Making Final Arrangements For A Loved One? 3 Questions To Ask

Growing older brings new experiences and responsibilities, some of which are approached with sadness and trepidation. Making final arrangements for a loved one is one such experience that becomes more apt to occur as you grow older. Even a death that is expected, such as one caused by a terminal illness, can be difficult to accept. If those who are left behind to plan the funeral are doing so for the first time, they may struggle to know how best to proceed. If you are faced with making the funeral arrangements for a loved one and unsure of where to begin, asking yourself these three questions can help guide you determine how to handle this difficult responsibility.

Did the deceased leave any final wishes? 

When starting from scratch to plan a funeral service and make final arrangements for the remains to be interred or cremated, it can be helpful to determine if the deceased left any verbal or written instructions. If so, you may be able to use their wishes as a guide to help you make the plans. There may be written instructions in a safe deposit box or with an attorney. Perhaps a surviving spouse, sibling, adult child, or close friend may recall a conversation about funerals versus cremations or another final arrangement topic that could be helpful in making sure you deceased loved one's wishes are observed. 

What budget amount will you be working with? 

Other than the final wishes of the deceased, the budget you have to work with is often the most important information to have when planning a funeral. Whether the funds for their final needs were left by the deceased, are your own, or will be sourced from burial insurance, donations, or other sources, taking time to gather that information before you begin will help you determine how to proceed. The budget can be especially helpful when choosing:  

• the type of service and the location where it will be held
• the casket, vault, urn, or other container to be used to hold the remains
• additional items, like announcements and floral arrangements 
• the headstone or marker 

If the budget is somewhat limited, ask a funeral planning professional about any basic, no-frills funeral plans that may be available. 

Is burial or cremation best?

If your loved one was open to the idea of cremation, it can be an excellent choice it does not require the purchase of a casket, vault, cemetery plot, or headstone. Cremation can also be the optimal choice when distance or time makes planning an immediate funeral or memorial service difficult. 

Planning the funeral of someone you love is never easy, but working with a caring funeral director from a reputable funeral home will ensure that your loved one is honored and their final needs are handled with dignity and respect.