Funeral Planning Guide
Planning a funeral can be an emotionally challenging task, especially during a time of grief. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in planning a meaningful funeral or memorial service that honors your loved one's life and wishes.
Interactive Funeral Planning Guide
What type of service are you planning?
Typically includes a viewing or visitation, a formal funeral service, and a graveside committal service.
A ceremony that takes place without the body present, often held days or weeks after death.
Focuses on celebrating the deceased's life rather than mourning their death. Often more personalized.
The body is buried or cremated shortly after death, without a formal viewing or ceremony.
Initial Steps After Death
The hours and days immediately following a death require several important decisions and actions. Here's a checklist to guide you through this difficult time:
- Contact the appropriate authorities
If the death occurs at home, contact emergency services or the person's doctor. If in a hospital or care facility, staff will guide you through the next steps.
- Choose a funeral home
Research and select a funeral home that aligns with your needs, budget, and the deceased's wishes.
- Arrange transportation of the deceased
The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body from the place of death.
- Notify immediate family and close friends
Consider creating a phone tree to share the responsibility of notifying others.
- Secure the deceased's home and property
Ensure their home is secure, pets are cared for, and any deliveries are collected.
Working with a Funeral Home
Funeral directors can provide invaluable assistance during the planning process. Here's what to expect and how to prepare for meeting with a funeral home:
What to Bring to Your Meeting
- • The deceased's personal information (full legal name, date of birth, social security number)
- • Information for the death certificate (parents' names, birthplace, occupation, education)
- • Burial or cremation preferences
- • Clothing for the deceased if there will be a viewing
- • Photos for obituary or memorial displays
- • Military discharge papers for veteran benefits
- • Pre-paid funeral plan information, if applicable
Questions to Ask the Funeral Director
- • What services do you offer and what are the costs?
- • Are there package options available?
- • What payment options do you accept?
- • How do you handle obituaries and death notices?
- • Can we bring personal items or photos to personalize the service?
- • What are the options for urns or caskets?
- • How many death certificates should we order?
Planning the Service
Creating a meaningful service involves many elements that can be personalized to reflect the deceased's life, values, and personality.
Service Elements to Consider
- • Officiant or celebrant
- • Readings, poems, or prayers
- • Music selections
- • Eulogy and speakers
- • Photo displays or video tributes
- • Memorial items or keepsakes
- • Guest book
- • Reception details
Personalizing the Service
- • Include hobbies or interests in the decor
- • Play favorite songs or music genres
- • Display meaningful items or collections
- • Share stories that capture their personality
- • Incorporate cultural or religious traditions
- • Create a memory table with photos and mementos
- • Offer personalized memorial cards
Understanding Costs
Funeral costs can vary widely depending on the type of service, location, and specific elements chosen. Being aware of typical expenses can help you plan within your budget.
Common Funeral Expenses
Basic Services
- • Funeral director fees
- • Transportation of the deceased
- • Death certificates
- • Permits and fees
- • Basic memorial printed package
Optional Services
- • Viewing or visitation
- • Funeral or memorial service
- • Graveside service
- • Hearse and limousine
- • Flowers and decorations
Merchandise
- • Casket or cremation container
- • Urn
- • Burial vault or liner
- • Memorial markers or headstones
Cemetery Costs
- • Burial plot or mausoleum space
- • Opening and closing of the grave
- • Perpetual care fees
- • Monument or marker installation
Cost-Saving Considerations
- • Compare prices from multiple funeral homes
- • Consider direct burial or cremation with a memorial service later
- • Choose a simple casket or container
- • Limit viewing or visitation hours
- • Create your own memorial programs
- • Use family-arranged flowers or meaningful items from home
- • Host the reception at a family home or community space
Grief Support Resources
Grief is a natural response to loss, and everyone experiences it differently. Here are some resources that may provide comfort and support during this difficult time:
- Grief Support Groups: Many communities offer in-person and online support groups specifically for those who have lost loved ones.
- Counseling Services: Professional grief counselors can provide personalized support and coping strategies.
- Books and Literature: There are many helpful books on grief and loss that can provide comfort and understanding.
- Online Resources: Websites like GriefShare, What's Your Grief, and The Dougy Center offer articles, forums, and resources.
- Hotlines: Crisis hotlines are available 24/7 for immediate emotional support.
Remember that grief has no timeline, and it's important to be patient with yourself and others during the healing process.
Ready to Download the Complete Guide?
Our comprehensive PDF includes additional worksheets, checklists, and resources to help you through every step of the funeral planning process.