Considering planning ahead for yourself or a loved one? Whether you are working with funeral homes in Hamilton, NJ, or elsewhere, the following tips will largely benefit you.

1.Think about your wishes

One of the most apparent advantages of planning your own funeral is that you can decide on specific aspects that give you a kick.

You may want to personalize your obituary, for example, or have a charity you don’t often speak about but would like to impact with donations.

Think about who you want at the funeral, what service(s) you desire and what happens there.

Consider final disposition (burial vs. cremation) and elements in which you want specific friends or family members to be involved, like officiating, eulogy, and presentations.

2.Consider your loved ones’ needs

As you think about what you want, remember the funeral you are planning is also for your surviving loved ones as it is for you.

Be sure to factor in the effect of your choices on the people who will actually live the experience.

If you want a service to soothe and not add to your people’s grief, consider integrating values that are meaningful to them with your wishes.

3.Choose a local funeral home

When you have a fair idea of what you want and know your loved ones would appreciate, you should decide on a funeral home. You want a provider that is both accessible and can be trusted.

A funeral director that is in touch with the community you belong to can help you fill in needed blanks. This means you don’t need to know all there is to know about funeral planning before approaching one.

4.Make your wishes official

You make wishes official by documenting and sharing them with all the necessary parties. This includes your contact person(s), the funeral home, and your attorney (optional).

You can nominate more than one contact person, like a next of kin who is likely to be readily available in an emergency.

To ensure they are on the same page with your plans, ask their opinion on your wishes beforehand and let them know what you decide on.

You can share a written copy with each party or tell them where to find your instructions when the time comes.

5.Settle on a payment plan

Another benefit of preparing in advance for the inevitable is that you get to save on funeral costs in the long run and pay more conveniently.

You can get an estimate from your funeral director when you share your plans, consider if it matches your budget, and revise if needed.

Discussing and finalizing financial plans, including how it affects potential changes, is key to peace of mind.

Remember, if you are in Hamilton, NJ, going with a funeral home that is highly accessible to you is crucial. You can reach us at any time of the day. Call us today or visit for immediate and in-advance funeral planning.