Funerals can be a difficult task to plan. It can be one of the most emotionally impactful and the most stressful times. Having a clear approach to it can ease the process while it can feel overwhelming. Follow these seven tips to help you plan a funeral in 2024.
Start with a Budget
The first step in planning a funeral is setting a budget. However, the cost of funerals varies widely for lots of reasons (location, services, etc.) for different folks. Before you do anything, spend a moment to talk about how much you can afford to spend. This will winnow down your options and keep you from being overextended financially. It’s okay to have a budget and stick to it. Just remember.
Learn what the Deceased Wished for
Where possible, discuss the deceased’s wishes with family members. What did they want, a traditional funeral or just a simple memorial? Perhaps they wanted to be cremated rather than buried. It will help you make decisions that honor their memory and understand what they would prefer. If there are no clear wishes, try to think what you believe they would have wanted.
Choose the Right Funeral Home
Selecting a funeral home is one of the important steps. Second, find a space where you can feel welcome and respected. Take a look online at the reviews and ask your friends or family. Look on the funeral home’s website to find out more about what they offer, and how much it costs. See which one fits you best by visiting a couple of them. While you’re there, please take note of how the staff treats you. Their demeanor can say a lot about the support you can expect. Compassionate, attentive team: All the difference during this trying time. When choosing a funeral home, it’s about more than services — it’s about feeling comfortable and understood.
Decide on the Type of Service
Funerals can take many forms. Indeed, some prefer to take part in a formal service in a church or funeral home, while others prefer to hold a more casual event at home or in a park. Consider what would represent the deceased’s personality. You can personalize things with music, readings, and even a slideshow featuring their life. If you do this, it creates a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
Create a Guest List
A guest list is sensitive. Start with close family and friends first. Maybe you can reach out to people who were important to the deceased. You might want to invite everyone, but remember the venue and your budget. Once you have a rough list, it can help you decide how you want to structure the service and any additional events.
Plan for Memorialization
Besides the funeral service, think also how you’d like to remember your loved one. Other places to see their name are in a memory book, by planting a tree in their name, or by creating a scholarship in their name. Look for things for guests to do as you remember the deceased: sharing stories, lighting candles, etc. You might also consider incorporating elements from your funeral planning process to personalize the memorial. These gestures can bring comfort and connection during a difficult time.
Take Care of Yourself
While you’re planning, don’t neglect yourself. As with anything, grieving can be very tiring physically and emotionally. You just have to make sure you take your breaks and use your family and friends when you need them. So, if you are overwhelmed, see if you can join a support group or talk with a counselor. It’s a tough time, and your well-being has to come first.
Conclusion
It’s never easy to plan a funeral. That’s a process that includes emotions and decisions. These are tips that will help you deal with the task more clearly. Make sure that you keep yourself organized, make sure you communicate with family members, and remember to take care of yourself. Ultimately, you want to be able to honor the memory of your loved one the way you feel is right. There is no cookie-cutter way to do things, but this funeral guide is meant to make it easier. Just do what feels best for you and your family.
