Compelling Reasons to Plan Ahead for a Funeral and Cremation in La Mirada, CA

Though most of us don’t like to think too much about it, the reality is that we will all die someday. Because of this, the topic of preplanning for final death care needs, like a funeral and cremation in La Mirada, CA, is relevant to all. And though it can feel heavy, it need not be entirely gloomy. There are some excellent benefits to arranging your affairs for final needs ahead of time.

If you were to pass away soon, would your family know what you would want to happen for your final disposition? Funeral preplanning allows you to make your wishes known. If you don’t see what you want right off, starting the process can give you time to consider what might make the most sense for your situation and family needs. Prior arrangements can ease the stress that your closest loved ones will feel upon your passing.

Though it isn’t required, it can also be a great idea to purchase death care services ahead of the needed date. This allows you to lock in today’s rates and protects against future pricing increases. Some laws govern the handling of these funds to protect your interests as a consumer. If you anticipate many years will pass before you die, reviewing your plans and making any needed adjustments every decade or so may make sense. Be sure your next of kin know who holds your plan to access this information quickly. 

What Can Be Preplanned When It Comes to a Funeral and Cremation in La Mirada, CA?

Though many instructions can be left, some details will need to be planned after your death regarding your funeral and cremation in La Mirada, CA. However, having the bulk of the weighty decisions already made will be a massive source of support to your surviving loved ones. If no plans are made before death, it is estimated that those planning the arrangements will need to address as many as 70+ decisions. 

A Funeral Service to Pay Final Respects

Though we hold funerals to honor the dead, they are ceremonies that support the living. Funerals are heralded as bringing a sense of closure and psychological acceptance to the difficult transition of loss. This does not mean that mourning and grieving will be behind you once the funeral services are over—rather that you will likely be in a better frame of mind to begin the arduous healing path called grief.

Funerals differ from other honoring ceremonies by having the deceased body present for the services. This necessitates the funeral being held as soon as possible after the death date. A full funerary service may include visitation-- with or without the option to view the remains, the funeral ceremony, a graveside or disposition committal service, and perhaps a post-service reception. 

A Cremation Service to Care for Deceased Remains

If you are opposed to the idea of casket burial, an excellent alternative to traditional burial services is a cremation procedure. A cremation service is not a public service, and while there can be transparency in the process, it isn’t something the family typically witnesses in real-time. There may be options to see the decedent loaded into the furnace chamber, but there isn’t a lot to see after that point.

Once the incineration is completed, the remaining fragments of bone matter will be collected and processed into a uniform granular texture that could be inurned for display at home, buried, or scattered in nature. There are various reasons cremation may be attractive to you. These include the more affordable price point, the flexible disposition options, a more negligible environmental impact than a traditional casket burial, and additional planning time for an honoring ceremony such as a memorial or life celebration service. 

Get Documents in Order Now for a Veterans Service

If it applies to you, meaningful and moving tributes can be offered throughout final arrangements for those who have provided selfless service to our country through past or present contributions of active military duty. Talk with the pre-need counselor or funeral director assisting you with preplans about what is possible and record your preferences. You can get the appropriate documentation into your final arrangements file to make the application for military funerary benefits a little bit simpler for your family to arrange on your behalf. 

Find a Team of Experts You Can Rely on for Planning and Completion

Suppose you have the benefit of time on your side. In that case, the team at Community Funeral Service now invites you to learn more about simple pre-needs planning for final arrangements like a funeral and cremation in La Mirada, CA. You can start the process in your home’s privacy via online preplanning forms. Or call (562) 947-1960 to make an appointment with our in-house experts at 1301 B S Beach Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631.

Funeral Home & Cremations FAQs

• What type of merchandise do funeral homes provide?
• Funeral homes typically offer caskets, burial vaults, and outer burial containers. These are necessary for the preservation of a deceased body and to protect it from the elements. Other items such as grave markers, urns and keepsakes can also be found at most funeral homes. Please contact your local funeral home for more information about their funeral merchandise and services they offer. 
  
  
• Is it okay to wear bright colors to a funeral? 
• Traditionally, dark-colored clothing is preferred for funerals. Bright colors are generally viewed as inappropriate and disrespectful. However, some modern funerals have become more relaxed in their dress codes - so it's best to check with the family of the person who passed away before attending the funeral. Additionally, certain cultural and religious norms may dictate what type of attire is appropriate for the occasion. It's important to be mindful of funeral etiquette rules. 
  
  
• What documents are needed to request VA funeral benefits? 
• To apply for veterans’ benefits, you will need to provide the following documents to your local VA office: the veteran's discharge papers or other proof of service such as his DD Form 214 or other records, proof of death such as a death certificate and any bills or receipts relating to the funeral. You may also need to provide a copy of the veteran's Social Security number if requested by your local VA office. Learn more about veterans services.