When to Make Your Funeral Arrangements

For many of us the thought of burdening our family and loved ones with the cost and arrangement of a funeral can be troublesome. It is never pleasant to think about death. You can still gain peace of mind knowing that your family won't have to worry about your arrangements in their time of mourning and bereavement.

There are a lot of reasons to think about what will happen after you pass away. You may have specific desires as to how your funeral is carried out or how your estate is handled. You may simply want to save your family from the trouble of taking care of things. It is never too early to start thinking about your final wishes. The sooner you decide all of the details of what you want in your final resting place, the better prepared you are your loved ones will be.

You may be reading this because of a recent experience involving the death of a loved one, friend or because an outside force that has caused you to ponder your own mortality and how you would like to be remembered. However, you should not make final decisions in haste. Death can trigger major emotional responses from us and it can be very confusing. If someone close to you has died or you are dealing with the reality of your own death in some way you are likely under a great deal of emotional stress. This is not a good time to make decisions. You should be comfortable and of sound mind when dealing with your final plans. If you think you are ready to make these choices here are some of the things you will need to consider.

Burial: You must decide where you want to be laid to rest. Find a cemetery that you are comfortable with and, if possible, has some significance to you. Perhaps a friend or family member is buried there. You should also think about whether or not you want to share a plot with a partner or possibly establish a family plot.

Your monument: Some people like a simple headstone with a symbol or engraving. Others may want a large statue or a double monument for a married couple. Your monument is what people will remember you by after you are gone. Choose something meaningful and reflective of the impact you want to leave on the world.

The Inscription: One of the most difficult things to do can be choosing your epitaph writing. It can be intimidating to choose the words which are meant to sum up your life. You may find it helpful to use a quote from someone you respect. It is also perfectly permissible to simply give your name, birth year and name a few immediate family members.

Try to remember you are not the only who will be affected by your passing. It is good to talk things over with your family and give them a chance to share their wishes with you. In the end it will be your choice, but hearing your families thoughts may help you with any especially hard decisions.