One of the best tips for funeral planning includes preparing a checklist before adding the decided on arrangements to your will. If you're religious, speaking with a leader in your faith who understands the customs and beliefs in regards to funeral planning can be a good idea. Most neighborhood funeral homes offer free service planning worksheets.
If you decide to have a representative from a funeral home visit you to discuss your burial or cremation plans, don't feel obligated to end up choosing that company if you don't feel comfortable with the choice. You may want to speak with directors from several different funeral homes before making your decision on which one to use. Asking neighbors about their experiences with different companies may help your funeral planning decision making.
If possible, you may want to specify the type of coffin you wish to have if you're choosing burial over cremation. Doing this can relieve your family of having to make the decision as they may feel pressured to choose something very expensive and pay the difference themselves. By including your funeral planning decisions as well as provisions for the cost of the burial or cremation as well as the service, you can help take some of the pressure off of your family after your death.
When including your wishes for your funeral in your will, you should be specific on the matters that are important to you. Being specific, but also realistic, as to the types of funeral services that are available in your area can help your family better heed your wishes at a time when they are likely to be grieving. This is why you should research and check information during your funeral planning sessions. If you update your will from time to time, you should make sure that your the plans for your funeral are up-to-date as well.
For example, if you and your spouse purchased a joint burial plot, but then became divorced, changes must be made that should be applied to your will. If you and your ex-spouse can't reach a decision about what to do about the joint plot such as who should keep it and how much money the other person should be refunded, it may have to be addressed legally in the divorce negotiations. While your funeral planning decisions shouldn't be rushed, you should have them up to date, completed and in your will.
