Planning Ahead: Talking with a Director About Funeral Plans

The old joke about taxes and death being two certainties of life has been around for a very long time. However, when you get down to really thinking about your own life ending at some point along the way, it might be a bit sobering. Just as sobering might be considering what decisions will be made by your loved ones regarding your funeral service after you have died. Planning your own funeral service not only means that you'll be in control of every aspect of it, but it also means that you'll relieve your loved ones of that daunting responsibility while they are mourning you. From a display to the music, here are some ideas that might inspire you to prepare something memorable and meaningful for those who come to honor you.

A Display - Creating a display that represents your life doesn't have to be a complicated thing. It would be a good idea to get your spouse, another family member or a trusted friend to be in charge of putting a display together when the time comes for your funeral service. One idea is to just have a display of photographs from the time of your birth through present time. Be sure to include family pictures, school pictures, and other pictures that are all part of your life story. Another idea for your display is to include things like trophies, certificates of achievement, and other awards you have received during your life. Don't forget to include objects that represent your interests. For example, if you play the piano, include sheet music. If you love the study of languages, display your textbooks. 

The Music - Music both inspires and brings comfort. And, remember that those who come to your funeral will be there to be consoled at your parting. If you love traditional church hymns, some that would be very appropriate would be "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," and "Holy, Holy, Holy." A beautiful closing song would be "Abide With Me, 'Tis Eventide." If you would prefer to have patriotic music, consider songs like "The Battlehymn of the Republic" and "Blowin' in the Wind." Another idea is to have inspiring songs like "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," "My Way" and "The Impossible Dream." Instrumentals of a medley of your favorite songs would also be a good consideration.

The Talks - Write down things that you want included in your eulogy and in any other talks to be given. Find out if your children would be comfortable speaking, as they would be able to share tender and amusing anecdotes about their times with you. If you ask extended family members or friends, be sure to ask more than one individual, just in case one of them will not be present at your funeral service. 

Be sure to put everything in writing and to give copies of all pertinent papers to at least two people. It is also a good idea to talk through plans at a local funeral home, such as Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, so contact a local home today.