Funeral Planning Tips
*Notify all of the appropriate people of your loved ones passing
Who to Notify:
Children
Parents
Siblings
Minister or religious officiant
Friends
Business Associates
Organizationss they belonged to
*The Obituary
This is a traditional public announcement that is published in a newspaper upon a person’s death. Some people are leaning away from traditional obituaries due to privacy and security purposes. If you are working with a funeral home they
can help you write and publish the obituary in the newspaper for you. Typical information included in an obituary is: surviving spouse and children, address of the deceased, birth date and location, education, military service, career, awards and achievements, and a couple sentences about the deceased’s life and how they will be remembered. You may also include when and where the memorial or funeral service will be held. Make sure that if you wantonly family and friends to attend you make note of that in the obituary to avoid unwanted guests.
*Decide what type of service you want to have
Many people do not know the difference between a funeral and a memorial service. A funeral is a service where the body is present and a memorial service is a service where the body is not present. If you choose to have a funeral, you must
also decide if you want there to be visitation at the funeral home before the funeral service or if you would rather have it all take place at the gravesite. There are many different types of services so you may choose the one that best
fits your own personal preference or needs.
*Decide what your budget is
Hopefully there will be a life insurance policy or other funds that have been set aside to help cover the cost of the funeral and burial. Sometimes you might have to use your own money or have the family pool their money to help cover the costs. Either way with some careful planning you should be able to have a lovely gathering while honoring you loved ones final wishes without going into debt over it. It is not wise to make financial decisions emotionally. Always have a close friend or family member help you make major decisions and keep things in check during a time like this. Most funeral homes are honest and caring and have experience in dealing with grieving people so they can help you assess your bud and guide you in the right directions.
*Set a date and place for the services/burial/reception
Make sure you call as soon as possible to book your preferred place of worship, reception space ect. Although you would want it to be sooner than later remember to be flexible due to availability.
*Notify the clergy of the kind of service and when it will be
*Send out invitations
If there is a funeral, invitations are usually done over the phone or in person due to such short notice. Since the internet has become a common mode of communication email can also be used as an effective way to inform others of the date and time. If there is a memorial service or celebration of life there is usually more time and you then can send out formal invitations. Verbal or written invitation should indicate the date, time and place of the service or reception. Be sure to indicate who is invited to the service such as family and friends only, or if it is a more public type of service.
*Buy a guestbook
Place a sign at the service encouraging guests to not only write their names and addresses, but messages and thoughts to the surviving family members.
*Pallbearers and ushers
Decide who will be your pallbearers and have pre-assigned people to stand near the parking lot, at the entrance of the service, and in the service to assist guests as they arrive.
*Decide on your key speakers
Be very clear on length, content, or any sensitive issues you would NOT like to be brought up. Let them know of any funny or uplifting stories or memories you would like to have shared.
*Service program
Consider producing a program for the service showing the order of the reading speaker, music, poems, thought or photos of your loved one with their family over the years. List the officant’s, pallbearers, ushers as well as immediate spouse and children. A program is thoughtful to guests and many times is used as a family keepsake.
*Select special music
It can be favorites of your loved one, a blend of comforting hymns where everyone can participate, or any other, it’s really up to personal preference.
*Order flowers
Consider special boutonnieres and corsages for the deceased’s spouse, children or key people like ushers, speakers, ect
We have a section on here to explain the different types of floral arrangements available.If you do not wish for people to send flowers but would prefer for them to make a donation in honor of your loved one be sure to mention hat in the obituary or
invitations. This can be a wonderful and lasting way to honor those who are dear to us.
*Select your reception menu
Consider hiring a caterer. Ask them what they recommend given your budget and the style you want. Contrary to popular belief, buffets hors d'oeuvres are not the least expensive, although they do offer the chance for guests to interact with each other. A plated meal is more formal and encourages guests to stay at their tables and not interact as much. You may even decide to just have a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite dish. Whichever way you decide when it comes down to it is up to personal preference.
Who to Notify:
Children
Parents
Siblings
Minister or religious officiant
Friends
Business Associates
Organizationss they belonged to
*The Obituary
This is a traditional public announcement that is published in a newspaper upon a person’s death. Some people are leaning away from traditional obituaries due to privacy and security purposes. If you are working with a funeral home they
can help you write and publish the obituary in the newspaper for you. Typical information included in an obituary is: surviving spouse and children, address of the deceased, birth date and location, education, military service, career, awards and achievements, and a couple sentences about the deceased’s life and how they will be remembered. You may also include when and where the memorial or funeral service will be held. Make sure that if you wantonly family and friends to attend you make note of that in the obituary to avoid unwanted guests.
*Decide what type of service you want to have
Many people do not know the difference between a funeral and a memorial service. A funeral is a service where the body is present and a memorial service is a service where the body is not present. If you choose to have a funeral, you must
also decide if you want there to be visitation at the funeral home before the funeral service or if you would rather have it all take place at the gravesite. There are many different types of services so you may choose the one that best
fits your own personal preference or needs.
*Decide what your budget is
Hopefully there will be a life insurance policy or other funds that have been set aside to help cover the cost of the funeral and burial. Sometimes you might have to use your own money or have the family pool their money to help cover the costs. Either way with some careful planning you should be able to have a lovely gathering while honoring you loved ones final wishes without going into debt over it. It is not wise to make financial decisions emotionally. Always have a close friend or family member help you make major decisions and keep things in check during a time like this. Most funeral homes are honest and caring and have experience in dealing with grieving people so they can help you assess your bud and guide you in the right directions.
*Set a date and place for the services/burial/reception
Make sure you call as soon as possible to book your preferred place of worship, reception space ect. Although you would want it to be sooner than later remember to be flexible due to availability.
*Notify the clergy of the kind of service and when it will be
*Send out invitations
If there is a funeral, invitations are usually done over the phone or in person due to such short notice. Since the internet has become a common mode of communication email can also be used as an effective way to inform others of the date and time. If there is a memorial service or celebration of life there is usually more time and you then can send out formal invitations. Verbal or written invitation should indicate the date, time and place of the service or reception. Be sure to indicate who is invited to the service such as family and friends only, or if it is a more public type of service.
*Buy a guestbook
Place a sign at the service encouraging guests to not only write their names and addresses, but messages and thoughts to the surviving family members.
*Pallbearers and ushers
Decide who will be your pallbearers and have pre-assigned people to stand near the parking lot, at the entrance of the service, and in the service to assist guests as they arrive.
*Decide on your key speakers
Be very clear on length, content, or any sensitive issues you would NOT like to be brought up. Let them know of any funny or uplifting stories or memories you would like to have shared.
*Service program
Consider producing a program for the service showing the order of the reading speaker, music, poems, thought or photos of your loved one with their family over the years. List the officant’s, pallbearers, ushers as well as immediate spouse and children. A program is thoughtful to guests and many times is used as a family keepsake.
*Select special music
It can be favorites of your loved one, a blend of comforting hymns where everyone can participate, or any other, it’s really up to personal preference.
*Order flowers
Consider special boutonnieres and corsages for the deceased’s spouse, children or key people like ushers, speakers, ect
We have a section on here to explain the different types of floral arrangements available.If you do not wish for people to send flowers but would prefer for them to make a donation in honor of your loved one be sure to mention hat in the obituary or
invitations. This can be a wonderful and lasting way to honor those who are dear to us.
*Select your reception menu
Consider hiring a caterer. Ask them what they recommend given your budget and the style you want. Contrary to popular belief, buffets hors d'oeuvres are not the least expensive, although they do offer the chance for guests to interact with each other. A plated meal is more formal and encourages guests to stay at their tables and not interact as much. You may even decide to just have a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite dish. Whichever way you decide when it comes down to it is up to personal preference.