Organising a funeral for a loved one is already one of the most emotionally challenging things a person can do. It’s made even more difficult if little or no planning has been done.
Even if a family member has made plans in advance, financial and practical constraints can make fulfilling their wishes tricky or downright impossible.
It’s important to remember that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method to making these plans. Some people are fortunate enough to be able to discuss arrangements with the person before they pass, others have to find creative ways to tackle the planning process.
Respondents to the Golden Insurance Funeral Report took many different approaches when planning funerals for their loved ones.
55% took advice from a funeral director, 26% spoke to friends of the deceased, 36% spoke to the person before they passed away, while 15% Googled how to plan a funeral.
Below, we’ll take you through some of the decisions you may have to make when planning a funeral as well as things to avoid for a smoother experience.
What are the main decisions to be made when planning a funeral?
2.Burial or cremation: One of the first decisions to be made when planning a funeral is whether your loved one will be buried or cremated. Sometimes, this decision has been made before death but oftentimes, it will be left to the family to make.
While burial is typically the traditional route many go, our report found that 54% of respondents were involved in planning a cremation, with 42% helping to organise a burial.
2.Funeral director: Next, you may want to decide on a funeral director to manage transportation, caring for the deceased’s body, and handling legal and administrative tasks.
91% of respondents to our report stated that they used the services of a funeral director, which shows how central this role is in planning a goodbye for your loved one.
3.Budget: Setting a budget is one of the most important aspects of planning a funeral. Costs can vary widely depending on whether you choose burial or cremation, the type of service, and any extras like flowers, memorials, or receptions.
Speaking with your funeral director about your plans and your budget can help you understand your options, prioritise what matters most, and avoid unexpected expenses.
Is there a lot of stress involved when planning a funeral?
In short, yes. Planning any event can be stressful with budget limitations and logistics, but the funeral of a loved one adds an extra layer of stress in the form of grief.
We asked people to rate their stress when organising a funeral from 0 (not stressful) to 10 (extremely stressful). 46% of respondents rated their stress at an 8 or higher, with 16% rating it at a 10.
We found that young people between 25 and 34 were more likely to feel deeply stressed when planning a funeral, likely because they hadn’t had as much experience as someone older. However, 9% of those aged 65 and over rated their stress during this time at a 10.
Next, we’ll go through some mistakes to avoid so you can help keep stress levels as low as possible.
Mistakes to avoid when planning a funeral
Even with the best intentions, it can be easy to make mistakes when planning a funeral. Keeping the following in mind can reduce stress and ensure the arrangements honour your loved one’s memory.
Not communicating wishes
Sometimes the deceased haven’t shared their preferences before passing, which can leave you and other family members unsure about how to proceed.
Whether you’re planning your own funeral or someone else's, having open conversations about wishes, as well as what shouldn’t be included in the service, are vital.
Carrying the burden alone
If you’re arranging a loved one’s funeral, be sure to share the load with those around you. Delegating tasks can not only take pressure off you but it can help others feel more involved.
Rushing decisions
While some funerals may be time-sensitive, not every decision you or your family makes needs to be made immediately.
Trying to make decisions too quickly can add unnecessary stress but also increase the risk of overspending or regret. Taking the time to ask questions, compare options, and understand what you’re paying for can help make the process more manageable.
Not prioritising your well-being
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself and acknowledge your grief during this time. Give yourself space to rest and lean on your loved ones when you need to. Support is always available, and funeral directors are well versed in helping grieving families through this emotional time.
Plan ahead with Golden Insurance
Funeral planning involves a lot of moving parts, coordination, as well as heavy emotions. Having the right information as well as the right support can make it a little easier for your loved ones.
At Golden Insurance, we believe that planning ahead can help ease the financial and emotional burden at a time when stress can be high.
If you’re interested in Golden Life Insurance, our Australian-based team are on hand to answer your questions and help you get your policy sorted in minutes.
You can reach us on 1800 299 351 from Monday-Friday, 8am to 7pm (AEST/AEDT), excluding NSW public holidays.