My name is Evan, and I am a funeral director at a busy funeral home in the Midwestern United States. I have found that many loved ones want to personalize the funeral experience, but they simply don't know how. I am going to outline some ways that you can make a funeral unique to the person you are celebrating. From dramatic readings to favorite music to decorated caskets, the only limit is your imagination when it comes to planning the perfect funeral. I hope your mind will be open to the possibilities the next time you are in the unfortunate situation of having to plan a funeral.
Add Unique Touches to a Funeral
Don’t Get Along with Family? 4 Reason to Preplan Your Funeral
Christina Clarke
Preplanning your own funeral isn't often a lot of fun, but it can save tremendous stress on a grieving family. However, what if your family doesn't get along, you're estranged, or you have a little family to worry about burdening? Should you still make the effort to preplan your funeral services? In fact, it may be even more important. Here's why.
1. It Ensures Your Wishes are Followed
Someone who doesn't get along with their family or who shares very different values and beliefs should always preplan their funeral. If you leave this step to family members, you may end up with a send-off that you would disapprove of or that doesn't honor you as an individual. Depending on your family situation, you may simply be able to preplan your arrangements or you may need to actually pay for them too.
2. It Reduces Family Involvement
Is your family dynamic difficult and strained for many of its members? If so, you can make things smoother for those who are left behind. Take the planning and decision-making necessary out of their hands so they don't have to work together or make challenging group decisions. This is particularly thoughtful if you have a few family members who would bear the brunt of awkwardness in your absence.
3. It Protects Your Estate for Others
Whether you're leaving your estate to your relatives to other individuals and organizations, acting now protects the value of your future assets. Why? You can control how much is spent on your final arrangements and memorial instead of leaving this up to others — especially those who may not share your values. Not only can you decide how much to spend overall, but you decide where to put your money.
4. It Allows You to Set Things Right
Bring yourself and your family members some additional peace by leaving things on a positive note if anything happens to you. Because you've made your own arrangements, you can design a goodbye that demonstrates your own independence while also respecting them whenever possible. And you reduce family stress. You may not be there to witness it, but you can leave everyone on a peaceful (rather than adversarial) note.
Where to Start
No matter what challenges you and your family face in interpersonal relationships, you can take positive steps to minimize problems for everyone if something should happen to you. Begin today by learning more about funeral and memorial preplanning and prepayment services. Meet with a quality funeral home in your area to get started.
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