Planning a funeral is probably not high on your to-do list. However, you purchase life insurance to care of your loved ones, and pre-planning your funeral relieves your loved ones of this difficult task. You can even customize your funeral and tell guests to wear your favorite color, donate to your favorite charity or sing your favorite songs. Alternatively, you may decide on another option that reflects your interests, personality and wishes.
Cremation
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, over 70 percent of burials will be cremations by 2030. If you go this route, you may choose to have your ashes buried in a cemetery, displayed on a mantle, sent into space, enclosed into a concrete vessel that becomes marine habitat or turned into soil.
Create a Memory Box
Funerals give participants a chance to remember your life. Encourage your loved ones to create a memory box. They contribute items that remind them of you, and suggestions include a piece of jewelry, love letters, pictures or favorite scarf. The box can be displayed on a shelf or taken out on special occasions as your loved ones gather to remember you.
Host a Meal
Traditional funerals typically include a meal after the service and burial. Why not skip right to the meal. Choose any date you wish, including your birthday or favorite holiday, and instruct your family to serve your favorite foods, hire a DJ or play games as they celebrate you and the things you loved.
Start a New Tradition
To celebrate you and your life, encourage your loved ones to start a new tradition. They can volunteer at your favorite charity, take a trip together or gather for an annual picnic as they honor you together while doing something you enjoyed.
Record Stories
One of the best things about a traditional service is the chance to tell stories about you and your life. An alternative is to record those stories on videotape or in a scrapbook. Loved ones may share funny anecdotes, touching moments or favorite memories of your life and commemorate those stories for future generations.
Plant a Tree
To honor you, invite your loved ones to plant a tree. It can be in a park, in their garden or anywhere you have permission.
Sponsor a Charity
In your honor, ask loved ones to give to your favorite animal rescue, pregnancy center or school. The funds honor you and make the world a better place.
Pre-planning your funeral is an act of love. Consider these alternatives to a traditional funeral as you care for your loved ones.
