When planning a funeral, whether on a pre-need or at-need basis, there are a number of important details to consider. Typically, the matter at the forefront of one's mind is financial. Funerals can be costly but they don't have to be prohibitively so.

When dealing with the loss of a loved one, it's easy to get carried away with the expenses of the funeral service. The trauma of the death and the affection we have for the departed make it tempting to lavish our love on them one last time. This can translate to a desire to purchase the "best" casket, the most elaborate flower arrangements, a number of memorial trinkets available, ranging from decorative keepsake medallions to ornaments for the decedent's headstone.

Pre-planning your funeral service can eliminate much of this emotional spending; the individual purchases everything they want and need for their own funeral service, in advance, sparing their family the burden of doing so at a difficult time. There's more time to "shop around" for better prices and there's no question about whether the products and services provided are what the person would have wanted.

Unfortunately, many funeral services DO have to be arranged after death has occurred. In such cases, the family should consult with an experienced funeral director after taking inventory of available funds. It may also be helpful to bring an advocate, such as the family pastor, when making final decisions. Finally, a good rule of thumb is to keep things simple. A meaningful funeral doesn't need to be extravagant.