Did you know one third of Canadians started having difficult conversations about funeral planning during the pandemic? Funeral pre-planning lets family and friends focus on saying goodbye.
If you need a funeral planning checklist, keep reading. There are factors to consider before choosing a funeral home. Do you want a traditional burial or something more modern?
Ready to learn more? Check out the article below.
Why Should You Plan Now?
Most people will pre-plan their funeral so they can ease the burden on family and friends. Your family won’t get forced to make difficult decisions during this emotional time.
You can also relieve some financial stress, as well. Prepaying for the funeral arrangements will help your family.
Where Is the Funeral Home?
Spend some time researching funeral homes in your area. Think about long-term plans. Will you stay in that location, or do you plan to move?
You could also choose a national funeral home if you plan to move in the next few years. These funeral homes will have different partner locations. This gives you some more flexibility.
When you pick your funeral home, talk about the packages and pricing options. The funeral director will help you make arrangements and plan the funeral.
Other Location Options
Most people will choose a funeral home, but this isn’t your only choice. You could have the funeral at a family home, place of worship, garden, or community center.
It will be more expensive to have the funeral at a funeral home.
What Service Do You Prefer?
Your next decision is to figure out the service you would prefer. A lot of people would like to have a traditional funeral. The funeral service is a final sendoff, and the body is present in a closed or open casket.
A graveside service will coincide with the traditional funeral service. The service’s held at the final resting spot.
A memorial service is another option. The memorial service will occur after the cremation or burial, and the body isn’t present.
Finally, the celebration of life is a joyous and upbeat event to honor someone’s life.
Consider the above options and discuss them with your family.
Will You Have a Reception or a Wake?
Will you have a wake or visitation? This is the chance when guests view your body and offer their goodbye before the funeral.
During a reception, there’s an informal gathering after the service. It’s at a family home, restaurant, or funeral venue.
Think about how you would like your family to say goodbye. Would you prefer a time of re-connecting with old friends and relatives?
Can You Choose Someone to Manage the Funeral Arrangements?
Pick an individual to carry out your final wishes for the funeral and reception. If you do pick a local funeral home, a director will assist you with the planning process.
Otherwise, choose someone in your family who will stay involved with these arrangements. This could be a trusted friend, adult child, or sibling. Pick a secondary planner if the other person gets sick.
Personalizing a Funeral
Each funeral will get personalized. Family members might put together a photo collage. Some will place out their loved one’s favorite flowers or play a beloved song.
Since you’re pre-planning your funeral, you could put in a few requests. Would you like a particular reading or prayer said at your funeral? Is there a friend or family member you would like to deliver the eulogy?
An officiant is someone who will lead the service. You could choose a religious leader, family member, or an officiant from the funeral home.
Think about pallbearers, as well. List out guests you would like to invite to your funeral. There might be some friends your family might not know.
What Are Your Final Arrangements?
Spend some time putting together your final arrangements. You can coordinate this with your funeral home planner.
Will you have a green burial, prepaid cremation, or donate your body to science? Where will you get laid to rest?
If you choose cremation, what will happen to your ashes? Learn more about cremation services.
Tell Your Loved Ones
You should spend some time communicating your final wishes to your loved ones. They should be able to access your information and funeral arrangements.
Make sure you have a list of your important contacts, as well as the payment confirmation.
Don’t delay this important conversation. Your loved ones will most likely appreciate your planning efforts. This will take the burden off them when you do pass away.
Prepare Your Will and Finances
Finally, make sure you get all your paperwork in order. If you spend the time planning out your funeral, make sure you organize your will and finances.
Reach out to the individual who you choose as the beneficiary. Meet up with your beneficiary to discuss your assets.
You might want to meet with a financial advisor, as well.
Don’t Delay on Funeral Planning
Did you find this guide on funeral planning helpful? Use this funeral planning checklist when figuring out your final arrangements.
Think about where you will have the funeral reception. Who will deliver the eulogy? Will you get cremated or choose traditional burial.
Talk all these things over with family, so they don’t get left in the dark.
Need more helpful life advice like this article? Check out our other resources on the blog.
