How to plan a funeral

Death may not be a pleasant topic to dwell on, but it is an inevitable part of life. By preparing for the inevitable now, it is possible to minimise the logistical and financial burden of planning a memorial service and ensure that the funeral and other arrangements are conducted with dignity.

A dignified burial honours the deceased. Perhaps more importantly, it helps family and friends come to terms with their loss. This is an important consideration when deciding how to plan a funeral for oneself.

However modest your personal wishes may be, consideration should also be taken for the needs of your loved ones when you die. Create a funeral planning checklist that encompasses organisation of the funeral service, tombstone and memorial ceremony. These services have a powerful symbolic value that can help console mourners.

Financial considerations

There is no denying that a decent funeral is expensive. On top of wanting to provide for your family when you die, it is sensible to add specific measures to your funeral planning checklist so as to provide the money and resources to pay for a funeral. This is because funds from your estate may not be immediately available, even if your finances are in order.  

A funeral insurance policy will generally pay out an immediate cash sum to your dependants. This offers two important benefits:

• The funds can be used to pay for a properly dignified ceremony
• It alleviates anxieties about raising money at an already stressful time  

Some funeral insurance comes with the option of additional benefits, such as access to a car or a monthly allowance to pay for groceries and other necessities. When looking at how to plan a funeral, it is a good idea to discuss these options with an insurance broker to decide on the level of funeral cover that is appropriate for you and your family.

Planning a memorial service

When looking at how to plan a funeral you’ll realise it is not only about securing adequate funds. To ensure the ceremony runs as smoothly as possible, it is a good idea to have some understanding of the process.

When looking at your funeral planning checklist, try and choose a funeral home beforehand to save your family from having to make time-consuming decisions when it is least appropriate. If it’s possible, choose the religious leader or other suitable person who will lead the service beforehand. This will minimise the hassle, as well as guarantee that the service is conducted in the manner which you consider fitting.  

One of the most important planning measures is for you to write a will. It will remove any confusion and prevent disputes and will also ensure the estate is processed smoothly. A simple will can be completed at no great expense without the assistance of a lawyer. 

About the Author:

Hollard Funeral provides quality funeral insurance in South Africa ensuring your family  has immediate cash funds available when they need it most to pay for a funeral and related expenses. A range of optional funeral plan benefits are also available. Contact Hollard for a funeral insurance quote to suit your needs.