You know your family member the best, that is why you have been chosen to plan the funeral or cremation service. You should think about how your deceased relative or friend would like to be remembered. The very best way to plan a funeral service is to personalize it by encouraging the family member or friend to be a part of the planning before they die. In many cases this is not possible, so you will have to decide for yourself what they would like.

1. Understand the options available

Funerals today are often quite different than they used to be, with many people opting to have video, slideshows and an array of music throughout. There are many things that you can add to a funeral to really celebrate the life of your loved one. Although, it is worth mentioning that just because you can do something, doesn’t mean that you should.

2. Make the whole family feel included

You should make sure that you consult with a few key family members to make sure that you give everyone the opportunity to express their grief, and that you have covered off any wishes that the deceased had in your planning. After all, it is entirely possible that there have been conversations about the service, and requests made that you are unaware of.

At the same time, you will need to make some executive decisions. You will not be able to consult with each and every family member for every detail of the funeral. Think along the lines of gathering information like what was their favorite song, and was there anyone special in their life that needs to be invited.

3. Decide on the method of final disposition

This is a catch all term for the various ways that a person’s body or ashes can be put to rest. Often this decision is influenced by their faith and beliefs. Those closest to the deceased will probably have a good idea of what their wishes are.

4. Make sure you understand all of the costs

This is something that you absolutely need to know before the service. The cost of a funeral or cremation can vary quite wildly depending on a great number of and choices that you make to do with the service.

When you are looking for a funeral home, you should be able to clearly see the prices laid out for you on request. If there is any ambiguity, you should take that as a warning sign. You should receive an itemised list of the services and products that you are purchasing.

You should not feel shy about asking for details around the cost of the service and ceremony at any time in the planning process.

5. Ask for help

Planning a funeral can be a very emotional and draining process. This is something that you should not have to do alone, as it can be quite overwhelming. You should feel comfortable in reaching out to a friend or family member to help you out. Even if it is with some of the minor details around the service, this help can go a long way to helping you manage this burden.

Asking for professional help is also a great place to start. You may find that there are certain things about the service that you had not considered at all after just a quick chat with an expert. Talking to a professional funeral home can make a world of difference, and you can be certain that with their help you will not miss out any important details.