Emotional overspending is common in stressful or emotional situations, like funeral planning.

Funeral planning while also grieving the loss embodies both stress and various emotions all at once. The stress and emotions add up even more when you consider other factors, such as the shock of the death or lack of preplanning or funds.

To avoid the stress of last-minute planning and emotional overspending, families can start the preplanning conversation now. Not only will it help avoid emotional spending, it also ensures that the funeral will reflect the deceased’s wishes.

Below are a few key components to consider when preplanning.

Determine a Budget

Decide how much you are willing to spend on the funeral service. But also make sure that this budget is realistic. Ask yourself, how much do you currently have in your emergency savings? How much do you expect that amount to grow in the next year? In the next five years?

Don’t forget to factor in other possible expenses, such as memorials, college funds for children, or medical expenses. If you’re tight on funds, that doesn’t mean that your options are limited. There are alternative funeral payment options out there, such as crowdfunding, loans, and life insurance assignments. Consider all of your options and what works best for you and your family.

Pick Your End-of-Life Arrangement

Determine you prefer cremation or burial. It may help to make a list of what’s important to you and do some research on the options out there. Also look into the different casket or urn options available.

But remember that there are more options than just traditional burial or cremation. There are many environmentally-friendly burial options as well, like a biodegradable urn that turns into a tree. You also can scatter your ashes somewhere special or turn them into memorial jewelry.

Decide the Must-Have Elements

Make a list of the must-have elements for your funeral, such as the:

• Music
• Post-funeral reception food and drinks
• Floral arrangements
• Memorial décor
• Personalized theme, such as a favorite hobby or sports team
• Prayers and readings
• Releasing ceremony or candle lighting ceremony
• Funeral procession details if applicable
• Who you prefer to be the pallbearers
• Who you prefer to do the readings and eulogy

Choose Your Desired Funeral Location

Choose your preferred funeral location, whether it’s the funeral home, your local church, somewhere outdoors like a park or beach, your backyard, or wherever you wish! Just make sure that you have permission to use the location for the funeral service. If you’re choosing an outdoor funeral location, you may want to have a backup indoor location in case of bad weather.

Brainstorm Memorialization Ideas

You also can brainstorm some memorialization ideas for how you want to be remembered, such as a memorial bench or plaque, or a donation to a local charity that you’re passionate about. It also could be personalized mementos for your loved ones such as memory bears or scrapbooks to pass down in your family.

How do you want to be remembered? Share your thoughts in the comments below!