You have documented your end of life wishes and informed your loved ones (click here for 5 Wishes advance directives accepted in 40 states). Now you have questions about finalizing your funeral plans.  Where do you start?

First, you have to decide if you want the traditional full service funeral that usually involves a visitation (with the decision of open or closed casket), service, and transportation to the cemetery.  Or do you want a direct burial or direct cremation (which occurs shortly after death)?   If you do a direct cremation and/or burial, do you want a memorial service?  Who would you like to plan the service?  Remember, the service does not need to be at the time of cremation.

Once you have decided on your funeral plans, please discuss your wishes and any arrangements that you have finalized with your loved ones or with your attorney. The more documentation that you leave with your family, the easier it will be for them at the time of your death.  There may be family members who would not abide by your wishes if they are not in writing  - whether because of their religious beliefs or their own needs/beliefs.  Some individuals who want to be cremated have family members who feel that if there is not a traditional visitation where you can say goodbye that there is no “closure” to the person’s life.  Then there are those who do not want to see the body after death.  By documenting your wishes, you will assist your family in abiding by and understanding your wishes.

Funeral providers are required by law to provide you with a price list of all services and charges that will be incurred.  Many people prefer to prepay or designate a sum of money for payment of funeral expenses.  Laws differ from state to state regarding protection of payments made directly to the funeral home.  The Federal Trade Commission offers a list of questions to ask when you are considering funeral prepayment (click here or visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/funeral.shtm).   Websites such as the Better Business Bureau (click here to visit www.bbb.org)  and Selected Independent Funeral Homes (click here to visit www.selectedfuneralhomes.org) can help guide you to reputable funeral providers.

Advance Directives and funeral planning are never easy topics to discuss... But  having those difficult conversations and documenting your wishes will benefit not only you, but those you love. 

Again, one great web site is the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Guide to Funerals.  It provides information regarding funeral planning, pricing of services, questions to ask, and information about your options.  Click here to visit the site or go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/funeral.shtm.