some questions

am doing some research about the funeral service industry. nearly half of my classmates raised their hands when asked if they had planned a funeral. as i've never even been to a funeral nor, luckily, have had anyone close to me die, i was pretty surprised.

i'd appreciate some perspective through the following questions. if you're particularly sensitive about death/dying, you might want to avoid reading them altogether. be as brief as you like, but the more you can contribute (experience, opinions, feelings) the better.

1.) have you ever planned a funeral?

if yes,[list=a][*] were you surprised by price, how much it entailed, the process, other factors?
[*] how difficult was it to make practical arrangements during such a stressful time?
[*] did the company with whom you worked make it easier/harder/have no effect?
[*] how did you select the funeral/cremation/burial company that helped you? if you haven't planned a funeral, how would you select a company?[/list=a]



2.) will you pre-plan your funeral? [list=a][*] what do you think of pre-planning funerals and burial services? (e.g. plotting spots to be buried, setting up payment plans, getting it out of the way)[/list=a]


3.) have you written up a will? [list=a][*] with whom did you write up a will? (e.g. by yourself, a lawyer, family member)
[*] when do you think the proper time is to write a will?[/list=a]


4.) would you prefer to be buried or cremated? where? why?


5.) if a loved one died, what would effect what kind of burial arrangements you would make? (e.g. cost/type of casket, a service or ceremony, the locale and extent of a service or ceremony)


6.) have you ever thought about planning a funeral for a loved one? would you prefer to avoid thinking about this or understand the process so as to be prepared? why?


7.) how do you feel when you see funeral home/service advertisements? (tv, radio, yellow pages, wherever) what determines if you find these ads tacky or helpful?


and, for fun:
8.) how realistic do you think Six Feet Under is in depicting the funeral service industry?



thanks.