Funeral services are a traditional form of mourning that allows loved ones to gather and collectively grieve, say their last farewells, and celebrate a life well lived. Funeral services can include a wake, visitation, memorial service or celebration of life ceremony, and they can be a religious or non-religious event. The purpose of the funeral is to allow loved ones to pay their respects, say goodbye and begin to heal.
When it comes to making arrangements, the decisions can be incredibly emotional, especially when you are in the midst of dealing with the loss of a close friend or family member. It is important to choose a funeral home with an experienced staff who can help you make these arrangements and guide you through the process. It is also a good idea to bring along a friend or colleague who will be able to be objective about the services and merchandise offered and will not be swayed by any subtle sales tactics.
The first step is to research funeral homes in your area. Look for reviews online and ask friends and colleagues for recommendations. Once you have narrowed your choices, schedule an initial consultation. It is a good idea to schedule a meeting in person, but if you cannot attend in person, most funeral directors will accommodate a phone or video conference. During your arrangement conference, the funeral director should be able to provide you with their general price list and a description of the casket or urn options that are available. Be sure to discuss any special requests that you may have, such as a need for an interment permit or a graveside service.
When arranging a funeral service, be sure it is what you want and that it reflects the person who has passed. If you see something that does not seem right, speak up. It is best to get things right the first time around so that there are no regrets when it comes time for the service.
Funerals tend to stick with people for a long time, and they tend to impact the closest friends and family members most deeply. Make sure that the service you have arranged is what you really want and will be helpful to your loved ones.
If you would like to plan your own funeral arrangements, the funeral home should offer a pre-need agreement. The agreement will spell out how the money for the funeral and merchandise will be handled and how it will be paid for. Some funeral homes will hold the money in a trust or in a passbook account, while others will deposit it with a bank. The amount of money you put down is up to you, but it should be a sum that you feel comfortable with. Preplanning a funeral will allow you to rest easy knowing your wishes are on record and that your family will not have to worry about the financial aspect of your death.