You might think it’s an awkward or uncomfortable conversation, but sharing your funeral plans is a thoughtful way to ensure everyone knows what you want to happen when you pass. It’s also essential to ensure that your final wishes are carried out precisely as you intend. Whether it’s a burial or cremation service in Pennsauken Township, NJ.

We know this may not be an easy conversation to initiate, mainly because it involves talking about death, but we encourage you to read through five tips on how to share your funeral plans with loved ones.

Start with yourself

When you’re thinking about sharing your plans, begin with yourself. It is the most critical step in the process because clarity gives confidence. Make a list of the factors that are important to you when it comes to how you want to be remembered.

You might want to be buried or cremated, want a specific type of service, or want your ashes to be sprinkled somewhere meaningful to you. When you understand your choices, and why you want them, it’s easier to explain to others.

Know How to Start the Conversation

This is the big question, how do you start the conversation? Asking your loved ones to sit and have a “death talk” may seem more morbid than helpful. Instead, we suggest trying a few different ways to ease into the conversation.

Start a casual conversation about funerals and death in general. You can also use the holidays as an opportunity to talk about death. For example, during the Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday, ask your family members what their plans are for after they pass away. These are low-pressure ways to start a casual conversation about your passing.

Set a time to talk and answer any questions

Once you have started the conversation, set a time to discuss your funeral plans with your loved ones. You may want to do this as a family meeting or meet up with each individual. It’s up to you.

Make sure you have a pen and paper nearby to take down any questions your loved ones may have. You may be surprised by what they want to know. Be open to talking about any concerns they may have, and be prepared to answer their questions. Many people treat visitation like viewing, which is why many wonder if it’s possible to have visitation with cremation.

Explain Why You’re Sharing Your Plans

Many families are uncomfortable talking about death, but it gets easier when they understand why.

Explain why you’re sharing your plans and let your loved ones know that you care about them and want to make your passing as easy on them as possible.

Don’t wait till the last minute to share your plans

If you’ve read this entire article and aren’t sure if you should share your plans, we recommend you should. There is no good time to talk about death and how you want to be remembered.

Waiting till the last minute to share your plans is never a good idea. You may feel pressured to get everything done or feel like you don’t have enough time to talk to everyone. We suggest talking to your loved ones as soon as you can.

The sooner you start the conversation, the sooner everyone can feel at ease. After the talk, pre-planning the funeral is one way to ensure your wishes are honored.

Contact us to pre-plan your funeral with a Pennsauken Township, NJ, cremation service. We will work with you (and your family) to create the send-off you want and deserve.