Planning a funeral is one of the most overwhelming and depressing things you’ll have to do in life.
Celebrating a loved one’s life after they’ve passed is at once touching and heartbreaking. Before you can do that, however, you have to make plans for the funeral services. In Canada, there are specific measures that you can take to make the process seamless.
In this post, we’re going to give you all you need to know about planning a funeral service in Canada. Whether you’re a practicing Catholic or you just want something simple and quick, keep reading and we’ll help you get through this emotionally exhausting time.
Planning the Burial
After a loved one passes on, your head might be spinning trying to balance the grieving process with planning the funeral. To clear things up, we’ll tell you the main things you’ll need to get sorted. The first of these is how to do the burial.
If the deceased requested a specific burial method, this decision will be easy. When the decision falls to you, you just need to look at the logistics and the costs. A casket will generally cost more than cremation, but they vary in style and cost – a funeral director will be able to walk you through your options.
Cremations in Canada have become the most used method. Nova Scotia cremations, for example, now represent 70% of the deceased population’s burials. It’s easier and cheaper, but you still need to purchase an urn, and you still may want to consider a burial of the urn.
It’s a lot to think about, but this is by far the most logistically overwhelming part of the process.
Memorial or Funeral Services
Choosing between memorial and funeral services is the next thing you’ll need to think about. The main difference between the two is the presence of the body or ashes at the service. Funerals usually include the burial or cremation in the process.
Meet with a few funeral homes and get price breakdowns so you know what you’re getting for your money. Costs will include things like the transportation of the body, using the funeral home, using the hearse, having someone plan the service, and obtaining the necessary permits.
A memorial service is a much simpler thing to plan. They’re usually held within a few weeks of the death and can happen anywhere from a local restaurant to a family member’s home.
Covering the Logistical Side of Things
There are numerous logistics that you’ll need to sort out when planning a funeral. Make sure to look into the funeral home’s reputation before hiring them to handle this funeral. Consider the fees and any payment plans that the funeral home may offer – they can get quite expensive in some cases.
You’ll also need to buy your cemetery plot (if there’s a burial) or compartment in a mausoleum. With the cemetery plot, you’ll also need a grave marker with an inscription on it.
Start Planning Quickly
It’s hard to deny that planning funeral services in Canada are overwhelming. The best thing to do is to start planning as soon as you can so that you can put the funeral behind you and start the grieving process.
If you found this post helpful, visit us again for more family and home tips.
