Yes, it's not something we all want to talk about, but eventually, we all die. And, we all want a good deal. So...I'm starting a funeral / final arrangements thread.

I was forced to start thinking about this when my husband's grandfather died w/o any previous arrangements.

FYI, Gonzales Funeral Home in Dallas provides direct cremation without any ceremony or viewing for $700. I found an urn on clearance at Hobby Lobby for under $10.

Now, after seeing how difficult it was when Grandpa died w/o any will or arrangements, Grandma has decided to take care of everything BEFORE she dies. This has also led DH and I to think about our arrangements, too.

So, I'm starting this, to share the info I find.

Cremation

Caskets

First, this may not be your cup of tea, but this is something that I'm seriously considering...making your own casket. So far I've only found one book on it here (and it doesn't have great reviews), but I really like the idea of 1) knowing that DH and I are in something that I made, and 2) it will be much nicer than anything I could've gotten at the same price retail, or even outlet.

Burial

Services

Death Certificates

Markers/Gravestones

Cemetaries

Other1

other 2

Good idea, if unpleasant to think about.

Maybe we can take up ceramics and make our own urns :-)

Pre-payment for cemetery sites is a pretty good idea, if that's in your wishes. My in-laws pre-paid their sites on one of the tax-free days to save on sales tax

make your own casket and use it as a base for a glass coffee table. until you need it for another purpose.

Costo sells caskets & urns. http://www.costco.com/Common/CategoryMain....th=20595*20607*

Prepare by signing up to be an organ and tissue donor, give the gift that keeps on giving.

http://www.organdonor.gov/signup1.html

Perhaps body donation is an option: Body Donation Programs in the United States:

http://www.med.ufl.edu/anatbd/usprograms.html


More info:
How to Donate Your Body to Science

I've known people that did that and then split up...or a left over spouse has remarried and moved elsewhere...what's worse is when you pre-engrave the headstone....MIL has on hers:
Born 1920 Died 19-- already there, and she's still here... I guess it will be quite pricey to have it re-done when the time comes...

IMHO, it's the 'bells and whistles" that drive up the cost of many funerals. First, traditionally folks like to use the same funeral home that buried others in their family. Operating a business like that ain't cheap, so expect to pay a fair price. Like selling a house, the average person is inexperience at what it take to bury someone and the funeral home operator makes it happen. Overselling a coffin is no worse than alot of car salemen "sweet talking" customers into higher or longer payments. Check your emotions at the door and know what the family can afford to spend. The one expensive that gets me is how some folks must ride in limos from the funeral home perhaps to a church and finally to the cemetery.

In this area, a common problem with a few cemeteries is that lots were sold cheap without money set aside for care. Before you buy a lot or other types of burial, ensure that cemetery or garden is operating in good financial order and the place looks upkept.

interesting..but I think buying a burial plot in advance is a complete waste of money.

Although I can see when that time comes it's easier on the family to have everything already taken care of. I guess also if you like a certain area or have other family members buried in the same cemetery, you need to make arrangement before they are all taken.

But, I think investing that money and having it grow over the years would not only help you pay for the funeral but also leave your family with more money. IMHO.