Losing a loved one or a family member can be difficult. For many people, funeral services are a great opportunity to allow friends and family to say goodbye. There are various types of funeral services, and the one that will work best will depend on the wishes of the deceased as well as how many friends and family are expected to attend. There are several things that you need to consider when making funeral arrangements. Here are three things that you should keep in mind.

1. The Wishes of the Deceased

Of course, the first thing that you will want to consider when planning a funeral is the wishes of the deceased. If the deceased was expecting their death, chances are that they conveyed their wishes to you. In fact, many decide to plan out their funerals ahead of time. Checking to see if there is any documentation regarding their wishes should be your first step.

If the death was unexpected, making funeral arrangements may be more difficult. It's important to consider whether or not they were religious when planning their funeral. You may also want to consider their personality and what they liked when making arrangements.

2. The Options

Another thing to consider when it comes to making funeral arrangements are the options that are available. You may decide to have both a viewing and visitation in addition to a funeral or memorial service. Having the deceased buried in a plot or in a mausoleum is something that many choose, especially if there are other family members buried nearby. Cremation is becoming increasingly popular and sometimes a viewing is held before the body is cremated. 

3. The Cost

Many are shocked by how expensive planning a funeral can be. Costs can vary depending on whether the deceased is cremated or buried as well as depending on the formality of the services. Traditional funeral services start around $6,000 to $9,000 but often cost $10,000 to $15,000 depending on what's included in the services. Simple cremation costs between $1,000 and $2,500 while cremation with funeral services and a viewing will typically cost between $2,000 and $9,000. It's important to consider these costs when planning funeral arrangements.

Planning a funeral can be a difficult task. However, there are a few ways you can make it easier on yourself. Many funeral homes have resources you can use and people you can talk to, which can be very helpful as you make these decisions.

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