Questions and Answers About Funerals

My father refuses to sit down and plan his funeral arrangements with me even though he only has two weeks to live. What happens if no plans have been made?

When individuals have not made funeral arrangements before the time of their death, usually family members call the funeral firm of their choice and have the body taken there. Later (within a day or two) the family makes the arrangements in an At-Need Arrangement conference.

I want to be cremated but my husband wants a traditional burial. He is also uncomfortable about my choosing cremation. How do we resolve these differences in opinon?

This is an excellent question. This is a discussion that comes up a lot. When you have spouses or "legal next of kins" who have strong feelings but cannot agree on cremation or burial, it's time to look at the reasons behind the feelings. People usually have good reasons for feeling the way they do. Many people have the impression that cremation always means "direct cremation," in which the deceased person is taken from the place of death and never seen again or memorialized. This is rarely a good experience for the loved ones who are left to mourn the loss of the person's existence from their lives.

What do I need to know to plan my funeral? It seems all very overwhelming to me.

Whether or not you have your ideas written down, it is good to have your wishes well thought out when you sit down to talk with a funeral professional. But in talking with them, remember that they may have suggestions that will enhance what you want. They are called "directors" because they can give you "direction" with your wishes.