Asian Funeral Planning Tips
Planning an Asian funeral can be challenging. Minor errors during the preparation and execution process can upset family members since they would want their culture and beliefs respected. Below are some insights on how to plan Asian funerals.
Cultural Considerations
Asian cultures have varying funeral rites. Therefore, do not generalise. Instead, conduct in-depth research and consult with family members to establish the cultural practices to follow when planning the funeral. The questions listed below should make it easy to plan the Asian funeral;
- How is the body preserved? For instance, in some cultures, the body stays indoors for a particular period before going to the morgue.
- Is the body cremated, or does the family hold an in-ground burial?
- How long should you wait before holding the funeral ceremony? Does the family hold wakes or memorials? If they do, what happens during the ceremony? It helps you as you create the funeral program.
- Does the family organise any rites before the funeral? For instance, they could burn incense, hold prayers, or apply special oils to the body.
Establish the Deceased's Wishes
Check the deceased's will and interview friends and family to determine if they had special instructions regarding their funeral. For example, the departed might disregard some cultural practices if they spent their life in another culture. For instance, they might opt to be cremated even though their culture prescribes a ground burial. Some people could also have wishes regarding the speakers at the funeral and who should attend the ceremony. Then, inquire whether the deceased had life insurance or a pre-planned funeral policy to cater to the funeral finances. It gives an accurate picture of the funeral budget.
Hire a Funeral Director
A funeral director's services are a reprieve for anyone charged with planning a funeral. Ideally, the director ensures seamless planning and helps prevent oversights. A challenge you could experience when planning a funeral is vetting the various service providers. It takes a lot of time, yet you have a short timeline to execute the funeral successfully. The director has working relationships with funeral homes, party hire services, caterers, and car hire companies.
Moreover, directors are best suited to deal with funeral planning emergencies. For instance, you could realise that you are not allowed to bury your deceased at their preferred plot when it is too late. The funeral director can contact local cemetery services and secure a burial plot within a few hours. Finally, the director can counsel family members to help them overcome grief.
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