Planning a funeral for your deceased loved one can be a challenging and stressful process. In addition to coping with your grief, you may also have to decide on a suitable funeral package that is in accordance with the deceased’s wishes. Overspending is also a valid concern, and going over your budget can add unneeded complications to an already stressful situation.
Given the various funeral companies in Singapore and the packages they offer, it can often be challenging to decide on the right funeral package for your loved one. Moreover, certain companies do not list the prices of their funeral packages on their website, which makes this task even trickier. Therefore, let us share three tips you should keep in mind to ensure you do not overspend when choosing the ideal funeral package.
1. Set a budget
It is less complicated to arrange a funeral when you know just how much money you can afford to spend on the service. If you are unsure of your budget, you can consider consulting with your family members to ensure everyone agrees on a fixed sum so you will not deviate from this figure.
Make sure to include external expenses, such as the rental of the funeral venue (if applicable) and the catering, so you are not caught by surprise once you tally up the various costs. It is advisable to have your budget planned out before approaching a funeral company to discuss further details.
2. Settle on a funeral arrangement
When choosing your ideal funeral package, the most important decision you need to make is to settle on the funeral rites. The customs of a Taoist funeral are completely different from a Buddhist funeral service. Therefore, it is imperative for you to make the right decision to ensure the deceased’s wishes are fulfilled.
In addition to selecting the funeral package, you may also need to decide if you wish to bury or cremate the body after the ceremony. This decision can impact your plans, such as whether you need to get an urn to place the ashes or purchase a burial plot to bury the coffin after the ceremony has ended. These details have to be decided before the funeral begins to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
3. Don’t forget to consider the extras
The services included in a funeral package can vary from one funeral company to another. For example, we provide embalming and makeup services, while obituary services are offered as a package extra. Therefore, if you feel that you do not require specific services, you do not have to include them in your funeral package. Doing so can also help you minimise your spending to avoid going over budget. However, should you require them, we will gladly assist you in the matter.
Conclusion
Disagreements between family members are known to occur during a funeral. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to appoint a decision-maker and respect his or her choices. At the end of the day, everyone wants the deceased’s wishes to be fulfilled. As such, everyone should be more supportive of each other during this sensitive time, so it is easier for the appointed person to choose the ideal funeral package.
We understand it is a challenging time for the family whenever a loved one passes away. During this stressful period, it is easy to let your emotions affect your decision-making skills. So if you are struggling to make the right choice, do not hesitate to approach 1Stop Buddhist Funeral Services for assistance. You can contact us at 6452 9588.