Making funeral arrangements ahead of time is a common approach, alleviating the burden for the family and ensuring that personal wishes are on file. The amount of detail is completely up to you, but there are certain do's and don’ts that every person should consider. These will simplify the decision-making process, so take a closer look at the following to determine how best to proceed. 

Do: 

Consider all the options.

When it comes to the funeral, there are two options available – traditional burial or cremation. Both include a ceremony where the family can share memories of their loved one and honor a life well-lived. 

The main difference is the location. Traditional burials usually start in a church or funeral home and end with an intimate gathering at the cemetery. Cremation allows for a little more flexibility, where friends and relatives can meet at a place that was close to their loved one’s heart. They can then scatter the ashes or take the urn home to set on the mantel. 

Ask for help.

Sorting through the information on your own may prove difficult. Having a trusted family member or friend come alongside could ease the strain of the planning process. Funeral directors are also a great resource when you’re not quite sure what to do next. They have experience in the industry and are familiar with the different formats. 

Don’t:

Pay in advance.

Providing an upfront payment only serves to lock the agreement in place. If you were to move to another state or experience a drop in finances, then the money might be considered a total loss. 

Setting up a payable-on-death account is a much better option. It keeps the money separate from the estate and ensures that there’s enough to cover expenses. The funeral home can simply keep the arrangements on file for the family to use when it comes time to put your plans into motion. 

Agree to a package deal.

Package deals are meant to save on funeral costs. While they include a variety of services, there’s a chance that they don’t have everything you require. Selecting the individual items and constructing a custom plan will prevent having to pay for any unnecessary additions. 

If you’re looking to make funeral arrangements, reach out to R.A. Patrick Funeral Home in Clifton Springs, NY. They have been in business since 1969 and commit to providing a compassionate approach. Their services include both traditional burials and cremation. A selection of urns and caskets are also available to meet their customers’ needs. Call (315) 462-2221 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for additional information on their services.