Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming because, in theory, it might seem straightforward, but in reality, navigating funeral planning can be extremely challenging due to grieving. It is even more difficult and draining if your loved one hasn’t talked about their end-of-life plans. This can make the planning upsetting, problematic, and even impossible for some individuals.
However, funeral planning doesn’t have to be stressful. You can move through the preparation process more easily if you have some direction and assistance. Let’s have a look at some step-by-step funeral planning guides.
Decide on Funeral Type or Service
There are a variety of funeral service options available for families to choose from. They include traditional funerals with visitations, formal memorial services attended by relatives and friends, cremation services, green burial, and more. Likewise, graveside services are also frequently used as a choice.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, a funeral director or funeral home will be a useful source of information to assist with these choices.
Choose and Arrange With A Funeral Home
You will most definitely find a wide range of funeral homes with different services and costs because the majority of them are independent businesses. Ergo, a recommendation from a friend or family member is among the finest ways to choose a funeral home. For instance, if there are two recommendations, call each of them to go through your preferences and spending limit.
However, when selecting a funeral home, there are some crucial questions to ask. A few of these inquiries are about what memorial service packages and other options they provide.
Cremation experts Eternal Urns suggest after selecting a funeral home, meet with the funeral director of the funeral home you’ve selected to go over the specifics of the service. This could entail making decisions regarding music, readings, choosing a casket or urn, and making transportation arrangements.
Confirm Date And Interment Location
Date and interment location are essential steps in navigating funeral planning as the date creates awareness for invitees and the location points to where the funeral will take place.
Although the process of choosing a location can be difficult. It is usually beneficial to receive counsel and opinion from loved ones at this difficult time, and if the deceased was cremated, a final resting site can be chosen at a later time.
Arrange or Write an Obituary
An obituary is an article about the deceased’s life that is printed in the neighborhood newspaper, sometimes along with information regarding the memorial service.
The dates of birth and death will be included, as well as information on the deceased spouse, children, and grandchildren.
You could also want to mention any special instructions, like mentioning a cause or charity where donations can be made or the required attire to be worn.
Plan Out The Details of The Service
Plan the sequence of the service and any other details with the funeral home. If the deceased person is going to be buried, clothing must be chosen, and the family should be asked if they want jewels, pictures, or other artifacts buried with the deceased person.
This could also involve picking a minister or officiant, making plans for pictures and other exhibits, readings and music, memoirs, and planning a gathering or reception for after the service.
And most importantly, if anyone offers to assist with any aspect of the planning, accept their offers with gratitude.
