Understanding what isn’t necessary when arranging a funeral can ease the burden. Here are 10 Things to consider.
Introduction
Most of us have attended a funeral. The standard funeral typically includes items like a coffin, hearse, funeral service, and more.
Since many people don’t arrange funerals often, they can be a bit lost not only on where to start but also on what they need to do. This sometimes leads families to believe they must do far more than they actually want, along with the corresponding expenses.
The more funeral homes can provide, the more money they can make. Hence, you will see phrases like “proper farewells” or “dignified services that will provide proper closure” associated with many homes.
However, there are many things you don’t need to do. Here is a list of 10.
- Embalming
This is not necessary and is actually a very invasive procedure that fills a body with chemicals while draining all the blood away. I’ve discussed this more in-depth elsewhere.
- Newspaper Notice
There was a time when all funerals were published in newspapers, during the era when newspapers were the major media outlet. Today, this is not the case. There is no legal requirement to place a notice if you prefer not to.
- Needing a Will
You do not need a will before holding a funeral. Often, there isn’t a will, or perhaps one was made decades ago that suddenly surfaces. Even if a will appears on the day, it is not essential for a funeral to take place.
- Doing What the Deceased Wanted
Families often want to honor the wishes of the deceased, whether that involves a specific song, reading, or even an outline of the entire service. However, there are no regulations that state a family must comply. Ultimately, they can make the final decision. For example, a request to release 100 doves as the hearse drives away can be modified.
- Funeral Service / Catering
Sometimes families may choose not to have any public service. There could be various reasons for this. Regardless of the reasons, a public service is not required. Nor is the need to provide catering.
- Service Sheets
Often at a funeral service, service sheets are provided. These were used before the widespread use of data screens, which most churches and places now have. For some, it is significant; however, it is not essential.
- Funeral Homes
There is no legal obligation to use a funeral home. Of course, it is entirely understandable why people do. But for some families, they may opt for a DIY option. It is worth conducting your research well in advance.
Additionally, you may only want the funeral home to handle specific tasks and not all of them.
- The Hearse
Transporting a casket is not without its challenges. There have been instances where family members chose to transport the coffin to the crematorium in the back of their pickup truck. As long as the “load” is secure, feel free to explore other options.
- Live-Streaming
Live-streaming a funeral can be an important way for those far away to participate. Most funeral homes provide this service (at a cost). While technology continues to improve, it is not flawless.
I suggest that families contemplating this option consider recording instead of live-streaming. This is often much easier to arrange.
- Spending Excessive Money
We all know that even “affordable” funerals can be costly. But it is easy for expenses to escalate. For some, this isn’t a concern. For others, they prefer any extra funds to go to the family rather than the funeral home. You do not have to follow all their suggestions.
Conclusion
Many websites list the necessities for arranging a funeral. Few mention what you DON’T need to do.
In recent years, families have realized that there are many alternative ways to say goodbye to a loved one, often in ways that are much more meaningful than traditional methods.
Death is a natural part of life, and the more we can alleviate uncertainty and apprehension, the better people will cope with death. While it does not eliminate the pain and loss, it hopefully enriches an event we all will face.