
A funeral planning website can be a game-changer for those who want to make arrangements from the comfort of their own home.
These websites typically provide a wide range of services, including online obituary notices and funeral home directories.
Many funeral planning websites also offer customizable funeral plans, allowing users to choose from a variety of options such as caskets, urns, and ceremony types.
With a funeral planning website, users can review and compare prices, making it easier to find a funeral home that fits their budget.
Funeral Planning Basics
To start planning a funeral, you'll want to decide on the type of service you want to have. This can range from a traditional ceremony to a more modern celebration of life.
Deciding on the type of service is just the beginning. You'll also want to consider other funeral events that might be meaningful to you or your loved ones.
Here are some things to consider when deciding on the type of service and other funeral events:
- Decide on the type of service you want to have
- Decide if you want any other funeral events
If you're looking for more information on funeral planning, you can also check out our Death Care Information section. It contains articles on topics like Veteran Funerals, Whole Body Donation, and Financial Assistance Programs.
Consider reading: Alexa Website Information
Burial and Cremation Options
Burial and cremation options are a significant part of funeral planning, and it's essential to consider the costs and environmental impacts of each choice. The cost of cremation can range from $2,000 to $4,000 for direct cremation, while burial costs can range from $3,500 to $4,000 for direct burial.
You can choose to be buried or cremated with or without a funeral service. If you opt for a funeral, you'll need to decide whether to have an open-casket or closed-casket service. The cost of a funeral can range from $6,500 to $8,500 for cremation with a funeral and $8,000 to $10,000 for burial with a funeral.
Here are the estimated costs for different burial and cremation options:
It's worth noting that the cost of cremation can vary significantly depending on the state you live in, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 in some states.
Burial, Cremation Options
Deciding on burial or cremation is a personal choice that depends on various factors, including cost and environmental impact. The cost of cremation is significantly lower than traditional burial, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for direct cremation, compared to $3,500 to $4,000 for direct burial.
You have the option to choose between direct cremation or cremation with a funeral service, which can cost between $6,500 to $8,500. Similarly, you can opt for a direct burial or burial with a funeral service, costing between $3,500 to $4,000 and $8,000 to $10,000 respectively.
Religious beliefs and cultural traditions often play a significant role in this decision. Some people prefer to be buried in a traditional manner, while others opt for cremation due to its lower environmental impact.
Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with different burial and cremation options:
It's essential to consider your personal preferences and values when making this decision. You may also want to think about the type of funeral service you'd like to have, including whether you want an open-casket or closed-casket funeral.
Select a Cemetery or Mausoleum
Selecting a cemetery or mausoleum is a crucial decision when planning your final arrangements. You might want to be laid to rest in a particular cemetery or mausoleum where other family members have been placed.
Consider the location of the cemetery or mausoleum. If your survivors will want to visit your grave, think about places that would be convenient and peaceful for them to visit. This is especially important if you have a large family or expect many visitors.
Cost is another factor to consider. Plots in some cemeteries (and vaults in some mausoleums) are more expensive than others. The specific location you choose may also affect the price, with a cemetery plot beneath a large shade tree commanding a premium price.
The ownership of the cemetery or mausoleum is also worth considering. Is it privately or publicly owned? There can be advantages and disadvantages to both.
Security is a vital consideration. Is the property well-protected and located in a safe area? Unfortunately, some people will vandalize headstones and rob graves if they think they can get away with it.
Research the financial stability of the cemetery or mausoleum. Find out how they provide for the care of the grounds and headstones. Some cemeteries have an endowment fund that provides for ongoing maintenance, but even these can be mismanaged.
Under the Federal Trade Commission's funeral rule, funeral homes and cemeteries must provide you with a price list upon request. Many places publish their price lists online, so you don't even have to ask – but make sure you're looking at the current year's prices.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a cemetery or mausoleum:
- Location: think about places that would be convenient and peaceful for your survivors to visit.
- Cost: plots and vaults in some cemeteries and mausoleums are more expensive than others.
- Ownership: consider whether it's privately or publicly owned.
- Security: is the property well-protected and located in a safe area?
- Financial stability: research how the cemetery or mausoleum provides for the care of the grounds and headstones.
Choose a Home or Mortuary Facility
Choosing a home or mortuary facility is a crucial decision when it comes to funeral planning. You'll want to research what's available in your area and what services each facility offers.
A funeral home typically provides a full range of services, including arranging and hosting a funeral and memorial gathering, as well as helping place an obituary in the local paper. This can be a one-stop-shop for your family.
Mortuaries, on the other hand, tend to be more focused on preparing the body for burial or cremation. They may charge less than funeral homes, but the services offered will be more limited.
You may want to consider picking a first, second, and third choice in case places go out of business, change significantly, or are unavailable at the time of your death. This will give you some flexibility and peace of mind.
Here's a comparison of funeral homes and mortuaries:
It's worth noting that once a funeral home or mortuary picks up your body, there's often a hefty fee to transfer it. This can lock your survivors into that company's facilities, services, and pricing.
Memorial and Celebration Options
A funeral typically includes a eulogy, music, and prayers, and attendees often wear black.
The deceased's body is usually present at a funeral, and the service is led by a religious leader or funeral director.
A celebration of life, on the other hand, is a more casual and upbeat event that may not include religious or cultural elements.
It's held at a location other than a funeral home, and attendees dress casually, often wearing something that honors the deceased, like their favorite color.
Attendees at a celebration of life often share their favorite stories about the deceased, and a slideshow may be included in the event.
Memorial vs. Celebration of Life
A memorial service is a more traditional way of communing with others who want to support each other and remember their friend or family member. It often comes right after a funeral or burial service and tends to be a more somber occasion.
A celebration of life, on the other hand, is a more modern event that may not include religious or cultural elements. It isn’t held at a funeral home but rather at a more casual and upbeat location.
A memorial service is usually a more somber event, while a celebration of life is meant to be more upbeat. This difference in tone can be a good thing, allowing you to choose the right atmosphere for your loved one's remembrance.
A celebration of life gathering may include a slideshow and allow attendees to share their favorite stories about their deceased friend or relative. This personal touch can be a beautiful way to honor their memory.
You don’t have to choose only a memorial or only a celebration of life. Each event can serve a different purpose, allowing you to plan more than one event and leave it up to your survivors what they want to do when the time comes.
Select Flowers and Decor
Selecting flowers and decor for a memorial or celebration can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one. You might want to choose specific types of flowers that are traditionally used in funerals or have particular meanings.
Some examples of traditional funeral flowers include cut lilies, peace lily plants, roses, and carnations. You can also choose your favorite flowers to be included in the arrangements.
Consider displaying meaningful objects like trip mementos, collectibles, or sports memorabilia at the funeral parlor or memorial service entrance. This can be a great way to share your loved one's interests and hobbies with others.
If you'd like attendees to sign a guest book, it's a good idea to provide one at the entrance or during the ceremony. You can also ask attendees to leave a condolence message or write down a special memory on a card or in the guest book.
Sources
- https://everloved.com/funeral-planning/
- https://choicemutual.com/blog/planning-your-own-funeral/
- https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/terminal-illness/planning-ahead/planning-your-own-funeral
- https://www.us-funerals.com/funeral-resources/
- https://www.everplans.com/articles/checklist-pre-planning-your-funeral-or-memorial-service
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