Death is neither the easiest nor the most appealing topic to talk about. However, there comes a time when we begin to wonder what happens to us when we pass on; what condition or situation it would be and how our loved ones are going to deal with it.
They say that planning is key, even when it comes to preparing for your own death. When you pre-plan your funeral, you are making it easier for your family, friends and relatives. It gives them a certain sense of peace of mind in the midst of an overwhelming experience. It allows them to breathe a little no matter how tough. Moreover, it also avoids emotional spending.
There are various ways you can prepare your own funeral. Below, we have a checklist for you to consider as well as some tips to remember.
6 Tips for Planning Your Funeral
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions
It is very important for you to know everything there is to know about the funeral contract you’re entering. That being said, never hesitate to ask questions. Find out as much as you can because this is an investment you are making and you won’t have control over when the time comes.
- Find a trusted funeral director
Remember that death and funeral is a business to some. However, that doesn’t nullify the importance of finding a funeral director who is objective and logical yet sympathetic and sincere. Be it recommendations or reviews, take the time to find someone you can trust.
- Make sure someone sits with you
From inquiring to signing the contract, make sure there’s someone sitting throughout this ordeal with you. This way, you know that there is one more person who heard it all. You have a witness in case anything happens. It’s also best to remember to keep a copy of everything you are signing and agreeing to.
- Compare rates and offers
Every funeral home has something to offer their clients, each may slightly differ from one to the next. Take the time to choose which one works best for you. Whether you choose to have a traditional burial or a cremation, have more than enough options to choose from. Dedicate enough time to discern which service, director or home fits your desires, needs and preferences best. Having enough choices would also help if you were working with a limited budget.
- It’s okay to negotiate and bargain
Certain funeral packages come with specific inclusions. Remember that you can always add or skip certain things if you wish. Moreover, you can also try and bargain for a better deal so you have the peace of mind that your funeral is everything you planned it to be. Plenty of funeral homes are more than happy to make necessary adjustments to make sure you are getting what you want and need.
- Have a checklist
This can be quite tiring emotionally, mentally and physically. All the preparation may lead you to forget something important. That’s why it’s important to keep a checklist with you at all times. This way, you don’t miss anything and you can easily go back to certain things that need attention.
Checklist for Planning Your Funeral
Here’s a standard checklist to guide you as you prepare for your funeral.
- Documents:
- Will
- Birth certificate
- Property deeds
- Marriage license
- Income tax returns
- Disability claims (if any)
- Social Security card
- Military discharge papers
- Insurance policies (health, life, property)
- Citizenship papers (if necessary)
- Automobile title
- All documents necessary for deceased’s taxes
- For your obituary:
- Given name
- Hobbies, interests
- Schools attended
- Occupation and employer
- Mother’s maiden name and birthplace
- Father’s name and birthplace
- Armed services number (if applicable)
- Date and birthplace
- Those who have proceeded in death
- Survivors and relationship to deceased
- To notify the following:
- Family members
- Close friends
- Doctor
- All insurance agents
- Attorney, accountant, executor of estate
- Cemetery and funeral home
- Religious, fraternal, civic organizations
- Payables/ bills during service:
- Funeral director
- Memorials
- Funeral services
- Clergy
- Interment/burial services
- Florist
- Family burial space
- Limousines and funeral coach (hearse)
- Refreshments
- Clothing
- Medicine and drugs
- Musicians
- Others (rent, mortgage, taxes)
- Funeral arrangements:
- Select clergy
- Choose funeral home
- Decide the location of the service
- Decide on place and time of funeral service
- Inquire about special religious services
- Choose a burial container
- Choose a burial site
- Decide either outer burial container or crypt
- Pick out clothing for the deceased (if necessary)
- Choose scripture to be read
- Choose individual(s) to read eulogies
- Pick type of flowers and music
- Choose pallbearers
- Order a funeral limousine
- Find type of religious, fraternal or military service of deceased
- Choose the memorial type and inscription
- Sign necessary papers for burial permit
- Choose a charitable organization(s) to receive donations (if applicable)