying the person’s favorite flowers can add beautiful and meaningful visuals to the funeral as well.
Gathering after the funeral:
Sharing time with family and friends immediately after the funeral is also important. If your family wishes to host a luncheon for friends and relatives after the funeral, be sure to decide upon the menus, location and other logistics well in advance. It’s one less thing to worry during such a stressful time.
Makes sense and protects your loved ones by Preplanning their funeral.
