Create a Great Funeral Day

Create a Great Funeral Day: Planning Your Legacy

Create a Great Funeral Day is an annual observance that encourages people to plan their own funerals in advance, fostering open conversations about end-of-life wishes and reducing the burden on loved ones during times of grief.

Quick Facts

When is it?: October 30th
Tagged as: Funeral planning, Legacy, End-of-life wishes
What’s the hashtag?: #CreateAGreatFuneralDay
When was it founded?: 1999
Who founded it?: Stephanie West Allen

History of Create a Great Funeral Day

Create a Great Funeral Day was established by Stephanie West Allen in 1999 after experiencing the challenges of arranging funerals for loved ones. Allen recognized the need for open dialogue about end-of-life wishes and the importance of pre-planning to alleviate stress during times of bereavement.

Timeline

1988: Stephanie West Allen faces difficulties arranging her husband’s funeral.

1998: Allen witnesses her second husband struggling to plan his mother’s funeral.

1999: Create a Great Funeral Day is registered and observed for the first time in the United States and Canada.

2009: The day gains popularity, encouraging more people to discuss funeral preferences with loved ones.

2025: Create a Great Funeral Day continues to promote open conversations about death and funeral planning.

Create a Great Funeral Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	October 30	Thursday
2026	October 30	Friday
2027	October 30	Saturday
2028	October 30	Monday
2029	October 30	Tuesday
2030	October 30	Wednesday

Observed Create a Great Funeral Day

Create a Great Funeral Day is observed by individuals, families, and communities who recognize the importance of pre-planning funerals. People use this day to initiate conversations about their final wishes, including preferences for burial or cremation, music selections, and other personalized elements of their funeral service.

Funeral homes and end-of-life planning organizations often host events or workshops on this day, providing resources and guidance for those interested in pre-planning their funerals. These events aim to demystify the funeral planning process and encourage open discussions about death and remembrance.

The day also serves as a reminder for people to update their existing funeral plans or create new ones, ensuring that their wishes are known and documented for when the time comes.

Fun Facts About Create a Great Funeral Day

Planning a funeral involves making over 88 decisions, highlighting the importance of pre-planning.
Some people use this day to plan unconventional funerals, such as themed celebrations or firework displays.
Create a Great Funeral Day has inspired the development of digital tools for funeral planning and legacy preservation.
The day has contributed to a growing trend of personalized and eco-friendly funeral options.
Discussing funeral plans on this day has been shown to reduce anxiety about death for many participants.

Quiz

Who founded Create a Great Funeral Day?
In which year was Create a Great Funeral Day established?
What date is Create a Great Funeral Day observed annually?
What is the main purpose of Create a Great Funeral Day?
How many decisions are typically involved in planning a funeral?

(Answers: 1. Stephanie West Allen, 2. 1999, 3. October 30th, 4. To encourage pre-planning of funerals, 5. Over 88)

FAQs

Q: Why is pre-planning a funeral important?
A: Pre-planning a funeral reduces stress on loved ones, ensures your wishes are respected, and can provide financial peace of mind.

Q: How do I start planning my funeral?
A: Begin by considering your preferences for burial or cremation, type of service, and any specific elements you want included. Discuss these with family and consider consulting a funeral director.

Q: Can I change my funeral plans after I’ve made them?
A: Yes, you can update your funeral plans at any time. It’s a good idea to review them periodically to ensure they still reflect your wishes.

Q: Is it morbid to plan my own funeral?
A: Not at all. Planning your funeral is a practical and considerate act that can bring peace of mind to both you and your loved ones.

Q: How can I make my funeral more personalized?
A: Consider incorporating your hobbies, favorite music, or meaningful locations into your funeral plans. You can also create memory books or videos to share your life story.

Importance of Create a Great Funeral Day

Create a Great Funeral Day plays a crucial role in changing societal attitudes towards death and funeral planning. By encouraging open conversations about end-of-life wishes, it helps break down taboos surrounding death and promotes a healthier approach to grief and remembrance.

The day also serves as a catalyst for people to take control of their legacy. By planning their own funerals, individuals can ensure that their final farewell reflects their personality, values, and wishes. This not only provides comfort to the person planning but also offers solace to grieving loved ones who can take comfort in fulfilling the deceased’s final wishes.

Furthermore, Create a Great Funeral Day highlights the practical benefits of pre-planning, such as reducing financial burdens on families and minimizing conflicts that can arise when funeral arrangements are left undecided. By promoting advance planning, the day contributes to more meaningful and less stressful funeral experiences for all involved.