Many people choose to plan their funerals in advance, using tools like Lastello to compare the offers and services of local funeral agencies and choose the one that best suits their needs and wishes.
You can also benefit from professional consultations conducted by industry consultants who can analyze every aspect of funeral planning and outline all those details that are generally overlooked and which in practice can make a difference in financial and practical terms.
How and why to plan your funeral in advance
Advance funeral planning is a useful service for those who want to decide in advance how they would like their funeral to be organized and specify all the related details , such as the type of funeral ceremony, the location where the event will take place, the type of grave or urn, the colors and many other details.
Arranging your funeral while you are still alive can reduce stress on your family , eliminating financial worries and the burden of having to make emotionally difficult and complex decisions in a time of extreme grief.
Second, it allows you to once again express your wishes , arranging how you will be commemorated and honored when you are no longer alive.
Finally, many choose to plan the funeral in advance to plan costs and have an idea of the budget to leave the family for final expenses, thus avoiding excessive financial burdens . In this case, it is also advisable to inquire in advance about any costs predefined by the local municipality or the state for burial or cremation.
How to plan a funeral in advance?
To organize everything it is important to take time to reflect on your preferences , considering the different types of ceremony, burial or cremation, the different coffins or urns offered and the services that characterize one funeral agency rather than another.
It’s a good idea to consult your family about the decisions you’ve made and share your choices with them, keeping a written copy of your wishes , if possible, so that each family member involved can monitor the funeral home’s progress on the day of the funeral.
Professional agencies or industry consultants can help you understand the different options available, the technical aspects to consider, and generally recommend designating at least one family member to contact in case of problems on the day of the funeral—a responsible person who can intervene when necessary.
The most common services to choose from
The most common funeral services vary depending on cultural traditions, personal preferences, and even local laws. Some of the services typically offered during a funeral include:
- The preparation of the body , which includes washing, sanitizing and arranging the body of the deceased for burial or cremation;
- Choice of casket or funeral urn to house the body or ashes of the deceased;
- Organizing a wake , a dedicated period of time in which family, friends and acquaintances can pay their last respects to the deceased and offer their support to the family;
- Funeral ceremony to commemorate the deceased and share memories and tributes;
- Speeches and tributes to be given during the funeral ceremony to celebrate the life of the deceased;
- Funeral procession , organized to escort the body to its final destination, such as the cemetery or cremation site;
- Reception or refreshment service , to allow people to share further memories and comfort the family.
- Assistance with handling death documentation and legal procedures , such as death certificates and burial or cremation authorizations.
- Publication of death notices and acknowledgments in newspapers or online.
Generally, all services offered by funeral homes can be customized to the preferences of the deceased or family and may vary based on local laws and practices.
