Planning A Funeral Is A Daunting Task - But You Can Still Make It Special

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Being responsible for planning a funeral service is a pretty overwhelming task, especially when you are trying to cope with your own grief, as well as comfort those grieving around you. A lot of people actually find it very therapeutic to throw themselves into the planning of a funeral service – it’s a welcome distraction from sad circular thoughts.

The mourning period is a necessary process and it is all part of grief, but planning a funeral in the middle of it can make the strongest of people go to pieces. Don’t worry – we’re here to hold your hand and we’ll talk you through what you need to do.

What Has Been Planned in Advance?

Before you go too far down any path with planning, you’ll need to check whether your loved one made any plans for their own funeral. They may have stipulated certain things in their will, for example whether they want to be buried or cremated.

It’s possible that they have already made choices such as where to be buried, or where they want their ashes scattered – they may have even indicated what music they want at the service. If they have given any idea at all then this will help you focus your planning, but if not then it will be up to you to decide what they would have liked.

Check the Budget

It seems callous to worry about money at such a sad time, but the truth is that somebody is going to have to pay for the funeral, and costs can run very high if you’re not careful. You need to establish a realistic budget, and do all you can to stick to it. After all, a huge bill on top of a bereavement is just more stress that you could avoid. If you are working to a very low budget then you will find that a cremation is far cheaper than a burial.

Take the Help That’s Offered

Everybody wants to help in a time of crisis, so accept the kind offers. Distribute tasks amongst willing volunteers. Perhaps somebody could be in charge of flowers, while someone else organises the wake? They will feel better for helping out, and you will be more relaxed. Having a team of people to work with will make you feel less alone.

Plan a Warm Service

The service should be friendly and informal, focussing on happy memories and good times. Keep the service itself simple so there’s plenty of room for a eulogy, a few poems and some music. Make it a celebration to keep it as light-hearted as possible. Taking time to reminisce is important, as this is also part of the grieving process – you’ll want to make sure they are never forgotten.

Planning a funeral service is a challenging task, but when you pull it off you will be proud of yourself, and so would your lost loved one. You owe it to them to give them a good send-off, so immerse yourself in the planning and be gentle with yourself along the way.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons
•  License: Creative Commons
•  License: Creative Commons
•  License: Creative Commons
•  License: Creative Commons
•  License: Creative Commons

Today's featured writer, Richard Dale, works as a funeral director for a leading company www.allstatecremationct.com which offers services like cremation in Cheshire, CT. He is of the opinion that while passing of a loved one causes much pain and grief, it is important the last rites should be planned out and done properly.