Dealing with the death of a loved one is one of life’s hardest challenges, and it’s made even tougher if you’re also responsible for funeral planning. You may find it difficult to make decisions in the midst of grieving, so knowing what mistakes to avoid can help you streamline the process. Below are 3 of the most common mistakes people make when arranging a funeral.

Top 3 Funeral Planning Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Obituary

An obituary is a notice of death that includes a brief biographical history of the deceased and details about their upcoming funeral and memorial service. This not only serves as a tribute to your loved one, but also alerts neighbors and friends about their passing. An obituary helps avoid miscommunication, and informs anyone who might wish to attend your loved one’s memorial. 

2. Neglecting the Wishes of the Deceased

Funerals are an opportunity to honor the life and memory of someone who has passed, so it’s important to consider any last wishes of your loved one. Following their wishes might mean going against your own ideas of how the service should be, but it’ll help prevent any regrets later on.

3. Not Exploring Different Funeral Providers

Rather than selecting the first funeral home you find, compare prices and offerings of different funeral providers. Different funeral homes may offer different services, such as transportation and cremation, so know your options before making a decision. Make sure the home you choose can accommodate your special requests, timeline, and budget, and take a tour of their facilities to verify that they meet your expectations.

If you need help with funeral planning, the compassionate staff at Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Homes in Cincinnati, OH, are here to help you with every step of the process. Since 1938, they’ve provided countless families with obituary services, caskets, thank-you cards, and other steps to help you honor your loved one. Visit their website to learn more about their funeral planning services, or call (513) 661-4059 to schedule a consultation with a funeral director.