Planning a funeral is an emotional time, and the stress of making arrangements in such a short space means it’s easy to overlook important details. Planning a funeral does not need to be stressful or overwhelming. The proper preparation can be as simple as possible and leave you with peace of mind. Below are seven common mistakes that should be avoided when planning a funeral service.
1- Not Knowing All the Options
Not knowing all the options is one of the most common mistakes people make when planning a funeral. When planning a funeral, you should be aware of all of the options available to you. You can arrange a funeral in many ways, including having a religious or secular service or a combination of both. You can also choose the location of the ceremony and the type of service you would like.
2- Not Setting a Budget
Setting a funeral budget is crucial. This is because the cost of a funeral is affected by several factors, including the type of arrangements you choose, the location of the ceremony, and the cost of the plot or cremation plot. This is especially important if you plan a low-cost or free funeral as there is no set price or budget for these arrangements.
3- Not Sharing Your Plans
Another mistake is not sharing their plans with family and friends. This is will relieve any unnecessary stress and anxiety they may experience when they don’t know what to do or when certain things are expected to happen. This is particularly important if you have a low-cost or free funeral, as the funeral director may be unsure of what type of arrangements you have chosen. This can be avoided by sharing your plans with your family and friends before you finalize your arrangements.
4- Being Unfamiliar with Typical Costs
Another common mistake people make is being unfamiliar with typical costs. This can lead to you choosing a more expensive option than necessary. You can also research the costs of caskets, flowers, and other services and then add these costs to get a general idea of how much your funeral will cost.
5- Forgetting to Balance Everyone’s Needs
Another mistake people often make forgetting to balance everyone’s needs. This can lead to feelings of guilt or resentment among loved ones. For example, if you select a low-cost or free funeral, but other family members are struggling financially, they may feel guilty about not being able to contribute to the funeral expenses. You can avoid this by talking to family members and loved ones about the funeral plans.
6- Feeling Pressured into Making Immediate Decisions
When you lose a family member, it can be overwhelming to decide on the service. Many decisions need to be made: what type of service to have, where the service will be held, where the body will be kept before the service, who will be invited to the service, and who will speak at the service. It’s important to be true to yourself and your loved one by taking the time to make the right decisions.
7- Having Incorrect Date and Time of the Service
When planning the service, you must ensure you have the correct date and time. It’s also vital to ensure that you have the correct service location. If you are planning a funeral service at a church, you should have the date confirmed with the church as soon as possible.
A funeral is a significant event in the life of a loved one. You will have to make many choices when planning a funeral. You must plan the funeral service to reflect your loved one’s life. These tips will help you to make the best decisions when planning a funeral.