Pre-planning a funeral is a way to give your family peace of mind. One of the most stressful things a family must do is plan a funeral for a loved one who died. Pre-planning can be emotionally taxing, but it can alleviate many burdens after your death. Funeral homes in Montreal have resources that can help you pre-plan your funeral to take the hardship off your family. It might be difficult to think about dying, but pre-planning your funeral can help to reduce the stress on your family when they are grieving your loss.
Here are 10 commonly asked questions about pre-planning a funeral.
1. Do many people pre-plan their own funerals?
The Funeral Service Association of Canada estimates that about one-third of people pre-plan their funeral. It’s difficult to talk about death, especially your own. While some experts recommend starting to discuss the topic with your family, it can be easier to open the discussion after you speak with a funeral home about pre-planning your funeral. You can have time to think about your wishes before you bring it up with your loved ones.
(Statistic – https://www.funeraladvisor.ca/how-many-people-actually-plan-ahead)
2. What age is too early to pre-plan your funeral?
Nowadays, it is normal to see people of all ages start planning their funeral. When you’re in your 20s and 30s, you may want to think about the future of your family and what would happen if you weren’t around. As you get older, you may have friends who have unexpected deaths, which can make you think about your own mortality. Pre-planning alleviates some of the burden on your family in case of your death. It’s a gift you can give your loved ones, whether you’re young or old.
3. If I pre-plan my funeral, how easily can I make changes to the arrangements I’ve made?
Most changes to your pre-planned funeral are easy to make by discussing your new decision with the funeral home. However, some choices may be more difficult, such as deciding to be buried instead of cremated. You may be required to make some changes in writing. Ask the funeral home where you made your plans to understand how to make changes.
4. If I pre-planned my funeral, can my family change the arrangements I’ve made after I die?
Your legal representative or executor can change arrangements after your death. We encourage you to discuss your plans with your family to let them understand your wishes and to avoid problems after your death. Pre-planning relieves your family of many burdens on your death, but it’s also important to share that information with them.
5. What if prices go up or down after I have pre-paid for my funeral?
This largely depends on how the prepaid money is handled. If you pre-paid a funeral, you signed a contract which should explain how your money and price changes are handled. Some pre-paid contracts lock in prices, but your representative may have to cover any balance still on the contract. If there is any money left after the contract is paid, it will be distributed according to the terms of your contract.
6. Do I need a legal representative even if I pre-plan my own funeral?
Although your funeral arrangements were planned, you should have a legal representative who ensures that your wishes are carried out. Your legal representative is your voice to the funeral homes in Montreal. If there are unforeseen circumstances or decisions to be made, a legal representative can step in and do their best to make the choices you would want.
7. What are the essentials to cover in a funeral reception?
A funeral reception takes many forms, depending on your religion and traditions. You may host a small luncheon or dinner at a local restaurant where friends and family can come together to remember the deceased. Some churches may host the dinner, or you may decide to have it at home. While this time is less formal than the funeral, you should still plan to give a thank-you speech to those who planned, prepared, and attended the reception.
8. How long after someone dies should the funeral be held?
Traditionally, funerals are held within two weeks after death, but there may be circumstances that preclude this timeframe. Many cultures want to hold the funeral very quickly, within one to three days after death. If the body is cremated, the funeral service can be held at a more convenient time, if that is what the family prefers.
9. What if some people can’t travel but want to view or be part of the funeral?
A virtual funeral is a popular option for people who have concerns about traveling or attending a gathering. Friends and family can use a computer, tablet, mobile phone, or another device to view a service through our live-streaming service. We recommend finding a quiet place to view the service to avoid distractions. You will also appreciate the peaceful setting to pay your respects to your departed loved one.
10. Why is a wake called a wake?
A wake is an Irish tradition. Centuries ago, diseases plagued the country and made people appear dead. The bodies would be laid out in the home and “watched” overnight by family and friends. Over time, the wake became a way to pay respect to the deceased by keeping vigil over the body and sharing stories and food. Today, a wake is considered a viewing or visitation, but it can take many forms.
If you’ve got more questions about pre-planning a funeral, funeral homes in Montreal have answers and can take you through the steps. Contact Direct Cremation to learn more.
