When a loved one passes away, the bereaved have to plan the funeral. This can be challenging, especially if the deceased didn’t leave behind any instructions. Family members have to determine whether to cremate or bury the body, find an appropriate mortuary, organize the ceremony, and select a grave. Today, we’ll have a closer look at how to prepare for a funeral.
4 Steps to Prepare for a Funeral
1. Choose Cremation or Burial
In the past, almost everyone got buried, but in the last few decades, cremation has become more and more common. Nowadays, over 55% of deceased people get cremated. This process is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, and it allows the family to be more creative when planning the funeral. For example, ashes can be scattered, or they can be kept by the spouse or child of the deceased.
However, just because cremation is popular doesn’t mean that it is necessarily right for you. A burial could be appropriate if your ceremony includes certain religious elements or if the family would like to see the deceased to say goodbye to them. Your funeral director can go through the options with you and help you decide on the best way forward.
2. Select a Funeral Home
In the US, there are almost 19,000 funeral homes, so there is a wealth of choice in most areas. Before you can start planning your funeral, you have to choose funeral and mortuary services. When looking at your options, consider whether the home offers all the services you require, which might include a dignified mode of transport for the body, a beautiful final resting place, an attractive coffin, and an empathetic funeral director.
Often, it’s best to visit the facilities and speak to the professionals in person. This allows you to better understand the services offered. What’s more, you can determine whether the funeral director is someone you would like to work with. They should be kind, sympathetic, and experienced.
3. Prepare the Service
There are many factors to consider when planning a funeral. Do you want a traditional service that involves a religious ceremony? Or would you prefer a more innovative celebration of life, maybe centered around one of the deceased’s passions? A good funeral director will help you to plan a dignified ceremony. While the average funeral costs between $7,000 and $8,000, the service can be adjusted to fit virtually any budget.
4. Select the Grave
Finally, you’ll have to select a resting place for your loved one. Many mortuaries have a beautiful park, where the deceased can be buried. Alternatively, you could choose to scatter the person’s ashes in their favorite location or take them home with you. Together with your family, you can decide what will bring you the most comfort, taking into account the deceased’s wishes.
Preparing for a funeral can be emotionally taxing, but a good mortuary can help. Together, you and your funeral director will decide whether the deceased should be buried or cremated, then select an appropriate final resting place and prepare the service.
