Have you decided to plan your own funeral? If so, you are certainly taking a large burden from those loved ones you will be leaving behind. It will be excellent for them not to have to deal with funeral arrangements while they are in the middle of the mourning process.  Besides, when you plan your own funeral, you can make choices that others may not make for you. One of those choices might be the decision to be cremated. Cremation is usually less expensive than a traditional burial. However, some people might think that not having an actual body present makes it difficult to say farewell. Here are some ideas that might help you to plan a funeral service that will dispel that notion.

A Display—Because your body won't be in an open casket, think of other ways that you can be represented. One excellent way to do that is to have a display of objects that represent you and your life. You'll need to talk to a trusted friend or family member who will carry out the wishes of what you want to have displayed.

Some objects to include in the display at the funeral service are photographs taken of you from the time you were a baby until the present day. Also, include awards, certificates of achievement, trophies and anything else you earned during your life. In addition, display things that represent your interests. For example, if you are an avid sports fan, display banners of your favorite teams. If you are an artist, specify which paintings or other art work you want to be displayed. Even your favorite music can be part of the display.

The Service - The spoken word and music are both parts of the program that will touch people's hearts. If you are a Christian, consider traditional songs like How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. If you would prefer not to have religious music, select inspiring songs like The Impossible Dream or I Had It My Way. Did you serve in the military? Patriotic songs like The Battle Hymn Of The Republic or a medley of patriotic instrumental songs would be a good choice. Select a back-up person to read the obituary and to tell personal anecdotes of your life, just in case the first person is not available. Another idea is to write a brief personal history and to include a letter that expresses love and appreciation for those who have touched your life.

Be sure to give all paperwork, including fees you have paid to the funeral home, to a trusted individual. For more information on cremation services, contact companies like the American Cremation Society.