The person or group who arranges for the funeral of someone close is often unprepared for the many decisions that will need to be made, especially in the event of a sudden death or short illness.

For this reason, planning ahead is helpful- to your family. It also ensures that your wishes are carried out instead of leaving those you love to guess your wishes.

Pre-planning
Making funeral arrangements at the time of loss can be especially difficult for those left behind, but if the funeral and payment have been arranged beforehand, most of the decisions have been made, sparing loved ones uncertainty and confusion. Before making pre-arrangements, discuss it with those closest to you because their needs and wishes should be considered, as well as your own.

Many people today have strong ideas about what they would like to see included in their own funerals, based upon things they have seen, read and heard. The idea behind pre-arranged funerals is to put these thoughts together as a guide for survivors to follow when the need arises.

With any pre-need program, you will be arranging the funeral details in advance. The funeral director will explain the available services and record your selections. At the time of death, your record will be reviewed and your selections will be respected.

Discussion of arrangements with other family members is essential, as the funeral affects them most directly. You may wish to leave flexible requests to allow survivors to make appropriate arrangements for the fulfillment of their own emotional needs.

Pre-funding
Pre-funding a funeral service is another way to lessen the future burden on family members. It allows an individual to arrange a service in the future at today's prices, preventing inflation from making a funeral unattainable. Pre-funding also avoids a later financial expense, at a time when family finances are often unsure.

In the area of funding, pre-arrangement plans vary widely. There can be significant differences - differences that loom larger as you approach the age when you may need extended medical care. Some pre-need plans allow you to put an end to the fear of future price increases by making the funeral inflation-proof. This is done by placing your payment in a trust at a local bank where the money is not touched until a certified copy of the death certificate is submitted to the bank.

The benefit of this plan is that the funeral home services are paid for, no matter when the need occurs. Payment for services supplied by others, such as obituary costs, cemetery costs, flowers and taxes, etc. can also be included in the amount trusted, if desired by you. Your money is 100 percent safe in a local bank, where it is protected by the banking laws.

Organized Preparations
Pre-planning is also a practical gesture because it allows you to make unhurried, informed decisions. Preplanning compels you to organize important documents your survivors will need later. With advance planning, you can choose a reasonable budget, and even set aside the funds over a period of time to ease the financial burden on your family.

There are several important things to consider when pre-planning. You will want to consider any religious practices that are expected by your faith. But be careful not to over-plan. Instead, make general suggestions that can be adapted or adjusted to make the funeral more meaningful to the participants. Refrain from impractical requests. Your funeral director can discuss the many options available for pre-planned and pre-funded funerals and help you select one suited to your personal needs. If at all possible, discuss these plans with your family for the assurance that your plans are appropriate.

Because it is human nature to put unpleasant thoughts out of mind, most people seldom think or talk about death. As a result, few people are even remotely prepared when death does occur within the family. Many important decisions must be made, and little time is available for investigation or reflection.

There are no shortcuts in the grief process. A meaningful service tailored to the needs and desires of the family will be an important occasion for family and friends to share memories together