You’ll have a hard time finding someone who likes talking about death or funerals. At some point, you will need to shuffle off your anxieties and plan a funeral. The process can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when your emotions are already high. To help make things that little bit easier, here is a step-by-step guide on how to plan a funeral for a loved one.
Begin Planning
When arranging a funeral, there are several factors to take into account before getting started. For example, you may find your loved one has funeral instructions in their will, or there may be savings that can be put towards paying for the funeral. Make sure you enlist the help of other family members and friends when planning the funeral. You shouldn’t be expected to undertake everything on your own. Delegating tasks to other family members can ease any stress you’ll already be inevitably under.
Decide on a Burial or Cremation
In the United States, the most common types of funerals are burials and cremations. Depending on the option you choose, the price can vary significantly. Burials tend to be more expensive, whereas a direct cremation is typically the most affordable. If you decide on a traditional burial, Lucas Funeral Homes can assist in planning the ceremony with a viewing in a chapel or church. They also specialize in cremation services if this is the route you decide on.
Find a Funeral Director
The role of a funeral director is to take care of the deceased, the proceedings involved, as well as the organization of any parties. They can also provide general support and advice as and when you need it. If your loved one has a funeral plan, they may have also picked a funeral director. While you don’t necessarily have to use a funeral director to plan the entire proceedings, their main duty is to ensure the person who has died is treated with dignity and respect.
Establish Costs
It’s no secret that whatever option you pick, funerals can be expensive. The total cost can run into the five-digit mark, and that doesn’t even include extras like transport or memorial flowers. If your loved one hasn’t left money to put towards their funeral and you’re on a tight budget, a direct cremation may be the right choice. There are lots of smart ways to cover the cost of the funeral, which will not only ensure your loved one gets the right send-off but you won’t be put into debt as a result.
Arrange the Funeral Service
Before arranging the funeral service, check if your loved one had any specific instructions. For instance, they may want people to dress in bright colors instead of black. Or they may have certain songs they want playing at their funeral. If your loved one was religious, you must factor this in when planning their funeral.
If you are in charge of planning a funeral for a family member, it’s important that you respect their wishes throughout. Organizing a funeral can take its toll, so all the above should help reduce stress and ensure your loved one is laid to rest peacefully.
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