Funerals are an important way to honor the deceased and provide closure for their loved ones. Knowing what to do before you die can help ensure you get the farewell you want, while still taking into account the feelings of your family and friends. That's why funeral planning shouldn't begin when you or your loved one is already gone. Instead, plan ahead. Here's what to do, and what to avoid.

Do:

Have open communication.

While funerals are intended to celebrate the life of the deceased, some details may be difficult or uncomfortable for loved ones to handle without talking it through ahead of time. By discussing funeral plans with family beforehand, they’ll know what you want and how best to honor you when the time comes.

Your homework first.

Research different funeral planning options and make sure all important details are addressed before choosing one. Consider factors like location, cost, personal preferences, religious beliefs, etc. and make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations before making a decision. Also, remember to have a backup plan in case your first choice isn’t available.

Put it all in writing.

Make sure that your family or executor has access to any pre-arranged plans, as well as all financial information related to the arrangements. Also, remember to leave a contact number for any funeral-related questions, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork in place before making decisions, and keep up with any payment schedules required for pre-paid arrangements.

Don’t:

Don't forget funeral costs.

If you're pre-planning your funeral, it’s important to make sure that your family knows who will be covering the cost and how much money is needed for the service. Ways to address this include setting up an insurance policy, putting money aside in a savings account or writing down instructions for any pre-paid arrangements.

Don’t leave it all up to others.

It can be difficult for loved ones to make decisions about funerals when they’re grieving, so make sure you at least give them an idea of what you want before you pass away. It’s also important to have these conversations beforehand so that everyone is clear on who will be responsible for making arrangements and taking care of

Make assumptions.

You may think you know what your loved ones want or expect, but understand that everyone has different views on funerals. That's why it's important to seek out the opinions of everyone involved in order to make sure that the funeral plans meet with everyone’s approval.

For help with your funeral planning, go to Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home in Harpers Ferry, WV. These caring experts have provided cremation and burial services, obituaries, and grief support for nearly a century. They are licensed throughout West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, and mainly service residents from Charles Town, WV. Call (304) 724-6500 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about how they can help.