Last Updated on July 22, 2023
Just what does planning a funeral take?
Funerals are not an event you look forward to planning. Sometimes they come sooner than expected, and you’re left dealing with a dozen different things on top of the grieving process.
Planning ahead of time is the best way to ensure that the entire process goes smoothly. Whether you are able to plan ahead or not, these seven tips for funeral planning will help make everything less overwhelming.
Read on for more! Â :
Table of Contents
1. Respect the Deceased’s Last Wishes
If the deceased has a legal representative, consult with them before beginning any funeral planning. They may have a will or pre-arranged funeral plan.
This can save you a lot of trouble down the road, as well as give you a clear idea of where to go next. If your loved one did not leave any directions in the event of their death, decisions should be made with family consensus to avoid any more strife.
2. Casket or Urn?
When confronted with the death of a loved one, people often are unprepared for the decision of how to deal with the body.
Disposition is how the remains of the deceased are handled. A decision will have to be made regarding embalming or cremation. You will also have to decide between many options of caskets and urns or to scatter the ashes in a beloved place.
3. Type of Service
This is probably the most personal part of the funeral planning process, in regards to the deceased themselves.
Were they a religious person? A religious service might be the best fit. If they served in the military, a military service is an excellent way to honor them. Other societies such as fraternal organizations also have their own service rites.
4. Funeral Events
Many funeral homes offer full package deals where they will handle the entire service, from the viewing and service to the burial, and even the wake afterward, taking some of the stress out of the funeral planning process. In addition, they will book all external service providers such as florists or funeral live streaming videographers.
You can also decide on the details of the funeral yourself. If you wish to have no viewing or wake, a simple graveside service is possible. Home viewings and wakes are also an option.
5. Find an Officiant
Depending on the service, you will need to ask an officiant to oversee the funeral service. Officiants can be religious figures such as pastors or priests, or even beloved friends or family members.
6. Decide On A Burial Location
If your deceased love one does not have a pre-purchased lot in a cemetery or other burial ground, you might have to consult with a funeral home to find a vacancy. Some families have family crypts or mausoleums from a Springboro monument company as well.
7. Other Details
Make sure to plan other details such as lodging for out-of-town family and friends, food and catering for wakes or memorial services, hearse rentals, condolence flowers, music and presentations, and everything else that you wish to include in the funeral service.
If you have enough time in advance, make sure to send out funeral invitations to friends and associates of the deceased.
Funeral Planning Made Easy
Don’t get in over your head with the funeral planning process. Enlist the help of a funeral home professional, or even other friends and family.
Funerals are already a stressful time. Make sure your experience is pleasant and memorable as a last goodbye to your deceased loved one.
For more home and family tips, make sure to check out the family section of my blog.