What You Need to Know About Prearranging

There are several things you should know about prearranging final rites or preplanning a funeral service. One of the main reasons people prearrange a funeral is to protect the surviving family members from unnecessary pain and expense. Your final celebration in life will be done in a way that reflects your own personal style.

It helps also to lessen the financial burden on the family. My best friend recently lost her mother who did do preplanning and the financial stress that was lifted off the children was huge. It also showed them the love their mother had for her daughters by taking care of this before she passed. Prearranging can also alleviate or minimize any disputes that could possibly arrive between those left behind to do the planning themselves.

Funeral planning is not just for older people. You will be surprised to learn that the best time to actually plan is while you are vibrant and healthy. It allows you to make decisions with a clear head, without the pressures of illness or circumstance. Families who do this find the experience surprisingly positive and makes them feel unburdened and in control of their lives.

Some view it as a matter of getting their estate in order while others may see it as a sound investment for the future. If your in doubt as to whether or not your wishes will be carried out, don't be. During the process, you complete a form that is on permanent file at the funeral home. Upon your death, the funeral director will share your detailed wishes with your family.

Many are still able to make arrangements today without having to afford payment now. When payment is convenient, you can contact the funeral home to make arrangements. Affordable payment plans are usually available to meet such needs.

On average a full service funeral cost between $3,000-$30,000 depending upon the services selected. Expenses vary throughout the country and may include the following:

Professional Services

Embalming

Other preparations

Visitation/Viewing

Funeral at funeral home

Funeral home transferring

Hearse (local)

Service car/van

Acknowledgement cards

Casket

Vault

Ceremony Programs

If you are uncertain or do not know what you want, your funeral director should be able to guide you through the process. They will be familiar with all the available options and understand that families don't do this type of planning very often. If you are interested in exploring cremation, plans are also available for those who want to be cremated.

Although it may seemed strange or too soon, making prearrangements is a wise and right thing to do for your family.