Having to plan a funeral for a loved one is a difficult undertaking. It can be challenging to create a funeral plan that respects their wishes while processing your grief. Communicating about this event in advance can greatly ease your burden. According to data from the Funeral and Memorial Information Center, 46% of adults over 40 have had conversations with their loved ones about how they want to be remembered during their memorial service. This is not an easy topic of conversation, but it's worth considering so that you're prepared when the time comes.

1. Start the Conversation

Very often the hardest part of having this conversation with your loved ones is getting started. This might seem like a morbid topic, but it's important. Set aside a specific time to begin this discussion when you both feel ready. Making sure you're both prepared to communicate clearly will help set aside any emotions such as sadness, stress, or guilt that might arise. Scheduling an appointment with a pre-planning funeral service is a fantastic resource to help facilitate making arrangements.

2. Make a List of Their Preferences and Requests

Ask your family member to list their preferences. This is a great option that makes sure their wishes will be respected and alleviates some of your responsibility in making decisions later. A physical list to reference will be useful when the time comes. A funeral service can help make sure none of the details are neglected.

3. Communicate Clearly With Other Family Members

Clear communication is imperative when executing a funeral plan. Many of your family members will likely want to be involved in the planning process. To make sure everything goes smoothly, you need to communicate thoroughly and consistently with everyone at every step.

4. Set a Budget

Funerals can be a major investment. Many individuals have a life insurance policy to help cover the costs of a memorial service. However, that might not be the case for your family member. You must set a budget to accommodate your loved one's wishes cost-effectively. It's a good idea to work with a pre-planning service that can lock in pricing for you so you can prepare appropriately.

To create a funeral plan, you need to clarify anything that might be vague with your loved ones. A clear understanding of what the expectations are for the service will help you avoid confusion when the time comes. If you require guidance, reach out to our team at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery today.