Introduction
According to Bertram (66) in the book, ‘Funeral Customs: Their Origin and Development’, notes that many people are so uncomfortable with the fact one day they’ll have to die. This is so agonizing that people certainly try to avoid any imaginations that are related to it. However, one thing for sure is that we will die one day. Therefore, funeral plans must be a consideration to all families at some point in time. I must admit that planning one’s funeral in advance may not be pleasing, even though it offers so many advantages. In addition, making funeral arrangements before it comes calling assists in avoiding so many problems and difficulties. These difficulties come due to the required funeral arrangements, which are very difficult to plan for, since time is usually of essence. During the period, survivors usually have a hard time dealing with the grief that results from the loss (Hone, 262).
Based on the above findings, it does not cost a fatalistic individual to realize the importance of planning funeral in advance. Moreover, many people have realized the need for pre funeral arrangements and they know that even if they don’t plan now it will be a necessity in the future. To add to that, there are more advantages in planning the funeral than there are demerits.
Apart from the above reasons, planning for a funeral in advance gives social, psychological and emotional stability to loved ones during such a hard time. Planning for one’s funeral gives their loved ones a relief and an easy time in determining the details for the funeral. It also eases the burden of seeking service providers. A lot of time is saved as the family does not need to make extensive deliberations on funeral details. In other words, it simplifies the funeral process to the loved ones, by easing the avoidable stresses and pressures (Linda, 16).
The other reason why people can not ignore the need to plan for funeral arrangements is the ease and the benefits it gives to the loved ones. It relieves the familyof the financial burden and overload.This is because, when one plans for his own funeral in advance; he can set aside the funds that are needed for the plan because it is not easy to predict how the financial status of the family will be at the time of death. Thus setting aside funds plans ensures that the amount deemed sufficient for the funeral is set aside before time.
The funeral cost ranges from professional and administrative services. These include embalming, storage, transportation and payment for support staff. Also of importance is the cost of facilities and equipment .The major facilities to be considered includes the reception, visitation and preparation rooms. The Chapel and Transportation cost cannot be overlooked. Merchandise may include, casket, vault, temporary grave market and prayer cards. Lastly, one must factor in the cost for cash disbursement for the activities and items like the honorariums, headstone, cemetery plot, certificates, obituary and flowers. According to the 2011 funeral survey prices which was conducted by the National Funeral Director Association, the average funeral cost for an adult can be somewhere in the ranges of $ 7,775(Linda, 16). In this regard, it is important to set aside the approximated funds for one’s funeral service (Haroon, 32).
Finally, planning for funeral arrangements can give an individual a peace of mind since he will be assured that his wishes will be caered for, and loved ones not burdened by the huge responsility. There is also the satisfaction that one gets from the appreciation that one gets from friends and family members, from his concern for their peace of mind during this period (Hone, 262).Funeral arrangement can be very simple or very elaborate depending on an individual’s wish. For example, one may just specify a burial place or he may include a number of details as listed in the approximated funeral expenditure above.
As seen above, planning one’s funeral ahead of time ensures that a lot of things that may go wrong are catered of. One is able to make known his wishes regarding his burial details; the family is also at peace since they are relieved of the responsbility of planning the funeral. The financlial relief is also a major gain. It is therefore beneficial for an individual to plan his or her funeral when they have the time and the resources.
Works Cited
Bertram S. P. Funeral Customs: Their Origin and Development. London: T. W. Laurie, ltd., 2011. pp. 66.
Haroon S. Mourners Pay Tribute to TV Chef Keith Floyd at Humanist Funeral, The Guardian, 30 September 2009. pp. 32.
Hone. W. The Table Book of Daily Recreation and Information; Concerning Remarkable Men, Manners, Times, Seasons, Solemnities, Merry-Makings, Antiquities and Novelties, Forming a Complete History of the Year. London: 2011. pp 262.
Linda S. God, the Biggest Joke of All, The Independent, 2 March 2006. pp. 16.
