Thinking about death is not always easy or comfortable for most people. This is especially true in the Western world. According to recent studies, a vast majority of Americans view the topic of death as taboo or too morbid to be discussed. Unfortunately, the reality is that death is a force that all must reckon with at some point. If you don’t think about it at all, you could be leaving your loved ones with a lot of work after your passing. 

Planning your funeral in advance might feel awkward, but it can be helpful when it comes to making your peace with death and easing the pressure on your family and friends. Review these tips to learn more about the planning process.

Do Your Research

As with any event, you must conduct a bit of research before you set anything in stone. This can be the more enjoyable part of the process, as it gives you a chance to learn about different customs surrounding funerals and memorial services. You may connect with a burial concept that you had not considered prior to beginning your research. Be sure to consider angles like the body preparation, where the service will be held, and what you would like to happen to your remains. 

Making a checklist can help you keep all your points in order as you move through the research. However, some suggest working with a funeral planner or a “death doula.” These professionals can help answer any serious or uncomfortable questions you might have about death, dying, and the funeral process. 

Understand Payment Procedures 

While planning, you might notice that a number of funeral homes and similar establishments offer packages with discounts. Most of these plans will require that you pay in advance in order to receive the discounts. While this might be appealing, especially if the discounts are steep enough, experts advise against this choice. There are too many variables that can impact this decision after the fact. For example, the funeral home you pay might go out of business before you die. This would undo all of the hard work that you put in.

At the end of the day, it is important to remember that you can easily plan a funeral without putting down a single dollar. Many companies simply want your money, so use a discerning mind. 

Look Into Memorial Societies

Another interesting option to consider is working with a memorial society. These groups exist in order to provide members with discounted rates at various funeral homes and other organizations. The societies are typically operated as nonprofits, and the fees related to joining are minimal and typically are a one-time payment scenario. Joining a society can be very useful if you are having trouble finding funeral homes or services that fit your budget and you want input from professionals who know the industry well. 

Write Your Will

While this does not need to be a part of the funeral process, writing a Last Will and Testament can be incredibly useful in the process of making yourself comfortable with death. This document is important because it allows your wishes to be carried out by the people you love after you die. If you have very specific requirements for where your possessions go, how your burial should be handled, and what you would like to do with your finances, then a Will is the only legally binding way to guarantee these scenarios play out according to your wishes. 

Find Your Peace

Though it might not be easy to discuss death, you will find that it is important to consider the concept now and again. By planning for your funeral while you’re still alive, you can save a lot of time, money, and emotional strife for your loved ones down the line.