Planning for a funeral involves making many decisions, from choosing between burial and cremation to selecting the poem that'll be read. The family often makes these decisions, but ultimately, the service is a celebration of your life. As such, if you have particular ideas in mind, practice the following steps to ensure you get the service you want.

How to Make Sure Your Funeral Wishes Are Respected

1. Put Them in Writing

Many people talk with their families about what kind of funeral they'd like, but these verbal conversations are rarely recorded. It's best to put your requirements in writing, so no detail is forgotten. Additionally, make sure to do this separately from your will, since most are only read after the funeral.

2. Tell Multiple People 

Share your wishes with various family members and friends, so everyone is aware of what you want, and there won't be any misunderstandings. This could include your children, spouse, and extended family, as well as close friends or your religious leader. A digital file is useful for this purpose because it can be shared widely, even among people who don't live close by.

3. Organize Your Funeral Ahead of Time

Making official plans for your funeral will ensure your wishes are respected. This is why many funeral homes provide pre-planning options that let you organize what you want ahead of time. Additionally, following this step will bring peace of mind to your family, who won't have to plan or pay for anything later on. Keep in mind that if you're not ready to plan everything, you could start with smaller steps, such as choosing an urn.

If you’d like to pre-plan your funeral, contact Porto Funeral Homes in New Haven County, CT. Having served the area since 1931, this family-run funeral home covers everything from arranging ceremonies and memorials to assisting with paperwork, including probates and wills. To discuss your requirements with their compassionate team, call (203) 467-3000 to reach East Haven or (203) 934-5000 for West Haven. You can also visit them online to learn more about their services.