Choosing The Right Funeral Home

Making Your Final Plans

3 October 2016

Derek Murphy

Many people don't want to think of the time when they will die, but as you get older, it's important to make final preparations. Your family will want to make sure your wishes are carried out, and you can do this by letting them know what your wishes are. Making these plans in advance also takes the burden and stress from your family. Here is a guide on making these final plans:

Choose the Location

Where do you see your funeral? Would you like the service to be held at a funeral home, a church, or another venue? The location of the funeral is important and is a reflection of your values and beliefs. You can have the service held in a beautiful garden or even your home. When you choose your venue, ask if you can receive a discount for booking in advance.

Ask About Preplanned Funeral Packages

Ask the funeral director if his or her funeral home offers preplanned funeral packages. These packages typically include the casket, venue, flowers and decorations, and other funeral-related items. These packages also include a cost for the funeral, along with a discount. This allows you to pay for your funeral and services upfront, easing the financial burden on your loved ones.

Consider a Non-Traditional Service

Non-traditional memorial services are becoming popular and are changing the way people think of funerals. A modern, non-traditional service is called an end of life celebration. These celebrations highlight the accomplishments and achievements of the person who passed. This type of service focuses on celebrating someone's life rather than grieving their death. If you would like a lighter, cheerful tone to your memorial service, an end of life celebration may be an option for you.

Consider an Alternative to Burial

Caskets and burials may not be for everyone. If you're considering an alternative to a burial, you should know what your options are. Ask your local funeral home director what options they offer. Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Donating your body to a medical school
• Cremation
• A green burial, in which your body is allowed to decompose totally naturally
• Alkaline hydrolysis, which is similar to cremation, in which your entire body will be reduced and placed in an urn—unlike cremation, this process uses alkaline chemicals to break down the body.

With these considerations in mind, you can be on your way to making your final arrangements. Contact your local funeral home, such as Danks-Hinski Funeral Home, and ask about preplanned funerals to get started.

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