It is a difficult time for everyone when you are planning a funeral for a loved one or friend and it can seem like an overwhelming task that leaves you wondering where to even start.
Whether your loved one would have wanted a traditional North American funeral service or a ceremony with cultural or ancestral significance, you want to create a special celebration of life.
Take a deep breath and keep reading for four factors to consider when making funeral arrangements to celebrate the life of your loved one.
Who Are You Celebrating?
The first thing to consider when planning a funeral is the personality and wishes of the individual being celebrated. You don’t have to follow the traditional protocol suggested by funeral homes to have an impersonal service. Your funeral arrangements can include personalized details that connect with the things and people that filled the life of your loved one.
It can be easier to tackle the task of funeral planning if you keep focused on their wishes in mind while working out the details.
Who Needs to Say Goodbye?
There are often relatives and loved ones that live far away or have to make travel arrangements to be able to attend the funeral services and have the opportunity to pay their respects and say goodbye. When planning a funeral it is good to take this factor into consideration so no one is left scrambling with trying to get there from across the world with only a day or two notice.
Many funeral homes and churches are now offering the option to broadcast any celebrations of life or funerals so that those who can’t travel are still able to attend virtually. Ensure you know whether this is an option and that everyone is aware how to attend online if they are not able to attend in person.
Costs of Planning a Funeral
Money is the last thing you want to think about when dealing with the death of a loved one but it is, unfortunately, a major factor in planning a funeral. Most funeral homes require payment immediately and the cost can be a huge surprise for those making the funeral arrangements.
Consider your budget and ensure you are not talked into spending money on things that you don’t want or need to. There are often upgraded options for funeral packages that can be pushed on mourning loved ones by overzealous funeral directors and their sales staff.
Funeral Procession
One thing you may want to consider when planning a funeral is whether you will have a funeral procession to the cemetery or not.
If the cemetery is a distance from the funeral home you may decide to have a funeral procession to a graveside dedication or service after the funeral. Some find it helpful to choose a funeral home or church near their loved one’s final resting place so that everyone can easily navigate from the funeral to the grave without dealing with traffic or worrying about transportation.
Some choose to have just immediate family attend the graveside dedication while the other mourners head to a reception afterward.
Remember With Love
The loss of a loved one is never easy and planning a funeral can be one of the toughest things a person ever has to do for their loved one. Remember with love the person you are celebrating and consider what they would want most. The best way to honor anyone is to live your best life while being grateful every day that they were a part of it.
Don’t forget to bookmark our site for easy access to all our articles and tips on living your best life.
