Whether you’re pre-planning a funeral service or making final arrangements for a loved one, finalizing every detail isn’t always easy. Some individuals have traditions or religious customs they wish to uphold, while others prefer a more personalized service. To help, here are a few recent developments you might wish to incorporate in your plans.

3 New Developments in Funeral Services

1. Rise in Cremations

While burials are still common, the National Funeral Directors Association points out that cremations are expected to increase almost 30% over the next 18 years, making it the leading end-of-life choice. One reason cremations are increasingly popular is that you don’t have to reserve a plot of land, and you can choose how to scatter or preserve your loved one’s ashes. Some of the most common ways include keeping them in an urn or necklace or releasing them in a park or other special place. 

2. Funeral Service Pre-Planning

While no one wants to think about their own death, pre-planning a funeral ensures the arrangements are customized to your final wishes. That’s why 34% of those age 50 and older have done some funeral or burial preplanning. You’ll have control over every aspect of the funeral and memorial service, from choosing a casket to picking a burial plot. It also relieves some of the stress and financial burden on loved ones. 

3. Donations

While sending flowers or gift baskets has long been the traditional way of paying respect to the deceased and bereaved, many families are choosing to set up a donation or foundation in the name of their loved one. This can also be a way for families to offset the costs of the funeral. 

If you’re seeking a compassionate funeral director to help you with final arrangements for yourself or a loved one, turn to the staff at Robert W. Waid Funeral Home in Meadville, PA. For over a century, this family-owned funeral home has helped local families with every aspect of the funeral planning process, from selecting a casket to organizing a memorial service. Call (814) 724-1021 to schedule a consultation, and visit them online to learn more about available funeral services.