It's a topic that nobody likes to talk about; what happens after I'm gone?
While a touchy subject, funerals/memorial services are a great way to honor and remember loved ones. Although the planning can be tricky, here are a few steps to take while planning a funeral.
2. Unless already decided on, you will have to choose the form of disposition. There are a few options when it comes to final disposition. The most common are a Traditional Burial and Cremation. In a traditional burial, the deceased is laid to rest usually inside a casket and then buried underground in a cemetery or above ground in a mausoleum. Spaces are typically marked with sometime of commemorative plaque such as a headstone. During a cremation the body is reduced to ashes by heat. The remains are usually kept in an urn and can be buried, scattered, or kept in a special place. More options for final disposition can be found online.
3. Depending on your Religious beliefs, there are different options available for services. Many families choose to have visitation days where friends and family can come honor the deceased. Many families choose to display pictures or meaningful items at visitations. Some Christian religions have a service held right at the funeral home, where others have services at churches. For more Religious service customs click here.
Whether or not you have a Religious preference, here is a basic checklist to follow while planning a funeral service:
Flowers are another item that are usually present at funerals. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want others to send flowers. Usually flowers are sent to show support. However, many families are requesting that instead of sending flowers, those wishing to donate may do so to a charitable organization in memory of the deceased.
4. After you have figured out what type of service you want, contact a service provider. The deceased may have left a preference. If not, it may be up to you to research which provider would be right for your family. It is important for you to discuss Religious preferences, cemeteries, and price. Many service providers are required to post a General Price List (GPL) online. Doing online research before choosing a provider is a great way to help save some money!
5. Fortunately, there are payment options for funerals. If the deceased has pre-planned their funeral, some of the cost may have been payed in advance. In addition, the deceased may have set up a Payable-on-Death account at their bank or credit union. This account has money set aside to be used for final expenses. If these options are not available funerals can be paid through personal savings, insurance, or credit cards. Many funerals providers also offer financing options. It is important to discuss all of your payment options with your funeral provider.
Fore more information on planning a funeral click here.
While a touchy subject, funerals/memorial services are a great way to honor and remember loved ones. Although the planning can be tricky, here are a few steps to take while planning a funeral.
Steps for planning a funeral:
1. Recognize that this is a difficult process that will take multiple days. It is important to stick with what the deceased had planned. However, if a preexisting plan is not in place, it may be up to you to make decisions according to cost and experience.2. Unless already decided on, you will have to choose the form of disposition. There are a few options when it comes to final disposition. The most common are a Traditional Burial and Cremation. In a traditional burial, the deceased is laid to rest usually inside a casket and then buried underground in a cemetery or above ground in a mausoleum. Spaces are typically marked with sometime of commemorative plaque such as a headstone. During a cremation the body is reduced to ashes by heat. The remains are usually kept in an urn and can be buried, scattered, or kept in a special place. More options for final disposition can be found online.
3. Depending on your Religious beliefs, there are different options available for services. Many families choose to have visitation days where friends and family can come honor the deceased. Many families choose to display pictures or meaningful items at visitations. Some Christian religions have a service held right at the funeral home, where others have services at churches. For more Religious service customs click here.
Whether or not you have a Religious preference, here is a basic checklist to follow while planning a funeral service:
- Who will lead the service?
- Will it be a family member, funeral director, or clergy?
- What will be read?
- Scripture readings? Poems? Prayers? Who will deliver the readings?
- Who will write a eulogy?
- Will the same person also deliver the Eulogy?
- Will music be played?
- Will there be food?
- Will it be catered? A potluck provided by the church or funeral home?
- Who will be the pallbearers?
- Will the funeral be live streamed online?
The next step to take in planning a service is deciding whether or not the body will be present. This is not the same as final disposition! Many families choose to have an open casket visitation before the actual service. This is called a traditional funeral service. A cremated body may also be on display in an urn. If you decide to NOT have the body present, this is actually called a memorial service and can be held is place of a traditional funeral service.
Flowers are another item that are usually present at funerals. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want others to send flowers. Usually flowers are sent to show support. However, many families are requesting that instead of sending flowers, those wishing to donate may do so to a charitable organization in memory of the deceased.
4. After you have figured out what type of service you want, contact a service provider. The deceased may have left a preference. If not, it may be up to you to research which provider would be right for your family. It is important for you to discuss Religious preferences, cemeteries, and price. Many service providers are required to post a General Price List (GPL) online. Doing online research before choosing a provider is a great way to help save some money!
5. Fortunately, there are payment options for funerals. If the deceased has pre-planned their funeral, some of the cost may have been payed in advance. In addition, the deceased may have set up a Payable-on-Death account at their bank or credit union. This account has money set aside to be used for final expenses. If these options are not available funerals can be paid through personal savings, insurance, or credit cards. Many funerals providers also offer financing options. It is important to discuss all of your payment options with your funeral provider.
Fore more information on planning a funeral click here.
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Blog Published by Sarah Sopocy
Social Media Marketing Director
Greg White Farmers Insurance Agency
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