On Cremation: Pre-planning Checklist
The process involved in end-of-life planning is better undertaken with a rational and authoritative mind. That is why Loudonville, NY cremation services recommend pre-arranging by yourself and at your own pace.
Cremation, in particular, offers the chance to design a funeral as unique as the life you lead, and no one is in a better position to plan it than you.
Below, we break down the tedious process into an actionable checklist so you can take it one step at a time.
1. Bring your family on board
You want to engage the people who officials will contact in case of death or a medical emergency to discuss your final wishes. If they are family, they may need to sign before your body is cremated since it is irreversible.
It’s best to hash it out now than for them to hear about it for the first time after your death, especially if they are likely to dissent.
2. Put your cremation intention in writing
Make it official that your chosen method of disposition is cremation by putting it in writing. Funeral homes have several forms for you to document this intention.
If you are yet to assign a home, you can also have your attorney draw it up with your will. Or better yet, give it directly to your spouse or any other next of kin who will have to step up when the time comes.
3. Write down personal notes for your obituary
Speaking of noting, you also want to add personal information you want your obituary to say and specific instructions on the steps that will follow.
You may also include where you want your obituary to appear if you are so inclined. Be sure to consider your target audience when doing this.
4. Select the specifics
On the specifics, make it as straightforward as possible for your loved ones to see the items that are most important to you, including but not limited to:
- Instructions on cremation or organ donation
- Funeral theme (solemn or celebration of life)
- Service type (military, religious, custom)
- Preferred disposition method (interment, burial, scattering of ashes, or modern memorial)
- Music, readings, etc., selection
- Donations to charity or any other organization of your choice
- Permanent resting place (cemetery, mausoleum, columbarium, at home, scattered or shared)
- Particular about flower arrangement and who comes or serves at the funeral? Add it.
5. Designate a funeral director
Finally, do your research on funeral homes near you with a capacity for the range of services you want. Be sure to go with a provider with a proven track record, so the whole point of planning isn’t defeated.
The service provider should also be able to address whatever questions or reservations you may have concerning pre-planning, so be sure to leverage their insight.
Easy enough, right?
Many cremation services in Loudonville, NY make end-of-life planning even easier with interactive online pre-arrangement tools. As we like to say at McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc., it only takes a few minutes to pre-plan your future service online. Please fill out the form today to get started, or call us at any time for more insight.
