Putting together a funeral for a deceased loved one is perhaps one of the most arduous tasks anyone must do. Between managing the little details and organizing the event, you’re busy wrestling with your grief and coming to terms with the loss. Here are a few ways to reduce stress when planning a funeral to help make the process a little less painful.

Take Your Time

Putting together a funeral can feel like an emergency—that devoting every moment to planning it is of the utmost importance. However, for your sake, remember that not every aspect of the funeral requires immediate attention. One of the best ways to reduce stress when planning a funeral is by taking a step back and allow yourself to think about what you and your family want or need for the funeral. Then, recollect your thoughts and emotions and continue the plans whenever it is best for you. This will prevent you from driving yourself crazy trying to juggle these different aspects.

Handle the Budget

When isn’t money a source of stress? There is no “minimum” budget required to hold a meaningful service. Remember that you’re not alone, and you can discuss your options within the confines of your budget with a funeral coordinator. They will help ensure that you get what you need without breaking the bank, so don’t run yourself ragged fretting over the budget alone.

Compile Documentation

Whether you’re looking for military honors for a fallen veteran or a military burial of dependents in Arlington Cemetery, you’ll need the proper documentation on hand to ensure things go smoothly. Circling back to taking your time, devote a period to get these files together and ready for when you need to present them, or the national cemetery needs to refer to them. The most important of these files are the records of your or the fallen veteran’s information to prove that your funeral is eligible for the benefits, perks, and services provided by the national cemetery.