In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of planning for the future cannot be overstated. This is especially true when it comes to funeral pre-planning, a crucial step in ensuring that final wishes are honoured and that loved ones are spared unnecessary stress during a difficult time. Let’s explore the pivotal roles of accessibility and transparency in funeral pre-planning. By making the process straightforward and open, we can provide peace of mind and create a lasting legacy of care and consideration.
Things You Need To Consider for Successful Funeral Pre-Planning
Location:
Venue Selection: The location sets the tone for the service. The void deck of your flat provides a familiar and comfortable environment for close friends and neighbours to gather. Funeral parlours offer a more formal setting for larger ceremonies, often with dedicated viewing areas and catering facilities. A private residence, like a family home, creates an intimate atmosphere for a smaller gathering. For those with strong religious beliefs, a religious building like a church, allows for a faith-based ceremony officiated by clergy. Ultimately, choose a location that holds special significance for you and your loved ones.
No Wake Service: If you prefer not to have a wake service, communicate your wishes clearly to your family. This allows them to plan for a private memorial service or be prepared for a direct to cremation service.
Funeral Attire:
Your Choice: Many people find comfort in choosing the clothing they'll be laid to rest in. Selecting an outfit you love or one that reflects your personality adds a personal touch to the service.
Funeral Service Assistance: If you have no specific preference, funeral service providers often have a selection of appropriate clothing available. Discuss your wishes with a funeral planner like The Life Legacy, who can guide you through their options and ensure you are comfortable with their selections.
Religious or Secular Service:
Faith-Based Ceremony: For those with religious beliefs, a service officiated by a religious representative from your chosen faith (Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, Soka, Taoist, etc.) can provide comfort and spiritual guidance during this time. The service can incorporate religious scriptures, prayers, and hymns that hold meaning for you.
Commemorative Service: If you have no religious affiliation, a commemorative service set by the funeral celebrant can be a beautiful way to celebrate your life. This service allows for eulogies, poems, readings, or musical tributes that reflect your personality, experiences and accomplishments.
Wake Viewing:
Personal Preference: The decision of whether or not to have a viewing is entirely up to you. A viewing allows loved ones to say their final goodbyes in person and provides a space for quiet reflection. If you choose not to have a viewing, your family can still hold a memorial service or create a slideshow or video montage in honour of your memory.
Flowers:
Choosing Tributes: Flowers can be a beautiful way to express love and respect. Select flowers that were significant to you during your life or that represent your personality. Popular choices include orchids, carnations, hydrangeas, roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, or sunflowers.
Colour Scheme: Consider choosing a colour theme for the flowers to create a specific ambience. You can select white flowers, green, or yellow. Don’t forget to discuss your preferences with the florist or funeral celebrant to create a visually stunning display that reflects your wishes.
Funeral Portrait:
Selecting Your Portrait: The photo you choose to be displayed at your wake service should be a cherished one that reflects your personality. This could be your current Facebook or WhatsApp profile picture, a photograph you provided beforehand, or one chosen by your family. Consider the overall tone you want to convey – a formal portrait for a traditional service or a more candid photo for a less formal gathering.
Additional Tributes: Don't limit yourself to a single photo! Displaying other mementoes alongside your portrait can create a richer and more personal experience for your loved ones. Include photographs that capture special moments in your life, awards or certificates reflecting your accomplishments, or a video montage created by loved ones showcasing your life story.
Obituary Notice:
Spreading the Word: Obituaries inform loved ones and the community about your passing. Decide whether you would like a traditional printed obituary in the local newspaper or a digital obituary shared online. Digital obituaries allow for more flexibility in terms of length, photos, and videos, making them a popular choice for those who want a more extensive tribute.
Final Resting Place:
Burial or Cremation: Consider your preferences for your final resting place. Burial allows for a traditional graveside ceremony and a permanent place for loved ones to visit. Keep in mind that for burial, there will be a 15-year lease in Singapore which means your body will have to be relocated after the lease. Cremation offers more flexibility, with ashes able to be placed in a columbarium niche, scattered inland or at sea, or incorporated into a "legacy plant" that allows your loved ones to keep a part of you close to nature. Discuss these options with your family to ensure they understand your wishes.
By planning these aspects of your funeral wake service in advance, you can ensure your wishes are known and alleviate some of the burden from your loved ones during a difficult time. This guide provides a starting point for your discussions, but remember, the most important thing is to create a service that reflects your unique life and personality.
Let The Life Legacy Help You With Your Funeral Pre-Planning
Here at The Life Legacy, we believe that personalisation is key. We understand that there's no "one size fits all" approach to funeral pre-planning. Unlike traditional services that offer pre-defined packages, we take a collaborative approach. Our strength lies in curating a plan that reflects your life story and wishes.
We begin by getting to know you. Through open conversations, we explore your preferences, beliefs, and the legacy you wish to leave behind. With this understanding, we then personalise every aspect of the service, from selecting the most fitting wake venue to honouring your wishes for cremation or burial.
Ready to start planning your meaningful farewell? Share your plan with us and let's create a service that truly celebrates your life.
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