How to Arrange the Funeral of A Loved One

bulram | June 14, 2013

The funerals service is an important process for mourning and celebrating the passing of our loved ones. It goes without saying then that such a meaningful day should go smoothly.

For anyone going through the difficult experience of having to arrange a funeral, here is a look at the best way to approach it.

1. The first steps

One of the first things to remember when planning a funeral for a loved one is to clarify if any previous arrangements had been made. This might include a pre-paid funeral plan or possibly a reserved or pre-paid plot in a cemetery.

It’s important to find a good funeral home to help you along the process as you plan your funeral. There are some important details that you need to inform the funeral director of in the initial stages:

• The full name, address and age of the deceased
• The location where the deceased is resting
• The name and contact details of the deceased’s doctor
• Whether a death certificate has been issued
• Whether the funeral will be a religious or non-religious (humanist) ceremony
• Full details of your wishes regarding the services of a minister will be needed, if necessary

Above all, it’s vital that you find a funeral director who you feel you can really communicate with and express your wishes for the day.

2. Finances

Before you go any further, it’s important to establish a budget that you wish to spend on the day. It can be difficult to know how much a funeral should cost.

This should be something that the funeral home director can help you with. The cost of a funeral can vary considerably, so it’s important to have a clear budget in mind. Your funeral director should be able to give you a complete list of expenses before you agree to go ahead with their services.

3. The finer points

As the organiser you may be faced with a lot of questions in the lead up to the day. Some of these could include:

• Would the deceased prefer to be cremated or buried?
• What type of coffin or casket?
• How you would like the deceased to be dressed on the day?
• Deciding on who will write the obituary and where you would like it placed
• How will guests be notified and will you run a notice in the newspaper?
• What sort of poetry, readings or music is appropriate for the service, and who would be delivering them?
• Which floral wreaths and sheaths of flowers are most appropriate?
• Preparing a eulogy and organising an order of proceedings
• Where would you like the wake located and organising the venue/catering