With more than two million people dying in the U.S. each year, funeral planning is something many people are tasked with. But just because it’s common, that doesn’t mean planning a funeral is easy. In fact, funeral planning can be an extremely difficult thing to do. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a short list of a few things you should not do when planning a funeral to help get you started.
Failing to express concerns: Planning a funeral is not an easy task, especially when it’s for a loved one. So while you’re meeting with funeral directors, figuring out details, and setting a budget, don’t be afraid to express concerns, ask questions, and even ask for advice. When you work with an experienced funeral director, you should feel comfortable to ask questions about planning a funeral or memorial service. This way, you can ensure you’re making the best choices possible.
Focusing too much on cost: While it’s true that cost is an important factor regarding funeral planning, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. You should come up with a budget and work with your funeral director to choose options that fit within it. But if there are other details you want to add, don’t feel like you can’t — remember, a funeral or memorial service is for both the deceased and the funeral attendees. Also, if you want to plan ahead, planning your own funeral can save money and remove the financial burden.
Forgetting the small details: One thing many people forget is that funerals can be customized and created specifically to remember the deceased. This means small details can be added that will truly help loved ones remember the deceased. Maybe the deceased loved art and you can hang some of their favorite pieces or if they loved music you can play their favorite songs. These small details can make a big difference when it comes to truly customizing a funeral.
There is no right or wrong way to plan a funeral, but avoiding these mistakes can help make the process easier. So keep these tips in mind to give yourself some help when it comes to funeral planning.