Planning the event to organise after your death can be very stressful, but it also has some positive benefits. These benefits make prepaid funerals hugely popular and the top selection amongst all the options offered by any funeral home. This report discusses the reasons why homeowners prefer or should prefer prepaid funerals. We will also understand the type of funeral services available in Australia.

WHY OPT FOR PREPAID FUNERAL SERVICES?

There are numerous reasons why funeral homes and families advocate the concept of prepaid funerals. Although this task may be very stressful initially, saving future costs is the top motivation for families to opt for this concept long before they bite the dust. Some reasons why prepaid funeral services are popular are discussed below.

RELIEVE THE BURDEN ON LOVE ONES

Perhaps the top reason why people opt for prepaid funeral services is that it elevates the financial burden and the burden of making arrangements for the family members. Death in a family is an overwhelming situation, and family members are not stable enough to make financial decisions and arrangements related to a funeral that ensure a dignified send-off. This is why funeral homes advocate prepaid funeral services, as the funeral home takes the responsibility of making all the arrangements as per the guidelines present in the contract. It relieves the family members and friends to spend more time together and grieve over the loss.

FAMILY CONFLICTS PREVENTED EASILY

If no planning or arrangements are made in advance, it can create a chaotic and conflicting situation among the family members regarding funeral arrangements. They will consult a funeral director and their spiritual leader and, based on their guidelines and suggestions, make arrangements, but this can lead to tension and conflicts between the family members. They have different opinions on different aspects like burial preferences, choice of celebrant, venue, dress code, and even minor details like music, catering, flowers, and whom to invite and not. This is where prepaid funeral services become very effective, as all the guidelines, instructions, and recommendations would be made in advance. This will elevate the burden off the family and the chances of potential conflicts. The funeral directors must follow the instructions and guidelines mentioned in the prepaid funeral contract. The complexity will be removed completely, and the family members can focus solely on grieving and spending some last moments with the deceased soul.

MAKE INFLATION INEFFECTIVE WITH PREPAID FUNERAL SERVICES

With prepaid funeral services, you pre-plan your funeral ceremony and lock in today's prices. This means as a contract holder, you don't have to worry about rising costs or inflation. You can pay the entire amount upfront or the funeral home will arrange a payment schedule to cover the funeral cost in installments. Making advance payments ensures that your preferences are clear, and you don't want your family to speculate or spend time researching the options to follow and arrangements to make.

PLAN THE FUNERAL THE WAY YOU WANT

Many people choose prepaid funeral services, as they allow them to make arrangements as per their choice, and they can organise a proper send-off within their budget. They can arrange the event to reflect and celebrate the life of the deceased. For example, they can also arrange their schedules according to their preferences, traditional choices, religious beliefs, and budgets. Funeral homes help them in comprehensive financial planning and making better buying decisions and prevent them from getting financially drained. Preplanning is an assurance that all funeral needs are met within budget and you face no inflation at all, even if you pass away 20 years down the line.

Some details to consider when preplanning a funeral are –

· The type and style of funeral

· Burial or cremation

· Which cemetery or crematorium

· The type and style of coffin or casket

· Press notices, which newspapers, mourning vehicles and flowers

· Special features in the service, such as a DVD presentation

· The wishes of your family and friends

· How much you'd like to spend

CHOOSING THE FUNERAL TYPE

A crucial aspect of prepaid funeral services is choosing the funeral type or farewell. Contract holders want to align the farewell with their values and religious cultures within their budget.

This is possible only when the contract holder knows the funeral services offered in Australia. Most funeral homes offer 6 different types, and the details are provided below.

WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL?

Traditional funerals are the most common type of funeral services offered in Australia. This arrangement has three major components including viewing or visitation, the funeral service and the burial ceremony. Funeral viewing is organised, where the body is present, and it is placed in an open coffin or casket before the funeral services. It is not a mandatory component, but it allows family members and friends to see the deceased for one last time. It is a private affair, and the families use it as an opportunity to be with each other during tough times and bring harmony to the family.

WHAT IS A DIRECT BURIAL?

Direct burial is considered very cost-effective in terms of funerals. There is no viewing, visitation, or any other funeral service. The family selects a funeral director and gives them the responsibility to transport the body to the burial site or crematorium. Once this process is over, the family has to decide on hosting a memorial service on their own or through funeral directors.

WHAT IS CREMATION?

Cremation is slowly gaining popularity due to its cost-effectiveness and the time it consumes compared to burial. The process involves cremating the body by exposing it to intense heat that turns it into ashes. The good thing is that cremation can be organised without a funeral ceremony or funeral service at all.

WHAT ARE GRAVESIDE FUNERALS?

Graveside funerals are small ceremonies organised at the cemetery or crematorium. The entire event takes place at the graveside and is considered a very private event. The family says goodbye to the deceased soul and honours all religious beliefs, cultures, and traditions.

WHAT IS MEMORIAL OR WAKE?

These services are also becoming popular, and a memorial is considered a 'celebration of life' type of event that can be organised even in the body's absence. Family members, relatives, friends, and close neighbours assemble at one place to celebrate the life of the deceased and thank them for their unconditional love, support, and presence.

WHAT IS A GREEN FUNERAL?

The concept of a green funeral revolves around ensuring that the steps taken in the funeral ceremony don't affect nature, the environment, or the climate at all. This includes burying the body at a natural burial site in a biodegradable casket. In most cases, the body is sent into the earth without even a casket or with an environmentally friendly coffin. The goal is to ensure that the process doesn't harm the flora, fauna, or the ecosystem in any way.

Types of Funeral Services to Select In Prepaid Funerals Plans