4 Common Funeral Planning Errors and How to Avoid Them

Arranging funerals for relatives is a massive effort, but loved ones often have little warning before they have to start planning. Juggling those responsibilities while in the throes of grief can lead to devastating funeral planning errors. 

Take a look at this list of common issues so you can avoid them.

1. Powering Through Without Help

Few people stay calm following a loved one’s death, and those who do could be powering without help. 

Don’t be afraid to ask loved ones, clergy members, or industry professionals for assistance. Building a support system helps you make wise decisions and takes some pressure off of you in a trying time. 

2. Avoiding Price Comparisons and Budgeting

As you plan your loved one’s funeral, you want to give them the best. Chances are high that you’ll also be looking to get the process over with as soon as possible. Both of those factors push bereaved people to ignore costs.

Rushing through planning without taking time to compare prices won’t make you feel good for long. It might bring some relief at the time, but you’ll have a long-term stressor on your hands once the funeral is over and you reconsider your finances.

One way to make funeral finances less daunting is by budgeting. You can determine what you can afford long ahead of anyone’s passing, or talk to a financial expert who knows how to budget for funerals for help as you’re planning.

3. Not Researching Final Disposition Methods

Most Americans choose either burial or cremation for final disposition but suggesting those are the only options is a major oversimplification. There are variants on burial and cremation such as “green” or eco-friendly burials and liquid cremation. You’ll also want to consider your and the deceased’s religious and cultural practices when choosing the final disposition method.

Another bit of research you should do is to discover whether the deceased has a statement on their final wishes. The deceased may have even asked for something less typical like donating their body to science. In that event, you’ll have to decide what kind of memorial service or funeral to hold without their body present.

After choosing the basic method of final disposition, you’ll have some other funeral considerations. The specific method desired burial location, and whether you want to do a religious or secular service will all inform the best way how to choose your funeral provider.

4. Rushing Invitations to Everyone

You need to check on several factors before you can invite guests with confidence.

First, see if the deceased had any requests, and check for current contact information before sending anything. You wouldn’t want to call the wrong number or send a funeral invitation to the wrong mailing address.

If the deceased was wronged or had a massive falling-out with someone, inviting them to the funeral is a recipe for disaster. Scour the proposed funeral guest list for feuds to avoid drama and fighting before making any calls.

Avoiding Funeral Planning Errors and Other Know-How

After reading this list, you have a good knowledge of how to avoid common funeral planning errors. Keeping these things in mind makes navigating a painful time easier.

You’re in the right place for more advice to keep your life on track. Click on another article to pick up other useful know-how.