If you want a cremation after you pass, it’s wise to plan ahead with a Maple Shade, NJ funeral home. But before you start, here are some important tips to consider.
Know your options
You may know you want your body to be cremated, but did you know there are three types of cremation services? There’s traditional cremation, direct cremation, and cremation with a memorial service.
Each one has its benefits and downsides. To make the right decision that fits your needs, you must first know what each one entails. Learn the details and know which combination of decisions best suits how you want your family and loved ones to honor you after you pass.
For instance, if you want a scattering ceremony, where do you want it? Do you want a formal memorial service or a celebration of life with a relaxed, party-like atmosphere?
Even if you settle for a simple plan, you would be doing so knowing you’ve considered all your options.
Take your time and shop around
When you know the services you want, take your time to look for funeral homes and cremation service providers offering them. One of the advantages of creating a pre-plan is you don’t have to rush into a decision to keep things moving.
You can take your time, compare prices, and ensure you’re getting the most value for money out of your budget. Use resources like the Funeral Consumers Alliance to research cremation costs for each item by costs.
Google reviews, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau are other ways to find the best funeral home to handle your farewell. So also are your colleagues, family members, and friends. Don’t hesitate to ask for their references and past experiences.
Make financial arrangements
While you don’t have to pay in advance when you pre-plan, doing so is one of the best ways to get the most out of your pre-plan. Your family won’t have to drop the lump sum when it comes, and you will free them from a major financial burden.
That said, there are understandable risks. The provider could go out of business, and you may relocate and need the services done elsewhere.
Hence, a better way to pre-pay for your plan is by setting up a payable-on-death account or a prepaid funeral insurance plan. You will still be saving in installments, and the money will only be paid to the designated beneficiary after you’ve passed.
Involve your family in the process
Lastly, there’s no point in pre-planning if you won’t carry your family along. Without prior agreements, they may choose not to honor the plan, defeating the purpose.
Talk to your loved ones. Let them know your choices and explain why if necessary. Remember, while more people are choosing cremation, not everyone is on board. Some people still prefer a traditional burial.
If you want them to respect your choices, involve them in the process, resolve your differences, and put the finalized plan in writing. This way, everyone will be on the same page, and no one has to feel guilty.
These tips will help you make smart decisions and create a workable arrangement.
It also helps to work with a Maple Shade, NJ funeral home committed to making the process easier. Call us for additional questions or fill out this form to get started.