“Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another .” - Ernest Hemingway, author and journalist

5 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN PLANNING A FUNERAL

When faced with the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to planning their funeral. Whether you are planning a traditional burial service or cremation, there are several important things to consider.

From understanding the various types of services available to considering how best to honor your loved one's memory, this guide will provide you with the important details to know when planning a funeral.

We break down the types of service and associated costs as well as making arrangements for spiritual or religious observances, there are several things to consider when planning.

Additionally, this guide will provide tips for coping with grief during this difficult time. With the right knowledge and preparation, planning a funeral can be a meaningful way to honor the memory of your lost loved one.

1-DETERMINE THE TYPE OF FUNERAL YOU WANT

When planning a funeral, it is important to consider the type of service that best reflects the wishes of your loved one. There are many different ways you can plan to memorialize your loved ones. 

Traditional services are typically held in a church or other type of religious setting and usually involve religious readings, music, and other aspects of the faith. It is a more formal type of service with many established customs and protocols. Graveside services are typically held at the cemetery and are often accompanied by a brief ceremony or prayer.

Celebration of Life services focus on celebrating the life that was lived rather than mourning the death. This type of service often includes memories, stories, music and other personal items that can help to remember the deceased. A memorial service is less formal than a funeral and typically does not include any religious reading or ceremony.

If you are having trouble deciding what type of funeral to arrange, it may be helpful to discuss your wishes with your family and friends. They may be able to provide insight into what type of funeral would be most meaningful for you and your loved one.

Additionally, shop around.  I mean it is your ‘parting’ party so why not consult with several  funeral directors to help make sure that all of your wishes are met and that the entire process is taken care of in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Regardless of the type of service you choose, it is important to remember that funerals are an opportunity to celebrate the life of your loved one. Taking the time to plan and arrange a fitting memorial or funeral can help bring closure and comfort during this difficult time. But it can get pricey so lets keep in mind a few things.

2-CHOOSE A FUNERAL HOME

When planning a funeral, the first step is to select a Funeral Home. It is important to research and find the right home for you and your family's needs. Consider factors such as location, price, services offered, amenities available, staff support, and other personal preferences when choosing.

Begin by asking friends and family if they have any suggestions. It is also a good idea to explore online reviews or contact the local Better Business Bureau for feedback on the Funeral Home’s services. Once you have identified several options, set up an appointment to visit each. During your visits, inquire about the process of planning and what types of services are offered.

When it comes to costs, funeral homes are required by law to provide an itemized list of all goods and services that you will be charged for. Don’t forget to ask about additional fees related to cremation or burial and any other special requests you may have. Make sure you understand the full scope of your costs before making a final decision.

Be sure to ask about the funeral home’s policies on pre-arranging funerals.  It’s also important to find out who will be responsible for all aspects of the service, such as arranging transportation and helping with memorial cards. Additionally, make sure you know what type of support the funeral home offers after the service is over.

Finally, it’s important to feel comfortable with your chosen funeral home. Visit the facility in person and talk to staff members to get a better sense of their professionalism and atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their services, prices and policies. It is essential to find a funeral home that meets your needs and makes you feel comfortable with the arrangements.

3-CHOOSE A BURIAL OR CREMATION

One of the most important decisions that you will need to make when planning a funeral is deciding between a burial or cremation. Both options come with their own set of considerations and benefits, so it is important to take the time to explore your options and decide which one is right for you and your loved one.

Burial services are a traditional funeral option, in which the body of the deceased is placed within a coffin or casket and buried in the ground. Burial services may also involve additional elements such as visitation hours, religious ceremonies, or other observances prior to burial.

Cremation is a more modern option for funeral services. The ashes produced from this process can then be kept in an urn or scattered at a meaningful location. Cremation is generally less expensive than burial services, and can provide more flexibility for those who wish for their remains to be dealt with in a certain way.

4-PLANNING THE FUNERAL SERVICE

When it comes to planning a funeral service, there are many decisions that need to be made. The first step is deciding on the type of service that best suits the deceased and their family. This can include a traditional or modern funeral service or a more personal celebration of life ceremony. Next, you will need to select an appropriate location for the visitation and burial services such as a home, church, funeral home, or other venue.

Once the type of service and its location are decided upon, it is time to arrange the details. This includes deciding who will

-       officiate the service

-       what readings will be read

-       what music will be sang 

-       other elements that make up a personalized service.

In addition to these decisions, you should also consider the refreshments that will be available as well as any type of memorial cards and keepsakes.

From there, it is important to discuss any special requests that the family has with the funeral home or place of service. This can include anything from additional decorations to religious practices that need to be followed during the service. Additionally, you should check with the place of service to ensure that any photos and videos that will be shown during the service are allowed or even feasible to display.

5-CONSIDER THE COST

Funeral costs can vary widely depending on the type of service you choose, but it's important to consider the cost when planning a funeral. As of the beginning of 2023, the average price of a funeral is $7,800 and they often get up to $10,000.  It is advisable to create a budget and stick to it when making decisions about the funeral arrangements. You should also be aware of what will be covered by insurance or other financial assistance before making your final decisions.

It is important to research the costs of funeral services in your area and compare prices before making a decision. In addition, you should consider what type of service you want and make sure that it fits within your budget. If possible, try to find a funeral home or other provider that offers discounts for cremation or burial services. Additionally, you may want to explore options for saving money on the cost of flowers, catering, and other funeral related expenses.

Another important factor to consider when planning a funeral is who will be responsible for making arrangements. Depending on the size of your family and whether or not certain members of the family will be able to assist in planning, it may be necessary to bring in a professional funeral planner. This individual can help you make decisions regarding the type of service, burial or cremation costs, and other related matters. They may also be able to suggest ways to save money on the overall cost of the funeral while still providing a meaningful and memorable experience for your loved ones.

Finally, it is important to consider the cost of a funeral itself. Costs will vary depending on the type of service, burial or cremation chosen, as well as the number of people attending and any special requests that are made for things such as music, flowers, transportation and so forth. Some costs may be covered by insurance policies or other pre-paid arrangements; however, if no such arrangements are in place, it is important to plan for the costs associated with the funeral.