Have you decided to plan your own funeral? Perhaps you have also decided that you will choose cremation services at the time of your death. If so, here are some ideas that might help you as you plan your funeral services.
Be Organized - The best way to start your funeral plans is to meet with a funeral director.
He or she will probably even have a list of things you will want to address before the time of your passing.
Explain to the funeral director that you want to be cremated and explain that you will be planning your own service.
Give the director names of people he or she can contact with questions or concerns.
Be sure to have at least three copies of all of the paperwork you receive. Put one copy in a safe place and give the other copies to trusted family members or friends.
Plan The Service - Of course, the way a cremation differed from a traditional funeral is that there is no body present. Some of the people who will be attending your funeral services might feel that they won't get to say a proper farewell. However, the way you plan the service will more than likely give them the closure they need.
Think about asking somebody to create a display that depicts you and the life you have led. For example, if you have always loved animals, have pictures of the pets you have loved and cared for as part of the display. Don't forget things like baby pictures, pictures of you with friends and family members, and framed certificates of things you've achieved.
One idea is to express yourself in a letter that will be read by a person of your choice. Ask that person ahead of time to be your voice. And, it's a good idea to have a back-up person, just in case your first choice is no longer available to speak. Don't forget to include humorous and interesting anecdotes in your letter. Also, this letter would be the perfect time to express love and appreciation to those who are close to you.
Think about including music in your funeral plans. If you are religious, select your favorite hymns. If you are not religious, consider having violinists or a piano player present instrumental music.
It might be a good idea to sit down with your family and a representative from a funeral home like Delaware Valley Cremation Center way ahead of time to tell them that you have planned your own funeral and that you want to be cremated. That way there will be no surprises at the time of your death.
