Becoming A Level-Headed Family Funeral Planner Is Possible

Are you in the midst of planning a funeral? These things can be stressful. Even if you’ve managed to keep a level head, it can be challenging. It is emotionally draining, and there is a lot to organize and get right. Don’t panic, as we’ve got you covered. While you come to terms with your grief, you can plan the perfect funeral for your loved one. 

Using this guide, you can find the best tools to help you plan a funeral with minimal stress and upset.

Organize as much as possible using the Internet

You can use the Internet for a lot of things these days, especially funeral planning. For example, many might think you need to physically go and order a grave marker. You don’t. Instead, you can get amazing bronze grave markers from Memorials.com. Instead of going around various stores, you can look online and make your life easier. When you are planning a funeral, don’t make your life more difficult than it needs to be. You should take your time to grieve. You can do lots of the planning online and in the comfort of your own home.  

Assign a spokesperson

Consider assigning a family spokesperson or point of contact—someone who can serve as a go-between for family members and your funeral service providers. This can facilitate your arrangements and communications so you do not have to decide everything together and in person, which is not always an easy option, particularly when your family is spread around the country. The family spokesperson can help you make such arrangements, but more importantly, attend meetings, make transportation and other logistical arrangements, and help communicate information to the rest of the family as well as other contributing parties where applicable. The spokesperson should be someone who is assertive, organized, coherent, and has empathy—someone who can advocate for your family’s wishes to the funeral service provider(s).

Reflect on the life, the legacy, and the wishes of your loved one

Talk to your loved one or family members about the loved one’s values, beliefs, and important things. Are there important cultural traditions? Did your loved one express any desires or preferences about their funeral arrangements? Give family members an opportunity to share stories and memories.

Establish a budget from the beginning 

Establishing a budget early in your planning process will help guide financial decisions and ensure your funeral expenses remain within your means. Together, as a family, you should determine how much you can afford and are willing to spend on funeral expenses. Contact a funeral home or cremation society representative for help with costs. They will provide you with a detailed statement of costs based on the prior information you provide. Prepare a list of funeral expenses.

You need to be honest about everything from the start 

Another tip for organizing a family funeral is to be open and honest about everything from the get-go. For the family to plan a funeral effectively, they have to have good communication skills. Create an atmosphere of open dialogue where each family member can talk, and each can have time to listen to one another. Make sure each member of the family can express their thoughts and feelings regarding the funeral arrangements. Try to have honest communication with your family members while also showing respect for one another. Lastly, try to have shared decision-making in your family to have each person’s voice heard and honored throughout the funeral planning process.

Research local funeral providers 

Before deciding, research local funeral service providers and explore your options. Consider things like their reputation, how long they have been in business, what services they offer, pricing, and location. Set up a time that you can go talk to different funeral homes about what you need, etc. when you do find some options. Remember, this is when you will ask questions, find out what they offer, and so on. Choose a funeral service provider that aligns with your family’s values, desires, and budget constraints. This way, you can feel supported and comfortable throughout the planning process. Research will help you make the best and right decision for the event. 

Personalize the funeral service

Outline your loved one’s unique life, passions, hobbies, and accomplishments, and all of the personality traits that made him or her so special. How would you like to honor these significant qualities? Do they give you any creative ideas for how you can celebrate your loved one’s life and showcase unique achievements and experiences? Do you have any special stories about his or her life? If not, ask around for stories the deceased’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents might have told. Many people find talking about loved ones who have passed a comforting way to begin the grieving process, so consider encouraging family members to talk with one another about favorite stories and memories of the deceased. 

Delegate tasks to other people too

One thing that you can do in practice to prevent burnout is to delegate tasks and responsibilities. By doing this, you can divide the duties of planning the funeral equally among family members so that it is not all resting on one person. You can assign specific tasks and responsibilities based on each person’s skills, strengths, and abilities. This way, everyone will be able to contribute, which will revitalize them and keep them interested in further planning. Some things you can delegate are coordinating flower arrangements, preparing photo displays, compiling memorial tributes, and organizing logistics.

You need to stay as organized as you can 

Stay organized and maintain detailed notes on all funeral service arrangements, contracts, and correspondence. Keep all key documents, contact information, and records in a centralized location that is easily accessed by all family members and stakeholders. Use digital tools, amazing spreadsheets, or binders to organize information and properly manage expenses and deadlines. Regularly communicate updates and developments to ensure that everyone is well-informed and engaged in the process of planning the ultimate funeral.