Suggestions for Your Pre-Funeral Planning
When it comes to thinking or discussing our death, many of us are reluctant to discuss our passing openly. In my opinion, there are several reasons for this.
Uncertainty about what happens after death can cause fear and anxiety.
Thoughts of mortality can trigger sadness, fear and emotional distress.
Many cultures consider death a morbid or inappropriate topic.
It has the potential to bring up painful thoughts of losing loved ones or leaving them behind.
Acknowledging death highlights our lack of control or our helplessness over it.
Some fear that talking about death might hasten it or bring bad luck.
Our passing is the one thing we can be certain of. It's an inevitable part of life that we all must face. Acknowledging and planning for this certainty can bring peace of mind. It helps us and our loved ones.
And so, let’s talk about pre-planning your funeral.
Planning your funeral has several key steps. The following suggestions may ensure your wishes are followed and ease the burden on your loved ones.
I’ve put together a bit of a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Decide if you prefer a burial or cremation. You can also choose an alternative method, such as a green burial.
Consider the type of service you want. It could be religious, non-religious, a celebration of life, or a simple gathering.
Think about the location of the service and your final resting place.
Write down all your preferences for the funeral service (or ceremony). This includes music, readings, the officiant and any special requests.
Specify details. For example, the type of casket or urn, flowers, and if you want donations made to a particular charity.
Have a conversation with your loved ones about your wishes to ensure they're aware and can honour them.
Designate a trusted person to oversee your plans and ensure they are carried out.
Create or update your will to include your funeral instructions.
Look into pre-need funeral insurance. You could perhaps pre-pay for services to lock in prices. This will reduce financial stress on your family.
Research and select a reputable funeral home.
Make sure important documents are easy to access. These include your will and insurance policies. This also includes any prepaid contracts, such as funeral contracts.
Review and update your funeral plans as needed. Do this especially if your preferences or situation change.
Decide how you want your online presence or digital legacy to be handled. This includes social media accounts and digital assets.
Provide instructions and access information to a trusted person.
Why is it important to pre-plan your funeral?
Here are some of my thoughts on why it’s important to pre-plan or note down what you want when it’s time for you to grow your wings.
Grieving family members often face many decisions
Planning may ease the burden. It's going to let them focus on mourning and supporting each other.
Funerals can be expensive, and the costs can vary
By pre-planning, you can set your preferences within a set budget. This will ensure that your family faces minimal financial strain. Many pre-planning options allow for pre-payment. They let you lock in current prices and avoid future inflation.
Pre-planning allows you to outline your wishes
You can specify your funeral, burial or cremation, and any other preferences. This guarantees that the ceremony (or service) will reflect your values and desires. Your family might not know, understand, or remember them.
Families often face conflicts when planning a loved one’s funeral
This is especially true if there are differing opinions. Or if the deceased's wishes weren't clearly documented. Pre-planning reduces the potential for disagreements by providing clear instructions.
Planning lets you organise and record key documents and information
This includes your will, insurance and finances. Prior preparation can simplify legal and administrative tasks for those left behind.
Pre-planning your funeral can bring you a sense of peace
Having your funeral arrangements documented removes a big uncertainty. It lets you live your remaining days with the confidence that your affairs are in order.
You can personalise your funeral
By planning, you can tailor every aspect (or some) of your funeral to reflect your life and values. This might include specific music, readings and rituals. It could also include themes that are meaningful to you.
You can think about using a prepayment option
A prepayment option could help your loved ones, avoid large payments during a hard time. Many funeral homes offer payment plans. They spread the cost over time, making it easier to manage.
Think of planning your funeral as a kind and practical gift to your loved ones. You'll help them navigate one of the toughest times and ensure that everything is taken care of.
And (at the end of the day) your wishes are being looked after.