7 Steps to Making Funeral Arrangements in 2023
It’s predicted that by 2040, 80% of Americans will opt for cremations instead of burials. Regardless of what you or your loved ones prefer, the funeral itself still holds importance and will for years to come. It’s an important ceremony for family and friends to come together, remember the deceased, and honor their memory in the best way possible.
Funeral arrangements are never easy to make. But there comes a time when you’ll need to, whether it’s for yourself or someone you love.
To be prepared when the time comes, keep reading for 7 steps on how to make funeral arrangements.
1. Decide on a Cremation or Burial
Some people already know whether they want a cremation or burial, while others haven’t even thought about it. If you fall into the latter group, then it’s a good idea to determine which one’s right for you.
Not only does deciding between a cremation or burial help you with further funeral arrangements, but it can also help you plan better for costs. For instance, traditional burials will be more expensive since there are additional costs for things like embalming, caskets, and burial sites.
Once you’ve decided which type you’d like, then you can speak with a funeral director about the details, such as how the casket will be displayed, how the ashes will be scattered, and any religious traditions you’d like to incorporate.
2. Consider the Funeral Flower Arrangements
Choosing the right funeral floral arrangements can help bring peace to those attending. This touch of life and color can uplift spirits and loved ones can even bring home some of the arrangements as a reminder of the deceased and the beautiful funeral they attended.
Flowers have different meanings, plus the deceased might have favorite colors and flowers. Keep all of these points in mind and think about having floral arrangements made to include a variety of fresh flowers that’ll honor your loved one accordingly.
3. Choose a Good Funeral Home
Not all funeral homes are created equal. Not only does each have different facilities, but the services they provide can vary as well.
In addition, how their staff treats clients is of the utmost importance. Losing a loved one is already hard enough, so you want a funeral home where you’ll be treated with respect and warmth.
Ask your family and friends to see if they have a good recommendation. You can also check online to see what people have to say about the funeral homes around you.
It’s always a good idea to give them a call and see how you’re treated. From there, you can make an appointment to tour the facilities and see if it’s a good fit. This tour can also tell you a lot about how the facility’s run and if clients are treated well.
4. Put Together the Funeral Service
Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, putting together a funeral service ahead of time can pay off immensely. This gives you time to think about what elements you’d like, such as people reading your favorite poems or playing your most treasured songs. You can also decide how large or intimate you want the funeral to be.
Pre-arranged funeral plans can be something positive in light of the circumstances. In addition, it’ll be an invaluable bonding experience where you can learn more about one another. And of course, the biggest benefit is you know the deceased’s wishes will be carried out since you’ve discussed it with them and it’s clear what they want.
5. Make Cemetery Arrangements
Your final resting place is extremely important. After choosing an ideal funeral home, discuss where you’ll be buried and purchase cemetery property, as well as interment property if needed.
At this point, it’s worth booking another tour of the premises. Walking through the cemetery is more personal and you’ll be able to ask the funeral director any questions you might have.
6. Determine Who Will Be There for the Funeral
Not only should you decide how large (or small) the funeral should be, but you should also consider who should be invited. It’s a good idea to speak with the deceased family and friends to compile a list.
From this list, you can choose the special few who will have the honor of performing certain tasks for the funeral. For example, you can pick those who give a eulogy or serve as pallbearers.
7. Make Financial Arrangements
After pre-planning the funeral, you’ll have a better idea of what the funeral will cost, especially after speaking to a funeral home. The costs probably won’t be cheap, so you’ll want to have a financial plan in order.
Of course, the beneficiary of your life insurance plan can use the funds to pay for your funeral. But if you want the money to be for their use only, then it’s best to make financial arrangements so your funeral is taken care of.
Think about taking out funeral insurance. You can also pre-purchase cemetery space so your loved ones don’t have to worry about this.
Make Funeral Arrangements Accordingly
Knowing how to make funeral arrangements ahead of time can take a huge burden off your shoulders.
When someone passes away, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about making arrangements. Instead, you should have the proper time to grieve your loved one. And by following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to.
If you need assistance with funeral arrangements, then contact us today. We are one of the most respected San Diego funeral homes and cemeteries. You can count on us to help you every step of the way with warmth and respect.
