For many, funeral planning is a taboo topic of conversation. Even though death is a natural part of life, many people are wary of discussing what exactly they would like when it comes to the celebration of their life. Unfortunately, that leaves many families scrambling to plan a funeral at the worst possible time.
However, it doesn’t have to be that way. And according to the AARP, pre-planning a funeral is becoming quite common. In fact, one in three people have engaged in some level of planning for their funeral arrangements, and 25% of people have even paid their funeral costs upfront.
But before you get deep into the throes of funeral planning, there are some things you should know. With this in mind, here are some facts about funerals as a whole that your funeral director would like you to know.
- Have realistic expectations. Funerals can be quite costly, and the majority of the time this financial burden falls on family members. Make sure to have a realistic budget that is in line with what you would like in a funeral service. Sticking to an agreed-upon budget is the key to taking the stress off of your family members while still getting the celebration you all deserve.
- Cremation can save thousands. If you are on a strict budget, it may be beneficial to choose cremation instead of having a casket. Traditional casket celebrations can be incredibly costly, and you’ll have to pay for the embalming, the casket itself, the protective vault, the burial plot, and the gravestone. With cremation you don’t have to bury the remains and can choose to do with them as you wish.
- A funeral director is not a member of the clergy. There is sometimes a miscommunication that funeral directors are members of the clergy, and while some have the training to complete funeral celebrations, most religious institutions require clergy to perform the service. That being said, most funeral homes can accommodate your religious preferences.
- It helps to cut back. Simply put, there are just some things you don’t need for your funeral. Some services, such as calling hours, memorial services, and lavish flower arrangements may not be necessary and can save a lot of money if you have a tight budget. Instead, if you are funeral planning for yourself or a deceased love one, focus on exactly what you or the loved one would want in a celebration of life. As long as friends and family have a place to gather, pay their respects, and say goodbye, you will have done a great job in your funeral planning.
- You can stream funeral services online. The average cost of funeral expenses depends on the cost of items and services you choose to be used in the funeral. Items like flowers and caskets will vary in price depending on the type and quality you choose. Arranging a funeral can be a difficult thing to do since one is dealing with a loss. A basic funeral service includes viewing the body, a ceremony with speeches, music and reading eulogies, and a burial at the gravesite. Can you attend a funeral online? The answer is yes. In many cases, loved ones and family members may not be able to travel for funeral services. Livestreaming a funeral service allows these people to pay their respects without necessitating travel.
In our next blog, we will continue to discuss more facts about funerals your funeral director would like you to know. Stay tuned to learn more about this important planning time in your life.