Do not assume that all local funeral homes offer cremation, or specialize in cremation. A good place to look is at the name of funeral homes themselves: "Jones Funeral Home" may or may not specialize in cremation, but "Jones Funeral Homes and Cremation" as a name signals that the funeral director is more open to cremation.
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Ask for referrals from friends and relatives, and combine that with a thorough research of funeral home websites.
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(Search local funeral homes on cremation.com for this information.)
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Next, pick your two or three top choices, make appointments and visit.
Look for a friendly, engaging relationship with the staff. Can they "connect" with you on the things you want? Whether it includes a simple, direct cremation or a casketed visitation, followed by a full funeral, cremation later and, perhaps, a private committal service afterwards the experience and skill of the funeral home is paramount. Pricing is important, but value and satisfaction trump what some firms offer.
Start small; create a file that contains the details your survivors will need. Gather the necessary information, papers, etc. and make copies, put them in that file.
Once you have done that, don't stop there. This next item is probably the most important: discuss this with your family. What good are any arrangements if no one knows they exist? Give your family a copy of your arrangements and important papers in a duplicate "Upon my death". Now you are ready for the final step. Decide which level of funeral planning is right for you and your family. Planning your funeral doesn't have to include paying for it in advance. Many people plan long before they decide to actually prefinance and enter into a contract.
Remember, just because funeral homes are convenient or have served your family in the past is no guarantee that any of these local funeral homes are the best choice for your cremation arrangements. Visit the funeral home websites, then visit these funeral homes in person to determine the best firm to handle your loved ones.
