When you think about it, when is pre-planning for anything inevitable a bad idea? The same theory applies to funeral planning in my opinion. Unfortunately, many people put off planning for this final event in their lives, choosing by default to let others handle these details for them when that time comes. More times than not, those forced to complete these final planning arrangements for others are doing so on one the worst days of their life.

Unlike at-need funeral planning, pre-need funeral planning allows an opportunity to make important decisions in a much less stressful environment. Pre-planning funeral services can also lead to lower funeral costs as emotional overspending is generally not a factor.

Today most funeral homes offer multiple options for those desiring to meet with a funeral director to make pre-plans for themselves or other loved ones. It is no longer necessary in most areas to visit a firm to prearrange services. Many firms will now come to your residence if desired to make these most important plans. Many families have commented to me through the years about how much less stressful it was to make these plans away from the funeral home. I learned long ago that many people’s reluctance to do advance planning was actually based on coming to the funeral home for fear of awakening sad and depressing memories of loved ones past funerals held at the facility.

Pre-planning funeral services also offers other opportunities that will lower stress when the death occurs. Many facilities offer “price freeze” and discount offerings on merchandise and services for those who choose to make formal pre-need arrangements.
Much misinformation regarding this particular aspect of pre-planning is being written by those claiming to be experts, usually touting only one particular “funeral methodology” that limits a person’s choices. This results in only adding to a family’s funeral planning stress in my opinion. Unfortunately and sadly, many fall prey to this novice and shortsighted advice, which ultimately only harms those who need these savings benefits the most as funeral costs continue to rise.

I can honestly say that in my nearly thirty years of funeral service experience, I have never had a family tell me they were sorry they preplanned or for that matter pre-funded a funeral or cremation. On the other hand, I have had many families tell me that they wish they had.

As a funeral director I would urge anyone to consider pre-need funeral planning. Don’t just take my advice, talk with friends and family you trust who have done this. I’m convinced when you do, they will give you the same advice I have. This is the best way to guarantee yourself and your family a truly less stressful funeral.

If you make the decision to pre-plan your funeral, congratulations. Although it may be difficult, you are helping to ease the transition pain of your surviving family. Not only will pre-planning your own funeral assist your family, it will also guarantee that all of your wishes will be granted. Unfortunately, it is all too often when an individual wishes to be buried in a certain piece of clothing or in a certain spot and the final burial plans end up being different from what was originally planned. That situation commonly occurs when funeral planning was not an issue or was never discussed.

One important decision that often gets overlooked when a family member passes on is whether or not to donate organs. It is possible for an individual to want their organs donated; however, failing to properly inform their family often makes it impossible. The majority of family members will not consent to an organ donation without fully knowing whether it was desired or not. Deciding to donate your organs is a great way to help less fortunate individuals; however, it is completely optional. Whether you choose to donate your organs or not, be sure to inform multiple family members of your decision.

Underground casket burial, cremation, or a combination of two are common burial choices that many individuals or their family members decide on. If your final wishes include cremation, you must decide what will happen with your remains. It is possible for an individual’s ashes to be preserved, scattered, or buried in a cemetery. If you would prefer for an underground burial, either in a casket or urn, you will need to decide on a local cemetery for burial.

Funeral planning also consists of paying for the needed burial items. Burial plots from a cemetery can be purchased at just about anytime and even many years in advance. Funeral homes or casket companies also cater to pre-planned funeral. The burial items and plots will be held until you pass on. Paying for the casket or urn and burial plot ahead of time will save your remaining family member the financial burden of coming up with the money.

One of the best ways to begin pre-planning your funeral is by speaking to a local funeral director. They may be able to offer guidance or have a pre-planning guide that you can fill out. There are large number of steps that need to be taken if you decide to pre-plan your funeral. In addition to organ donations and burial wishes, you may want to think about what items you wish to be buried in and what type of funeral service you plan on having and where.

Funeral planning is an event that should involve your whole family. Although it may be difficult to discus death with them, it is necessary. Funeral planning is an important step in ensuring that you and your family are properly taken care of.

funeral planning and other

funeral resources and products

A funeral home may offer a wide selection of funeral caskets. Many locations will have their selection on hand for viewing or in a catalog display. Depending on the number of caskets available, there is usually a wide selection to choose from. Funeral caskets are made from various different materials. They can also come with many different designs or artwork, if preferred. For example, a casket could have crosses, hearts, angels, or other peaceful or religious ark work carved in. There are also caskets that come with detachable pieces, allowing family members to keep this as a memento.

Funeral caskets are important because they will be seen at memorial services. The deceased individual will be buried in it and it will be the last memory that many friends and family will have of the deceased. Selecting a funeral casket is a decision that many family members must all agree on.

Another common place to purchase a casket is directly from the maker. This is often done if a casket needs to be custom made or personalized. Funeral homes also purchase caskets from the manufacture. Since they will generally purchase a large amount of caskets at one time, they are typically given a wholesale casket price. This means that they will be purchasing their caskets at a price lower than normal. By purchasing a wholesale casket lot, many funeral homes are able to offer their quality caskets a reasonable prices to their customers.

A customized funeral casket directly from the maker will likely have to be ordered in advance. It is not uncommon for individuals to make burial arrangements ahead of time, especially if they are sick. More and more elderly individuals are trying to plan out their funerals and other final expenses. This is done to help relive the financial burden on remaining family members. Although it is typically common to order a customized casket in advance, there are many casket makers who will rush an order. This feature is nice; however, it will likely cost a large amount of additional money.

No matter when a casket is purchased, there are great deals available on quality funeral caskets. Although it is a difficult decision for family members, there are many who are selecting a casket based solely on price. Thanks to wholesale casket companies, many funeral homes are able to offer their fine caskets at discounted prices. Finding the perfect casket may be expensive, stressful, or time consuming task, but it can be one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life.