The best time to plan a funeral is years before you’ll ever need one.
While most Canadians recognize the need to prepare a will or appoint a guardian for their children, many fail to recognize the value and importance of preplanning their funeral.
“We plan our vacations, our careers and our retirement, but so many of us fail to plan for the one certainty that we all will face,” noted Bruce Humphrey, President, Humphrey Funeral Home, A. W. Miles Chapel. “It’s human nature to procrastinate, but prearranging a funeral is the best way to ensure that decisions aren’t rushed and that nothing is overlooked. It really is one of the greatest gifts we can give to those who are left.”
The many details that must be addressed when planning a funeral or memorial service can be overwhelming.
“There are more than 70 separate decisions that must be made when planning a funeral,” said Humphrey. “Will the funeral take place at a place of worship or the funeral home? Will there be visitation before the service? Is cremation an option, or is burial or entombment preferred? What music should be played during the service? Who will write the newspaper notice?”
Prearranging your funeral gives you the time you need to make each of these important decisions. It also ensures that your funeral will unfold according to your wishes.
Here are a few tips for preplanning your funeral