How to Decide on Your Own Burial

Deciding on your own method of burial can be a weird experience. If the idea gives you the heebie jeebies, don’t stress it. Making funeral plans doesn’t mean you’re going to pass tomorrow–it just means that your family will be better prepared in the event of an unlikely death. It will make their decision easier if they know what you wanted, so sooner or later, you should decide on a method of burial and let a few people know your request. It doesn’t have to be weird. If you care about your method of burial, you should decide on it and let someone know. Then, it’s taken care of. So without further ado, here are a few of the ways you can have your body laid to rest.

Donate to Science
If you’re passionate about progress, science, and medicine, you may want to consider having your body donated to science. (This is the kind of thing your family needs to know; they probably won’t assume this for you). Donating your body can help save lives all across the world, from training new doctors to making progress in disease prevention. While it might give some people the creeps, it’s a worthy way to go: helping others even after you’re gone. As a side note, you can also have your organs donated to hospital patients immediately following your death. A heart transplant can save someone’s life, and it’s heroic to donate a gift you don’t need anymore.

Burial

The most traditional method of being laid to rest, at least in the US, is being embalmed and buried in a casket. Some people appreciate the ability to say goodbye one last time, and having your body, not yet in the ground, and not cremated, is an important part of their grieving process. For anyone who dislikes the idea of cremation, a traditional burial is the best choice, and the chance to have an open casket and burial as part of the service are important to many.

Cremation

If a traditional burial doesn’t sound right to you, you can consider being cremated.
Cremation lends itself to several options, including being placed in an urn, having your ashes buried, having your ashes scattered, and even having your ashes planted along with a new tree. Many people appreciate the simplicity of cremation, and it’s also less expensive–putting less of a financial burden on your family. If you want to consider something like these cremation services New York or New Jersey boasts, you can select a service before you pass, sparing your family an extra decision. Since there are a few ways you can have your ashes put to rest, you’ll also want to let your family know which method you prefer. Do you want to be placed in an urn, or do you want to be planted along with a tree? It’s helpful, for your family’s grieving process, if they know they’re fulfilling your wishes.

While you almost certainly don’t have to worry about death any time soon, it is a good idea to be prepared. We could all pass away at any moment, and besides being ready for your funeral preparations, you should also leave no loving thing unsaid, and no good deeds left undone.