While it’s scary to talk about death at the time of pandemic, we can’t help but to highlight the importance of preparing for our passing. The very nature of not knowing when we would die is emphasizes that planning needs to be done and no one else is more qualified to do it than yourself.
Come to think of it, there is nothing more personal and practical than planning your own funeral. Not only will you get your wish enacted after you are gone, but it will be done according to what you wanted. This will save those who will be left behind from the trouble, and the pain that it will take to plan the funeral of a loved one. One has to remember that those who would be left would be grieving and may not be up to the task, read on below for 8 of the most practical tips for planning a funeral
Identify what you want
Not everyone wants a black and white funeral service, and the plans or wishes differ per person. Once you have found a good funeral director that you can be comfortable with, start talking and identifying what you want to happen when you finally go. Talking about may be uncomfortable but feel free to ask for advice from the director, because that person will most certainly have first-hand knowledge.
Two heads are better than one
Because you will be discussing your own mortality, one will most certainly need a different point of view from a clear-headed person. Bring a close friend or a family member when you discuss this with the funeral director. There is no planning if you happen to be an emotional wreck while planning your own funeral and bringing along a level-headed friend will solve that problem.
Let them know what you believe in
It is important to the overall picture that you let your planners know what you believe in especially in terms of religion. What is the faith that you opened your eyes to? Does your family have different beliefs? This will give the director a deeper and more personal insight into the life that you have led and therefore make preparations accordingly.
Make the decision as to where you would have the wake
Some people choose for their funeral service to be done at their own house with approval from family members. This would be the time for you to choose where.
Consider alternative means
Funerals may be done the traditional way or by the more convenient but more symbolic scattering of the ashes. Deciding which of these methods work for you best can be challenging, but with the help of friends and family, you can quickly arrive at a decision.
Think about helping out the environment
Traditional methods of burying the dead may have some negative effects on the environment. Planning allows you to choose an alternative way where it can be more environmentally friendly. You can also save money and buy memorial lots beforehand. Buying a memorial lot can also be considered as one of the best real estate investments because its value goes up every year.
You’re literally not just planning for your own passing and where you could be buried, but you’re also allowing the value of the memorial lot to go up. It can be a good source of cash if you’d decide to sell it later on.
Talk about it now
The unknown nature of when it will happen makes it an understandably urgent matter. Talk and consult your funeral director of choice now before it becomes too late.
While all of us aren’t looking forward to our funeral, it still pays to plan for it to help your family cope in case the inevitable happens.