If an illness is taking over your life and you don't want to leave your loved ones with any burdens when you pass, making funeral arrangements in advance can be very beneficial. Not only will this help to minimize chaos and stress when you go, but it will also allow more time for grieving.
There are a lot of details to discuss when you meet with the funeral home directors and managers about the services you will require down the road. Here are a few things to ask when you have a meeting.
Burial vs Cremation
If you are on the fence between burial and cremation, there are pros and cons to both. Burial is going to be more expensive for the following reasons:
- Embalming
- Casket costs
- Vault expenses
- Cemetery fees for labor
- Plot purchase
- Headstone needs
Cremation is something that can be done quickly, and affordably. If you are considering cremation but still want an open casket for viewings, you will have to pay for the embalming services.
Cremation allows multiple people to have your ashes if that is what they wish or allows you to have your ashes spread at a location other than a cemetery. Consider and weigh these options before your meeting.
Funeral Package
No matter what type of service you are going for, you may want to consider a package from the funeral home. This will include things like:
- Cost of printed-out programs
- Memorial CD's
- Viewing room
- Cemetery transportation
Talk with the funeral home professionals to see what is common for viewing hours and options, and what items are included as memorabilia with the package.
Locked in Price
A common benefit of picking out what you want in advance is a price lock. This means that the funeral home will be willing to allow you to put down a deposit or prepay, and even if their costs go up you only have to pay the price you are locked in at. If you pay in advance, you may also be able to get a discount.
If you are planning to pay for the services with life insurance, the funeral home will have paperwork for you to fill out so that this is completed at the time of death. Planning the end can be disheartening, but if you take the time to pick out what you want and to arrange everything, this makes everything easier for everyone else after you pass.
For more info, contact a local company like Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home Inc.
