Funeral Planning Resources: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a funeral is a very emotional and deeply personal process, however, it is a task that can give us clarity and comfort during challenging times. This process can become more manageable if you have the right funeral planning resources. These resources are needed to assist you in handling legal documentation; selecting the type of service; easing the burden on grieving family members and so on. 

In this blog, we will walk you through the steps and knowing them can make a huge difference for you, whether you are planning in advance or arranging a service after a tragic loss. We will share tools, tips and considerations to assist you in creating a meaningful and honoring service. 

What to Consider for Funeral Planning

There are a series of decisions involved in funeral planning and usually, as people are in the midst of grief, this planning process can be really overwhelming. For this reason, it is better to break down all the planning into manageable steps. 

First of all, consider the type of service, whether it is a traditional funeral, a memorial service, or maybe a more personalized celebration of life, just choose the suitable service. Services have their unique requirements and considerations about almost every detail. 

Next, think about whether you’ll opt for cremation or burial, as it influences other aspects of the process, for example, whether you will need a casket or urn, deciding on a final resting and those types of details. Other important things to consider are how to transport family members, address logistical details, prepare an obituary, and coordinate with the chosen funeral planning services. 

Funeral costs money, so budgeting is another crucial aspect. There are some funeral planning tools that can assist you in budgeting and help you manage expenses. Legal matters are also important, gathering documents such as death certificates and wills. 

It is helpful to consult a funeral planning website that may offer checklists or some guides. These kinds of tools for funeral planning can ensure no detail is overlooked. 

Key Resources for Funeral Planning

Funeral Planning Websites

A reliable funeral planning website like HonorYou can give you comprehensive funeral planning tools and with the help of these tools, you can have everything from service programs to memorial products. There are websites, that also have step-by-step guides, templates, checklists and other necessary tools to make the entire process smoother and less stressful. 

These funeral planning websites can be helpful for everyone whether they are planning a traditional funeral or something more personalized and unique.

Funeral Planning Checklists

As mentioned above, some websites also include funeral planning checklists. So those checklists help people to address every aspect of the service. They prevent last-minute surprises. Usually, they break down the planning process and make it more manageable, such as choosing a location and a venue, coordinating with a funeral director, arranging transportation and so on. They are very practical, especially when emotions are high and finding a clear path can be extremely difficult. Many tools for funeral planning available online include these customizable checklists that you can adapt to your specific situation. 

Budgeting Tools

Another crucial aspect of the funeral planning process is managing the costs. Fortunately, there are various funeral planning tools specifically designed for budgeting the funeral. In general, these tools have price comparisons for various services, can create a comprehensive budget and also, track the expenses as you go. 

Usually, funeral planning websites offer those tools and by taking advantage of them, you can be sure that your loved one receives a meaningful service. 

Legal and Documentation Resources

The legal side of the service is another critical component in the funeral planning process. It can be daunting, especially, when people are already dealing with grief. To handle legal and documentation aspects, the first thing is to obtain a death certificate. It is a necessary document for many legal processes, such as the settlement of the deceased’s estate and arranging the funeral. 

In addition to the death certificate, if the person had a will, it should also be reviewed and closely followed to honor their final wishes. Funeral planning websites offer the resources necessary to manage the legal side. Funeral planning tools help people gather essential documents (certificates, the will, insurance, prepaid funeral arrangements, etc.). Some funeral planning services also help families with legal aspects, such as estate disputes or burial rights questions. 

How to Choose the Right Funeral Planning Services

Funeral Homes and Directors

The first thing in choosing the right funeral planning service is to find the right funeral home and director. We recommend considering location, services offered and cost when selecting a funeral home. A funeral director should be attentive and listen to your needs, they should offer you clear pricing and tell you about available funeral planning services.

You can do your own research on funeral planning online. Pay attention to reviews, ratings and other detailed information when you find a website for funeral planning. Websites also offer directories of funeral homes and you can easily compare the options. 

Pre-Planning Services

More and more people are pre-planning their funerals. This is the way to ensure that their wishes are respected and to reduce the burden on their family. 

Pre-planning also has a financial advantage as the current prices for funeral planning services are locked and you will potentially save money in the long run. Also, it has another benefit, which is peace of mind, because you know that your family won’t have to make difficult decisions during a time of grief. Search for a reliable provider, in this case too, read reviews, call them and ask, and do your research before the final decision. 

Online Funeral Planning Services

You can get access to a wide range of funeral planning resources online. There are platforms that can help you arrange everything from home, without visiting multiple locations and meeting numerous service providers in person. 

When searching, check what type of services online funeral planning services offer. The best sites usually have step-by-step guides, templates, checklists and other funeral planning material. They should also be transparent about pricing so you to budget effectively and avoid unnecessary costs. 

Online services are especially convenient for families that are living in different locations, as everyone can participate in the planning process and make decisions together in real-time. 

Modern Tools and Technologies in Funeral Planning

Virtual Funeral Services

Virtual funeral services have also gained popularity in recent years, as family members and friends may be unable to attend a service in person, due to various reasons such as restrictions, distance, or health concerns. 

Planning a virtual funeral service has its own unique steps:

• Select a platform that can do the live streaming and interactive participation. 
• Consider whether they have live readings, sharing memories and virtual guestbook features.
• Check if it can record the service, to be shared with those who were unable to attend. 

Funeral Planning Apps

Another valuable tools are funeral planning apps that give families access to a range of resources. These apps are simplifying the planning process, as they have budgeting tools, checklists and virtual service coordination too. 

A funeral planning app can be considered a good one if it can manage every aspect of the funeral, for instance, expense tracking, communication, and creating and distributing digital invitations. 

While selecting a funeral planning app, always check the download and active installation numbers and read the reviews. We recommend the most downloaded ones are Sendoff and Memento Vita.

Social Media and Memorial Websites

Social media and memorial websites offer a space to share memories and stories of the deceased, to keep their memory alive long after the funeral. 

Some families also create easy memorial websites to have all the information about the deceased gathered on one platform. These websites can host obituary details and service information, sometimes they also have donation links. 

Of course, social media can also be used to announce the death and share service details, whether publicly or in private groups. 

FAQs 

How to set up a funeral plan?

First of all, decide whether you want to do it on your own or through a funeral planning service. Consider your budget and research your options. Choose between burial and cremation and decide what type of service you prefer. We recommend using a funeral planning website to compare all the options and easily manage the process. 

How do I make my own funeral plan?

Start writing down your preferences. Include what type of service you want, location, readings, and whether you prefer burial or cremation. Keep in mind the financial aspect, are you going to prepay for your funeral or set aside funds in an account. Document your will or let it know to a funeral planning service. There are various funeral planning tools online like HonorYou that can help you manage the process. 

How do I organise my funeral?

Begin with selecting the type of service you want, traditional funeral, memorial service or celebration of life. Then decide between burial and creation. Choose personalized details such as music, readings and participants. Then research and choose a funeral home and tell them your wishes. Then, make sure that your family is aware of your plans and has access to documentation. There are websites for funeral planning like HonorYou that can help you organize the funeral.

What is the best funeral plan?

The funeral plan is very individual and the best is which aligns with your personal wishes, budgets, and the needs of your family. The funeral plan should have clear documentation of your preferences and should be financially manageable, either through prepayment or a payment plan. Consult a funeral planning website like HonorYou and you can compare different options to choose the best plan for you.

Who is supposed to plan a funeral?

Traditionally, spouses, children or parents are responsible for planning a funeral. However, there are cases when a close friend or appointed person takes this role. The most important is that that person is responsible and aware of the deceased’s wishes.