Estate Planning

Planning your funeral

Death hits families hard, even when the death is an expected event. Planning your funeral in advance is a lovely gift to leave to your loved ones. This will decrease the chance of arguments, lower costs, and most importantly, provide your loved ones with good memories as they celebrate your life.

Disposition of your body

You have the following choices:

• Cremation
• Burial
• Donate your body to science

Cremation occurs quickly and is less costly. Donating your body to science is free. If you want traditional burial, make certain money is set aside for the added costs. Also leave instructions on where you want to be buried or the disposition of your ashes.

Types of services

Decide on the service you want before and after the funeral:

• Viewing or a wake: this is the time the family and friends view your body before burial after your body has been prepared. If you would like a viewing, consider picking your outfit in advance.
• Funeral service or graveside service before burial or cremation
  • Who will officiate?
  • Will there be any eulogies?
  • What is your preferred music and readings?
  • Will you have an open microphone where loved ones can share their thoughts?
• Reception after the funeral
  • Where will the reception be held?
  • Will there be refreshments and who will arrange these refreshments?

Write down your wishes and store them with other important documents and share them in advance with the executor of your will. Also consider sharing the instructions with all your family members to reduce the chance a conflict will occur after you are gone.