No one likes to talk about death, let alone plan for it. It can feel uncomfortable, distant, or simply too difficult to face. But the truth is, when no one plans ahead, the emotional, financial, and logistical burden falls directly on grieving loved ones, right when they are least prepared to handle it.

When no plan exists, families are left making dozens of decisions during the most emotionally overwhelming time of their lives:

• Burial or cremation?
  
  

• What kind of service would their loved one have wanted?
  
  

• Who should speak? What music should be played?
  
  

Without guidance, disagreements can arise, and the pressure of “getting it right” can be intense. According to a survey cited by CAPTRUST, about 69 % of American adults prefer to pre‑arrange their own funeral in order to reduce the stress on their family, though only a small fraction have done so (Captrust, 2023).

Funeral and cremation services are often expensive. When nothing has been prearranged or prepaid, families must cover costs upfront, often without knowing what their loved one would have preferred.

Common unexpected expenses include:

• Casket or urn selection

• Flowers, catering, or transportation

• Burial plot and opening/closing fees

• Embalming, viewing, or service extras

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the national median cost of an adult funeral with viewing and burial in 2023 was approximately US$8,300, and costs are continuing to rise (2023 NFDA General Price List Study Shows Inflation Increasing Faster Than the Cost of a Funeral, n.d.).

When final wishes aren’t documented, surviving family members may disagree on how to proceed. Siblings may argue over cremation versus burial, religious considerations, or even service details.

This conflict can create lasting divisions in families already dealing with a painful loss. Planning in advance allows loved ones to follow your wishes with confidence instead of relying on assumptions.

4. Legal and Administrative Delays

Without a plan, important documents and authorizations may be missing, delaying:

• Death certificate filing

• Obituary publication

• Insurance claims

• Asset management or estate access

Delays like these can cause frustration and slow the healing process. A written plan, stored safely and shared with family, prevents confusion.

Funerals and memorial services are important to the grieving process. But when there’s no plan, families often have to make rushed decisions just to keep up with timelines and legal requirements.

This rush can lead to:

• Generic services

• Missed opportunities to personalize

• Lack of closure for those grieving

Preplanning allows time to craft a ceremony that reflects a person's life story, values, and personality.

Many adult children tasked with arranging a parent’s funeral without advance planning report feeling overwhelmed or emotionally unprepared.

Without instructions, surviving spouses or children must handle every detail alone, often while in shock or fresh grief. This can leave them emotionally exhausted and financially strained.

Funeral costs tend to rise annually. Without a pre-paid plan, your family will have to pay whatever the current rates are at the time of need.

Preplanning with funding options helps:

• Lock in today’s prices

• Spread out payments over time

• Eliminate surprises for the family later

Even if you don't prepay, simply outlining your preferences can be a huge help.

Without a written plan, your final arrangements may not reflect your values, beliefs, or personality. Loved ones may not know if you preferred:

• Cremation or burial

• A religious or secular service

• A celebration of life or quiet remembrance

Planning allows you to leave behind a lasting tribute that truly represents who you are.

The cost of doing nothing goes far beyond dollars. It can mean confusion, stress, family conflict, and missed opportunities to celebrate a life meaningfully.

Planning your funeral isn’t about preparing for death; it’s about making life easier for those you love. And it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can start small, ask questions, and revise your plans as needed.

At Dale-Riggs Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Toledo, Ohio, we’re here to guide you through compassionate, practical planning every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to preplan or just beginning to explore your options, our team is here to help you take care of what matters most.

Reach out to start the conversation today. Your peace of mind is our promise.

Captrust. (2023, January 18). Planning for your funeral. CAPTRUST. https://www.captrust.com/resources/planning-for-your-funeral

2023 NFDA General Price List Study Shows Inflation Increasing Faster than the Cost of a Funeral. (n.d.). https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral