Losing a loved one is something every person experiences at some point in their lives. The death of a parent, spouse, child, or close friend can hit you hard, even if you know that it is impending. The pain is even more profound when an unexpected event takes them away. People process grief differently, but healing is a long journey for almost everyone.
According to statistics, nearly 2.5 million people die in the US annually. An average of five people grieve a person after they are gone. That makes 12.5 million grieving individuals a year, leaving a large part of the population shattered and traumatized. Although nothing can replace a loved one, giving them a loving farewell can quell the pain to some extent.
However, people often end up making some funeral planning mistakes due to their mental state. The last thing you want is to miss out on something and regret it for a lifetime. In this article, we will highlight the pitfalls you should steer clear of when arranging a loved one’s funeral.
Pitfall #1: Failing to Consider the Wishes of Your Loved One
Surveys show that seven thousand people die daily due to various illnesses in the US. Most of these terminally ill individuals have wishes as to how their funeral should be carried out. Some want to be buried in a specific cemetery, others prefer cremation, and a few may want a ceremonious goodbye from friends and family.
Unless you lose your loved one in an unexpected mishap, you will probably know their expectations regarding the occasion. Honoring their dying wishes is the perfect way to show your love and respect toward them. Not doing so is a mistake you will regret forever, so be sure to consider the wishes of your loved one when planning the memorial service.
Even if your loved one did not discuss their final wishes (if they died in a sudden accident), consider what they would have wanted. You can recall old conversations about funerals or follow family rituals to organize a perfect event.
Pitfall #2: Overlooking Small Details
Organizing a funeral can feel stressful, specifically for people struggling with the grief of losing a family member. Not surprisingly, the funeral service market was worth a whopping $ 211.44 billion in 2023. While you can hire experts to do the heavy lifting, do not forget about minute details such as venue, attendees, and arrangements.
Even the headstone you choose should be special and meaningful. You can consider custom headstones and grave markers for your loved ones to create memories and build a legacy for the next generations. Ensure it replicates your feelings and the life values of the departed person.
According to Legacy Headstones, a headstone is a living embodiment of the memory of a person who touched one’s life. Besides capturing the essence of your loved one, it should be capable of outlasting wind, weather, and time. It is easy to miss out on this detail, but a little attention can help you build a monument.
Pitfall #3: Ignoring Grief to Prioritize Funeral Planning
Not everyone wants to hand over the responsibility of funeral planning to a service provider. Some people want to do it to honor the memories of the deceased. At times, a person may not afford to hire professionals because they can charge significant fees. In either case, you may end up ignoring your feelings when burdened with the workload of funeral planning.
Remember that acknowledging your grief is an important step for healing and starting again. Suppressing your feelings can do more harm than good because it can affect your ability to process your emotions. You may find yourself experiencing the trauma of your loss much longer than you otherwise would.
Accept the loss and commit to organizing an event to honor your loved one rather than just say the final goodbye. With this approach, you can let go of your pain and move on healthily. Be verbal about your feelings and seek help to cope with the demands of funeral planning. Also, invest in essential self-care measures to handle your grief effectively.
In conclusion, funeral planning after losing someone you love is never easy because you have a lot more to deal with than arrangements and checklists. Your feelings can hinder the process as they overwhelm and traumatize you. However, you can plan a perfect farewell by avoiding these pitfalls and focusing on honoring your loved one. Think beyond the basics, and find ways to manage your emotions during the process.