Choosing a Cemetery for Yourself
Choosing a cemetery for yourself can be a difficult process for your family members to watch, but it is truly a loving act that will help all those who love you cope with your death without the stress of trying to figure out what you wanted. By making the decisions now you prevent the family from having to make them when they are at their most vulnerable.
Choosing a Cemetery for Yourself is Increasingly Common
Choosing a cemetery for yourself is actually a common act these days. Whether you're faced with a disease that is most likely terminal or you're just planning ahead, taking care of as many arrangements as possible is a loving act that can save your family a great deal of stress.
No matter what your family dynamics are, people want to do the right thing when a loved one passes. If the arrangements are made ahead of time, right down to the cemetery you prefer, they already know what the right thing is and they can do it without worry.
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Looking for a Cemetery that Matches Religious Views
Choosing a cemetery based on your religious preferences may very well be the right thing for you to do. Some people find that even if they never went to church or its equivalent throughout their entire adult lives, thinking about their final resting place can change their mind. If you are concerned about the religious views of a particular church or the equivalent, attend a service or two to find out exactly what views are expressed. That way you can match your beliefs with those of the establishment you choose.
But what if you're not concerned with the religious aspects of burial? Do you still have the option of being buried or interned in a religious cemetery based on other aspects? Yes. You can often contact the establishment and speak to them about your desire to purchase a plot within their cemetery and you will find that most of the time you will be accepted. There are a few religious establishments that restrict their grounds, and you would certainly want to know this ahead of time.
Choosing a Cemetery Based on the Location and Ambiance
Sometimes you'll find that the location and the look of a cemetery are more important than the religious aspects. If you're choosing a cemetery for you, it's perfectly acceptable to go and visit the grounds. Walk around if you can and see how it feels to be there. Do you think your family and friends will feel good about you being there? How do you feel if your remains are there?
The look and feel of a cemetery and its general location are often two of the most important considerations that you'll be faced with. If you can't go to the cemetery yourself because of health related issues, send someone in your place and ask them to take pictures or use streaming video. Combined with their opinion, you will probably be able to get the basic information that you need to make the decisions you need to make.
Choosing a Cemetery for You Based on Cost
It's not uncommon for many people to go about choosing a cemetery for themselves based on cost. You might find that you're looking for the cheapest options possible. You may want your family to have as much of the life insurance money or the savings as possible and thus you figure you can make your funeral as inexpensive as possible. While this may be admirable, it's not usually in line with what your family actually wants.
Before you commit to using all of the cheapest possible options, talk to your family about your wishes and your desires. Explain why you think you would prefer this option and discuss with them the possible alternative options.
If you really don't feel comfortable with the arrangements that you make just because you wanted to save a little money you probably will find yourself regretting the option. Be honest with yourself regarding the options that save you the most money and maybe take a step toward creating the funeral that you really want without going overboard. Your family will appreciate being able to lay you to rest in a manner and a location that they feel good about as well.
Beyond Choosing a Cemetery
Choosing a cemetery is not the only arrangement you might want to make. You can go the whole nine yards and decide on what type of burial you would like.
You can also choose the funeral home that you would like to handle the services as well as choose things like the music, the wake or viewing arrangements, and even set up a donation fund instead of flowers. All of the things that you wish to see happen for your funeral can be prearranged.
Every arrangement that you make is one less that your family won't have to take care of. They will be free to simply grieve and follow your explicit wishes. While some family members may not think that planning your own funeral and choosing your own cemetery, casket, urn, and burial preferences is a positive thing to do you can be rest assured it is a loving act of kindness and consideration.
* Choosing a cemetery for your own arrangements is a kind and loving act that will help eliminate the need for your family to make important decisions once you have passed away.