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 In North America there is a great denial of our own mortality. Considering how many of us try to live our lives focusing more on doing things that are healthy and living life to the fullest, it is natural for us not to want to think about death. However, it is a subject none of us can avoid. Whether it is the death of a spouse, grandparent, other family members, relatives or close friends, the final separation from a loved one is something we must all face eventually.
As a result of our reluctance to think about, much less talk about death, many of us will be ill-prepared when the inevitable occurs. One way to help alleviate the stress and anxiety brought on by the death of a loved one is to preplan. More and more people are choosing to preplan their funeral or those of other family members who may be terminally ill or incapacitated. Here are ten reasons why you should consider preplanning your funeral or the funeral of a loved one:
1. To relieve the family of the added burden and responsibility
One of the most difficult things to do is make decisions for somebody else. When that person has just died the decisions become even more difficult to make. Preplanning spares the family from having to make someone else's decisions. If the family knows what their mother or father prefer, they will never have to live with the regret of having made wrong decisions. Was the casket appropriate? Was it too expensive? Should it be closed or opened? Would they prefer to be cremated? What were their favorite hymns? The questions may be very simple or complex. When you know what other people want and are able to accommodate their final wishes, you will feel much better about the funeral services in which you are involved.
2. To make difficult decisions when your emotions are at rest
The loss of a loved one is a very emotional time. It is a difficult time to make decisions, particularly financial ones. There is a tendency by some families to over spend because "' Mom or Dad deserves the best." Preplanning allows you to make prudent decisions keeping in mind your family's financial circumstances. It also allows you to give careful consideration to matters that may otherwise be too painful to discuss at the time of need.
3. To become familiar with the many options, requirements, products and services available
For those who have never made funeral arrangements or are not familiar with the various products and services available, preplanning will be a valuable learning experience. The funeral director will review the options available when choosing a traditional service with earth burial or cremation, show you the products associated with each and discuss the requirements of the church and cemetery.
4. To record vital information that might otherwise remain unknown
One of the key documents to be completed at the time of death is the death certificate. Once in the hands of the funeral director, it becomes the funeral home's responsibility to complete and register it. Completing the certificate usually entails determining family information such as the names and birthplaces of the deceased's parents. In many instances, particularly when the children of the deceased are left to make arrangements, this vital information is unknown. When completing a funeral notice, other important information such as the names of siblings, titles, degrees, professional and political designations, awards, et cetera, is also included. Recording vital information in advance guarantees its accuracy and assures future generations will have a permanent record with which to reference.
5. To determine who assumes responsibility for the funeral arrangements
When a loved one dies, someone is ultimately responsible for looking after the funeral arrangements. Who that may be will depend on a number of factors. The first and foremost is whether the deceased had a Will. Many people are not aware of the line of authority when their loved one dies without a Will, nor are they certain who the Executrix/Executor or legal representative is when there is one. By preplanning, the funeral director will assist in identifying who has the legal authority to authorize funeral services.
6. To personalize one's own funeral service, thus knowing your wishes will be fulfilled
 There are many ways in which a funeral service can be personalized. One popular choice is the display of photographs or memorabilia. For example, to honor war veterans, families will display the veteran's medals or drape a flag on the foot of the casket. The funeral service also provides opportunities for personalization. Pallbearers, an honor guard, the selection of special music or liturgy and a short eulogy are all used to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased. Personalization requires careful thought and preparation, which the funeral director can assist you with during the preplanning process.
7. To learn more about the cost of funerals
During a preplanning meeting the funeral director will provide a detailed cost breakdown of all components of the funeral service. These include professional services, merchandise costs, out-of-pocket expenses and cemetery and memorialization costs. Knowing the cost of your funeral or the funeral of a loved one is important when considering the option of prepaying, particularly when choosing insurance funded plans.
8. To learn more about the funeral liturgy, rituals and customs of your religious faith
Each religious faith has its own set of practices and traditions. While some impose few restrictions, others have very strict rules that must be followed. The same is true for their funeral and burial customs. Some of the customs and rules followed by certain religious groups may have a significant impact on the type of funeral services chosen. Funeral directors are quite familiar with the rituals, customs, and practices of many religious faiths and can provide valuable advice.
9. To choose a funeral home
For many, choosing a funeral home will not be difficult. Most families generally return to the establishment that has served their family in the past. Others will choose a funeral home because of its location, reputation or religious affiliation, while some prefer to determine who offers the lowest prices. If you would like to meet some of the local funeral directors in your area or wish to compare prices, preplanning is a good way to do it.
10. To have peace of mind that all arrangements are completed
Although there is a tendency to overuse the phrase " Peace of Mind", it accurately reflects many people's feelings after they have preplanned their funeral or the funeral of a loved one. Elderly people who travel or live alone are greatly relieved when knowing their funeral arrangements are looked after.
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