The subject of death is one that makes us all a little tenser when it comes up. As humans, we go about our lives pretending it isn’t something to contend with.
But still, death is an inevitable part of life, and you know that which is precisely why you’ve decided to take your funeral and memorial planning into your own hands while you’re still here.
While it is admirable and selfless to want to be your own funeral planner and spare your loved ones of the pain and anguish of preparing for your funeral, the fact of the matter is that the process is stressful for anyone. It can bring up all kinds of emotions that you don’t grapple with on a daily basis.
You could use some help, needless to say. Well, look no further.
Here, discover the steps to help simplify your planning process when you are your own funeral planner.
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Being Your Own Funeral Planner
The concept sounds somewhat bizarre, but actually many people these days plan their own funeral and services because it gives them a sense of comfort knowing everything is taken care of.
The first question that comes to the mind of most people is, “how can you plan your own funeral if you won’t be around when it happens?”
This is a good question, and the answer is quite simple: it is still your family who will ultimately execute your final wishes, much like your will.
While you are still around, your planning for your funeral and memorial services need to be written down in excruciating detail. This is so very important precisely because you will not be there to correct any mistakes or clarify any confusion. Your plans must be written, and must ultimately wind up in the hands of someone you know will execute your wishes.
The process involved in planning your own funeral otherwise is relatively straightforward.
Determine Your Budget
Much like buying anything, you first need to answer how much you wish to spend on your funeral costs.
There are many factors that go into this, and a full-fledged funeral service can easily run you over $10,000.
Even if you don’t have that scratch right now, there are all kinds of funeral insurance plans that can be gotten. This way, no matter what your funeral and memorial preference, you should typically be able to afford the service you want ultimately.
Burial, Cremation, or Donation?
If this question has you confused, it’s a good thing you’re reading this.
When it comes to burial these days, conventional wisdom places you with a few different options.
Caskets/Coffins and Burial
You can be placed in a casket and buried in a cemetery, with all kinds of various coffin options and funeral homes out there to cater to your needs.
Caskets now come in all different shapes and sizes.
But, more to the point, they also come in various materials. Some caskets are made of traditional wood, but there are biodegradable options and metallic ones as well.
Regardless of what you land on for your choice of casket or coffin, you then have the daunting task of choosing where you wish your final resting place to be.
Some people are fortunate enough to have the choice made for them if you have a family cemetery or family plot somewhere like your hometown. But, for a great many of us, we are left to our own devices when it comes to choosing where we wish our remains to enter the Earth.
First and foremost, cemeteries are always an option, and quite traditional. If you find a plot you like, you still have some work to do. From there, you will need to figure out what type of grave marker you will have and what it will say.
Much like caskets, gravestones now come in a variety of interesting forms and say some eye-opening things!
You can opt for a marker that is simple, such as one that is flush with the ground, made of simple but elegant stone. You could also go for one that is more practical, perhaps making your marker a bench of some kind.
Finally, you could opt for a traditional style headstone, oftentimes made of marble or granite. These headstones can be curved or sharp-edged, and typically include a few identifying pieces of information about yourself, along with a brief quote or mantra of some kind.
Besides the typical burial in a cemetery, there is also the option of a burial at sea, burial in the wild, and turning yourself into a tree, just to name a few!
Cremation
Alternatively, you could be cremated and placed into an urn. In fact, Green Meadow Memorials has some fantastic examples of beautiful, classy urns for your remains.
For those unfamiliar with the cremation process, cremation is the term used for when your body is incinerated and reduced to a fine powder for remains.
These remains are then placed into whatever receptacle you choose, although an urn is a traditional choice. The great thing about cremation is that it still leaves you with the option of burial should you wish to go that route.
Urns are also often stored on mantles of a family home and other similar places.
Donation To Science
This is something that is thought of less often but could be a cheap way to dispose of your remains, in addition to making a contribution to the advancement of science.
This option, while less popular than some, has an appeal nonetheless because it is typically free to donate your deceased remains to science for research.
More On Life & Family
Even though being your own funeral planner can be a daunting process. Hopefully, this information will be helpful in your endeavor.
The desire to plan your own funeral often stems from one’s desire to avoid familial pain and discomfort, a novel purpose. Read more articles on lifestyle and family on our respective blog tabs.
