Planning for end-of-life needs is never easy, but funeral pre-planning can relieve stress for surviving family members and ensure a loved one’s wishes are honored after they’re gone. While it can be hard to start the conversation, most people find comfort once they’ve had it.

Here are a few guidelines to help you navigate this important discussion:

Schedule a Time

Let your family know in advance that you want to have a funeral pre-planning discussion, then schedule it in the coming weeks. Broaching the topic in advance will help your family mentally prepare for the discussion. Try to choose a time when everyone will be as relaxed as possible. For someone with a stressful job, right after work is probably not the best moment.

Share Openly

Be prepared to share your funeral planning desires and concerns openly and honestly. If you have already made your plans and are simply sharing them with your family, let them know that these are your wishes. If you’re open to your loved ones’ suggestions, encourage them to provide input.

Listen With Compassion

Discussing funeral pre-planning arrangements will be emotionally difficult for your loved ones. It can be meaningful and therapeutic for surviving family members to contribute to funeral planning, and they may have ideas you haven’t considered. Listen to their ideas and concerns with compassion, but ultimately the final decisions are yours to make.

Write It Down

Make sure your plans are written out in as much detail as possible. Provide a copy to your lawyer and to one or two family members or friends responsible for executing your plans. If you update your plans, keep them abreast of your changes to avoid surprises later and ensure your wishes are carried out.

Funeral pre-planning is a difficult conversation, but it can also be a blessing to you and your loved ones. A funeral director can help create your plan and offer you additional suggestions on discussing it with your family, or even help facilitate the conversation.

Shirley Brothers Mortuaries & Crematory in Indianapolis, IN, has been helping families connect, honor and remember their loved ones since 1898. A licensed funeral director will guide you through each step of the funeral pre-planning process to create a meaningful, personalized ceremony that honors your loved one’s legacy. Call (317) 897-9606 to speak with a compassionate staff member or reach out online with any questions you may have.