When an older family member passes, chances are good that they have left some sort of plan for making their funeral arrangements and taking care of their final needs. But when a young family member passes due to an unexpected event, such as an automobile accident or another equally tragic event, it is doubtful that they will have left similar information about how they would like their funeral to be handled. This lack of information can add another layer of stress for the grieving family during a time that is already unimaginably difficult.
If your family is now facing the task of making funeral arrangements for a young family member, these tips may be useful in tailoring them to more perfectly align with your young loved one's preferences.
Make a list of your loved one's favorites
A potentially cathartic way to begin the process of making the arrangements is to sit with other close family members and friends and begin to make a list of the things that your loved one enjoyed during their life. This list should include:
This information will be helpful when sitting down with the funeral director to make the final funeral arrangements.
Determine if they felt strongly about a cause
Many young people are very dedicated to living a greener, more environmentally friendly lifestyle, so it makes sense to also honor their wishes when planning their final arrangements. Some ideas for this include using a biodegradable casket, opting out of the embalming process, or choosing a cremation or burial at sea, instead of interment in a cemetery.
Other ways to honor a favorite cause of your young loved one is to ask for donations to a charity or cause that they supported in lieu of sending flowers. You may also want to honor them by starting an annual fundraiser or event in their name to raise funds for a cause they loved.
Consider a less formal service
If the thought of a traditional funeral service does not feel right, you may want to consider choosing a less formal memorial service or celebration of life. These can be held in more casual settings that will allow grieving family members and friends to share their memories more easily.
Losing someone at such a young age can make the process of funeral planning seem unbearable. Discussing your loved one, their life, and their preferences with a funeral director will provide the guidance you need at such a difficult time.
Share25 November 2019
When you love someone deeply, it can really hurt to lose them. Unfortunately, millions of people every year are put in that situation, creating an intense amount of hurt for themselves and their families. Fortunately, working with the right funeral home can really improve the outcome of your individual challenges. I wanted to start a website that centered around planning memorial services efficiently and effectively, so you aren't burdened by a lot of details on the day you should be focused on what's really important: friends, family, and remembering the person you lost. Read these posts to learn more about planning a memorial.