Planning a funeral, whether for yourself or a loved one, needs to be done on time so that the last send-off of the deceased goes without any problems.Â
For starters, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The cremation type (direct, with memorial service, or funeral)
- How and where the ashes will be disposed—scattering, putting in a columbarium or mausoleum
- Coverage of funeral and cremation costs (life insurance, savings, or prepaid plan).
Then you have to decide whether you’ll hire a funeral director to organise the funeral or you’ll do it alone. Professionals can do all tasks related to the deceased’s care and cremation. Depending on their availability, it can happen in a few days or weeks.Â
Always shop around for funeral homes with the best offers and prepaid plans. Also, factor in costs for a casket and urn, and don’t forget columbarium or mausoleum fees if the ashes will be disposed of there.
Can You Prepay for a Cremation?
Most funeral homes offer prepaid funeral plans that cover funeral costs upon the plan owner’s death. Thus, you can arrange the entire funeral, from the deceased’s collection to ashes placement, in advance. That way, your family won’t have this financial burden on their back.Â
Prepaid plans can be arranged as a single payment or monthly instalments. They cover basic services, but funeral homes also offer optional services such as cremation attendance or priority ashes return.
Can You Arrange a Cremation Alone?
Sometimes it’s more affordable to take care of certain funeral aspects on your own, but it can be tiring and time-consuming. For instance, you need to take care of the deceased after death, do the paperwork, and plan a cremation.Â
After receiving the death certificate, you need to go to a cremation provider and agree on funeral details. You have to arrange the body transport to the crematorium, funeral service, and memorial.Â