3 Common Mistakes of Funeral Planning

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Planning a funeral or memorial service is never easy, but after the loss of a loved one it is unavoidable. We’ve come up with our three common funeral planning mistakes you should avoid making, whether you're preplanning a service for yourself or after the loss of a loved one.

Mistake 1: Not Exploring Funeral Providers

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)'s latest survey, the four primary reasons respondents selected a particular funeral home include previous experience at the funeral home; they already knew the funeral director; the location; and its reputation.

Taking the time to compare funeral providers in your area might save you money and help you locate "the best" funeral home, crematory or cemetery for your needs. The costs involved with burial and cremation services can vary quite a bit depending on where you go, and often you will receive the same products/services.

Mistake 2: Not Asking Questions

After the loss of a loved one it’s hard to focus on anything other than your grief. Unfortunately, many people must plan the funeral or cremation service, which can involve making a lot of decisions. Being in a state of grief can cause you to make quick decisions without exploring all the options available to you. Whether you are planning a funeral in advance or after a loss, you should ask every question you have about the service.

Our funeral homes provide a wide range of resources to walk you through each step of planning a service for you or your loved one. We are here to answer all your questions and never make you feel rushed as you make your arrangements, or steer you toward anything that you don't want. We take the time to understand the type of service you desire and explain the various product and service options available to help you arrange a meaningful, personalized service.

If you are making arrangements after the loss of a loved one, it's perfectly normal to ask someone you trust to attend the funeral arrangement conference with you if you think you're not up to it alone or want another opinion before you commit to something.

Mistake 3: Not Telling Anyone

According to the NFDA, 62.5% of consumers feel that it is important to share funeral wishes with family members, but only 21.4% did so in 2017. Maybe you've thought about your funeral in detail, right down to what you'd like to wear and which songs you'd like played. But if you don't document and share your wishes, who will know?

Some people may just choose burial or cremation or casually mention their desires and think that's all that's needed. Grieving family members may not remember what you said you wanted or disagree about what they think you wanted. By documenting your plans with a funeral home—and letting your family know—you eliminate the confusion and take the burden off your family.

By keeping these very common mistakes in mind, you can avoid undue stress while planning arrangements for yourself or a loved one. There are lots of options to choose from, so do a bit of research and find the best option for you and your family. Learn more about beginning the planning stages of a funeral service by contacting us or requesting our free “Advanced Planning Guide”.

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End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Documents Every Family Should Have

By Funeral Home • July 23, 2026

A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.

End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Documents Every Family Should Have

By Funeral Home • July 23, 2026

A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Funeral

June 22, 2026

What are the first steps when a loved one passes away? The first step is to notify the proper authorities. If your loved one passes at home, you’ll need to contact emergency services. If the passing occurs in a hospital or care facility, staff will guide you through the next steps. Once this has been done, you can contact a funeral home. Our team is available to help you begin arrangements and coordinate transportation of your loved one into our care. Do I need to plan the funeral right away? While some decisions need to be made relatively quickly, you do not have to finalize every detail immediately. We will help you prioritize what needs to be handled first and give you time to consider the more personal elements of the service. What types of funeral services are available? There are several options available depending on your preferences, beliefs, and budget. These may include: Traditional funeral services with a viewing and burial Memorial services (held after burial or cremation) Graveside services Celebration of life Cremation services with or without a formal ceremony We are here to help you create a meaningful service that reflects your loved one’s life. How much does a funeral cost? Funeral costs can vary widely depending on the services and options selected. Factors that may influence cost include: Burial or cremation choice Casket or urn selection Venue and staffing Transportation Printed materials and flowers We are committed to transparency and will walk you through all options to help you make decisions that align with your needs and budget. Can I personalize the service? Absolutely. Personalization is one of the most meaningful parts of a funeral service. Families often include: Favorite music or readings Photo displays or memory tables Video tributes Special themes or colors Cultural or religious traditions Our goal is to help you create a service that truly reflects your loved one’s personality and legacy. What should I bring to the arrangement meeting? It’s helpful to bring: A recent photo of your loved one Clothing for burial or cremation Personal information (full name, date of birth, Social Security number, etc.) Military discharge papers (if applicable) Preplanning documents (if arrangements were made in advance) Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we can guide you through what’s needed. What is preplanning and is it necessary? Preplanning allows individuals to make their own funeral arrangements in advance. While it is not required, it can ease the burden on loved ones and ensure that personal wishes are honored. Many families find comfort in knowing these decisions have already been made. What happens after the service? After the service, we continue to support families by: Assisting with necessary paperwork Providing grief resources Helping coordinate burial or cremation follow-up Offering guidance on memorialization options Our care does not end after the service—we are here for you in the days and months that follow. We’re Here to Help Planning a funeral is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through each step, and help you create a meaningful tribute for your loved one. If you have additional questions or would like to begin planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

What is a Celebration of Life, and How Is It Different?

April 13, 2026

In recent years, the phrase “celebration of life” has become more common when families are planning services for a loved one. While many people have heard the term, there can still be confusion about what it truly means and how it differs from a traditional funeral. At its heart, a celebration of life is not about replacing tradition, but about offering a more flexible, personalized way to honor and remember a life. A celebration of life is a personalized service that focuses on honoring the unique story, personality, and legacy of the individual who has passed. While it can be held in a variety of locations, many families choose to gather in the comfort of a funeral home chapel, where they have both guidance and the ability to customize the experience. These services most often take place after cremation, which allows families more time to plan and create a meaningful tribute. However, every family’s preferences are different, and services can be arranged in whatever way feels most appropriate. No two celebrations of life are exactly the same, because no two lives are the same. One of the most meaningful aspects of a celebration of life is the ability to incorporate personal touches that reflect the life being honored, even within a chapel setting. Families may choose to include themed elements that represent a loved one’s passions, hobbies, or personality. This could be as simple as displaying favorite photos and memorabilia, or as unique as incorporating colors, music, or décor that reflect what they loved most in life. Memory tables, tribute videos, and customized music selections can all be seamlessly incorporated into a chapel service. Some families also invite guests to participate by sharing stories or bringing items that hold special meaning. This blend of personalization within a supportive, structured environment often provides both comfort and creativity during a difficult time. A celebration of life offers families the opportunity to gather in a familiar, supportive setting while creating a service that truly reflects their loved one. By combining the comfort of a chapel with the flexibility of personalization, it becomes a meaningful way to honor a life and share memories with those who matter most. There is no right or wrong way to plan a service. The most important thing is creating a space that feels genuine, supportive, and reflective of the person being remembered.