How to Plan Your Own Funeral

One thing that is guaranteed in your life is death. It's true. One day you are going to die. Either you can let your sorrow-filled relatives arrange your funeral at the last minute or you can make your own funeral arrangements ahead of time.

Where do you start?

Purchase a grave plot. This is the place underground where you will be buried. Many cemeteries will allow you to pay on a payment plan, so call around and ask for rates.

If you have a particular cemetery in mind that you want to be buried in, call and ask about grave plot prices. Sometimes they even run specials on purchasing more than one plot.

Why would you need more than one plot?

You can purchase them in advance for your spouse, children or your grandchildren.

Purchasing a headstone

These come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and decorations. Your local tombstone business should have a catalogue of the various types available. Many o these businesses offer payment plans as well.

Write your own obituary

This is also helpful to have in advance because troubled and emotional relatives may not be able to leave an accurate account of your life. Serve your own life justice by remarking on your accomplishments, hobbies, and list of family members.

Picking out your own casket

Decide on what material you want the casket to be made of, such as wood or metal. Pick the embellishing fabrics in the shades that suit you. There are also many extra novelties that can be added to caskets such as roses for women, eagles for veterans, and seagulls.

Decide on an outfit to wear

Purchase an expensive dress or suit. Match your tie or dress to the casket colors. Purchase your clothes a bit larger in case you gain weight before you die. The morticians can always tuck your clothes beneath you and no one will ever know.

The flower spray that sits on top of the casket is an essential element to completing the casket's overall appearance. Florist shops have catalogues for these types of flower arrangements. Again, be sure to match your flowers and colors to your casket and outfit.

Every funeral offers pamphlets at the sign-in podium that tells the birth and death dates. If you chose a specific theme for you casket, such as roses or eagles, you can purchase matching pamphlets. The funeral home directors will also have available poems or Bible verses to add to the pamphlet. Choose one that best suits you. Remember that your visitors will be reading this while they are looking at your corpse. They are probably very emotional. Choose a verse that will comfort them and help them during this time of grief.

Don't forget to purchase a steel vault. These are huge steel boxes that sit on top of the casket underground. They help to preserve your casket and keep it from leaking or bugs getting inside.

If you choose to be cremated and you have some elaborate plan for your ashes, be sure to write up a legal document stating how you wish to be "discarded."

Once you've planned and paid for all the necessary items needed, you're all set. There is a great amount of comfort knowing where your body is going and how

it will be displayed once you die. It is the ony time you have no control of what happens to you. If you make preparations, you can ensure your final wishes to come true.