Funeral planning is an important step towards recording your wishes for the last resort and at the same time relieving the burden on your loved ones. But what is the best way to go about planning? In this article, we will explain to you step by step how to approach your funeral planning and which aspects need to be considered.
Step 1: Select burial type
The first step in funeral planning is choosing the type of funeral. You have various options here:
- Burial: The classic version in which the coffin is buried in a grave.
- Urn burial: Here, the body is cremated and the ashes are stored or buried in an urn.
- Burial at sea: The ashes are scattered at sea.
- Alternative forms of burial: There are also unconventional options such as tree burials or diamond burials.
Calmly consider which type of burial suits you and your wishes best.
Step 2: Determine burial location
The next step is to choose the burial location. Would you like to be buried in a specific cemetery? Or would you prefer a funeral in nature? Find out about the opportunities in your region and make a decision that meets your expectations.
Step 3: Arranging the funeral service
A funeral service is an important part of the farewell. Consider whether you want a religious or secular ceremony and how it should be arranged. Would you like to incorporate specific songs, lyrics or rituals into the celebration? Record your wishes in writing so that your relatives know what is important to you.
Step 4: Choose the casket or the urn
Depending on the type of burial you choose, you will need a coffin or an urn. Learn about the various materials and designs and choose an option that suits your personal preferences. Please also consider ecological aspects if sustainability is important to you.
Step 5: Grave Design and Grave Care
If you have decided on a burial, the design of the grave is an important point. Would you like a tombstone or another form of grave decoration? What should the plants look like? Also consider who should take care of the grave and whether you would like to provide financial resources for this.
Step 6: Regulating financial aspects
The costs of a funeral can quickly amount to several thousand euros. It is therefore important to think about financing early on. The following options are available:
- death benefit insurance: A special insurance that covers funeral expenses in the event of death.
- escrow agreement: Here you pay the costs in advance to a funeral home, which will use them in the event of death.
- Funeral pension depot: You deposit a certain amount into a special account, which is used for funeral expenses in the event of death.
Compare the various options and choose the option that works best for you.
Step 7: Compile documents
In order to provide your relatives with everything important in the event of bereavement, you should compile a folder with all relevant documents and information. This includes:
- Funeral order with your wishes on the type of funeral, location and funeral service
- Pension contracts and insurance documents
- Contact details of contact persons such as undertaker, lawyer or notary
- Personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, wills, powers of attorney
Keep this folder in a safe place and tell your family about it.
Step 8: Settle digital estate
In times of digitization, it is also important to take care of the digital estate. Think about what you want to do with your online accounts, social media profiles, and digital data. Create a list of all relevant login details and store them in a secure location or with a trusted person.
Step 9: Communicate control
To ensure that your wishes are implemented in the event of bereavement, it is important to discuss them with your relatives. Tell them about the decisions and arrangements you have made. In this way, you create clarity and avoid potential conflicts.
conclusion
Funeral planning may seem complicated at first glance, but with the right approach, it can be tackled step by step. By planning early on and recording your wishes, you not only relieve your family but also gain a sense of security and control yourself. Don't be afraid to tackle this sensitive issue — the sooner you start, the better prepared you'll be.
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