Planning a funeral is one of the most emotionally difficult tasks a family can face. With grief, time pressure, and a new set of unfamiliar decisions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—and even easier to make choices that lead to unnecessary expense or regret later.
Below are the five most common mistakes people make during funeral arrangements, along with practical tips to avoid them and ensure a respectful, meaningful, and financially responsible service.
When a loved one passes, many families contact the first funeral home they find or the first one that calls them back. This is often because they’re in a hurry or emotionally drained. But funeral homes can vary dramatically in price, services, and style.
Why it’s a problem: You could pay thousands more for identical services simply because you didn’t compare options.
How to avoid it:
Grief and urgency often lead people to agree to services, upgrades, and products they genuinely don't want. This can include things such as high-end caskets, elaborate ceremonies, or “add-ons” that sound comforting in the moment but cost significantly more. Well-known media financial counselor Suze Orman labels this problem "emotional overspending". Orman states that emotional overspending is a near-certainty if a funeral plan isn't already in place when you pass and decisions are left to a grieving family.
Why it’s a problem: This can create unnecessary financial strain, leaving family members burdened long after the service is over.
How to avoid it:
Many families don’t actually know what their loved one wanted: burial or cremation, religious or secular service, the type of ceremony, or even music preferences.
Why it’s a problem: This uncertainty can lead to family disagreements, stress, or feelings of regret later on.
How to avoid it:
Many people don’t know which services are optional. Embalming, viewings, ornate urns, elaborate ceremonies, and even certain transportation options may be optional rather than required.
Why it’s a problem: You may end up purchasing services you don’t need, or missing out on alternatives that better reflect your loved one’s values (such as green burials, direct cremation, or simple memorials).
How to avoid it:
While focusing on creating a meaningful ceremony, families often overlook critical administrative tasks such as notifying financial institutions, organizing important paperwork, ordering death certificates, or coordinating travel for out-of-state relatives.
Why it’s a problem: These oversights can cause delays, complications, or additional costs down the road.
How to avoid it:
Funeral planning is emotionally challenging, but it doesn’t have to be confusing or financially overwhelming. By taking your time, asking questions, and understanding your options, you can honor your loved one in a way that’s both meaningful and financially responsible.
At Legacy of Love, we guide families through every step of funeral pre-planning with compassion, clarity, and transparency. If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, we’re here to help you make confident decisions and create a service that truly reflects your loved one’s life. Reach out today and let us support you during this important time. Start Your FREE Funeral Plan Here » or call us now at 833-888-0355.
