5 things to consider when preplanning a funeral

It’s normal to feel uncomfortable about making arrangements for your funeral. However, doing it ensures that the burden doesn’t fall on your loved ones. Here are some of the things you’ll need to make decisions about when preplanning a funeral.

1. The funeral home
If you want a traditional funeral service, you’ll need to select a venue. Factors to keep in mind when choosing a funeral home include ambiance, location and pricing.

2. Arrangements for the body
Do you want to be buried or cremated? Or maybe you’d rather donate your body to medical research? Deciding what to do with your remains will also likely involve choosing a casket or urn.

3. Presentation of the remains
You can choose to present your body at your funeral in either a closed or open casket. If you opt for an open casket, think about the clothing, jewelry and accessories to be worn.

If you want your remains to be cremated, this can take place either before or after the funeral, making presentation of the body an option regardless.

4. Type of funeral service
Funeral services can be religious affairs or simple celebrations of life. Don’t hesitate to personalize the service with a favorite piece of music, poem or bit of scripture. Be sure to also consider floral arrangements and other decor or mementos you may want present.

5. Final resting place
If you want to be buried, you’ll need to select a plot in a cemetery. If you want to be cremated, you’ll need to decide where your ashes will be placed. Your final resting place may be incorporated into your funeral service, but it doesn’t have to be.

Preplanning a funeral isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Invite a friend or family member to help you, or work with a funeral home that can walk you through the whole process.