How to tell Your Family You Want Cremation

Do you want to be cremated after you die? It’s a big decision — and not one that many people who visit cremation services in Manhasset, NY, are comfortable bringing up with their family. But it’s important to let your loved ones know what you want because the details of your final arrangements can add stress to an already difficult time.

So read on for tips from our expert, who has helped many people share this information with their families sensitively.

Find the Right Timing

Timing is everything — especially when it comes to delicate conversations with loved ones. No one knows your family as much as you do. You know the best time to bring up a sensitive topic like this.

We’ve found that the holiday season is a good time for most people. The festive mood dampens much of the negative blowback.

And if you’re up there in age and your loved ones are expecting you to discuss your end-of-life plans, you might be able to get the ball rolling with a less sensitive conversation about your estate. This can be an excellent opportunity to start the dialogue about your final wishes without getting too heavy.

Talk about your final wishes with your family

If you haven’t talked to your family about this yet, you might want to try to ease into the conversation by discussing what you want to happen with your assets when you pass away.

You can then take the conversation in a new direction by bringing up your wishes for your final arrangements. Your family members may ask you why you’ve chosen this path, and you can let them know it’s your preference.

Also, this might be a good time to share with them that many people choose cremation over burial because it’s a less expensive option with fewer hassles.

Tell them it’s important to you

If your family members are still pushing you towards a burial, try to find a way to let them know that it’s important to you to be cremated and give your reason.

You could explain that you prefer cremation because it’s less expensive and complicated than a standard burial. Perhaps you grew up in a culture with certain burial traditions, or you’ve seen firsthand the environmental damage caused by traditional burials.

Whatever your reasoning, try to let your family members know that this is an important decision to you — and that your wishes should be respected.

Don’t Forget to be Kind

Even if you’re sure you want cremation, it’s important to remember that your loved ones are entitled to their feelings about the matter.

If your family members feel defensive about your decision, you might want to move the conversation along. You can always bring the topic up again at another time when it’s less emotionally charged.

Contact us if you have additional questions. And if you wish to relieve the mental burden on your family even more, preplan with our Manhasset, NY cremation service. Our experienced planning team will work with you to immortalize your memory in the best way possible.