Funeral arrangement planning is something most people go through only a few times in their lives. At some point, people end up planning a funeral for a parent. Husbands must make funeral plans for their wives, or vice versa. Funeral preparation is daunting; particularly in a time of loss when a family is dealing with grief. The question of how to plan a funeral comes down to a few key elements, and the process is simpler when you plan your own funeral before death forces your family’s hand.

  • Select a funeral home
  • Plan a funeral service
  • Choose burial or cremation
  • Determine funeral costs
  • Consider funeral insurance to cover the cost

Select a Funeral Home

One of the most important facets of planning a funeral is selecting a funeral home. Some prefer the high level of service and personal touch that comes with a smaller, family-run funeral home. Others prefer the wide range of amenities and the opportunity for discounts that accompany a larger or corporate-style funeral home. Think about your family’s needs, and what your loved one would have wanted, and balance this with your financial resources when creating your funeral plan.

Planning a Funeral Service

What kind of service is right for your family? When planning a funeral, faithful people prefer a religious service with hymns and Scripture readings. Others create funeral plans using a more secular approach, focusing on the individual and the life he or she lived. Some find comfort in a solemn, traditional service, while others create a more boisterous funeral that’s all about celebrating the life of the loved one. Consider the kind of service that is right for your family, and think about selecting readings, music, and a list of key people to speak.

Choose Burial or Cremation

Burial or cremation is a difficult decision during funeral planning. For the purposes of funeral plans, both burial and cremation can accompany a funeral. Consider the costs associated with each option, as well as your personal opinions and the desires of your loved ones, when you select burial or cremation.

Make Financial Arrangements

With every step of planning, funeral costs must be considered. Many find they start the funeral preparation process with certain expectations, but the costs of meeting all of these expectations can be prohibitive. Balance needs and desires with your financial resources when you plan a funeral. You may find you want additional financial resources, such as death insurance, when you map out all of the expenses associated with planning a funeral.

Consult Our Funeral Planning Guide for More Information

Funeral planning doesn’t have to be a confusing process. Plan your funeral with our free funeral planning guide – we’ll walk you through every step of how to plan a funeral. Fill out this form to get your free funeral planning guide today, and start putting together a funeral that will provide comfort and closure to your family in their time of grief.