Losing a loved one can be an emotionally taxing event, which is why funeral planning tends to be stressful. It can be easy to overlook certain necessities for how to prepare a funeral, but the right funeral services and support from loved ones can immensely help lighten your burden.

 

Here is a quick, easy-to-follow checklist of the things you need while figuring out how to prepare a funeral.

Funeral Preparation Checklist to Guide You

1. Gather the necessary documents and information.

When a loved one passes on, their family must secure important documents for legal purposes. Funeral services also require these documents to ensure accurate and timely action.

 

• Death Certificate – Official legal document containing information on the deceased. It needs to be registered with the local civil registry ahead of the funeral service. It is also essential in obtaining death benefits and other transactions under the deceased’s name.
• Life Plan Insurance – If the deceased purchased pre-planned memorial services while they were alive, these documents are also necessary when making arrangements on how to prepare a funeral. In case the deceased never purchased a life plan, you must explore your options with a funeral service.
• Personal Estate Documents – In addition to a life plan insurance, estate documents are necessary for managing the assets of the deceased.

2. Decide on a type of funeral service

The kind of funeral service you choose can substantially affect your costs. You can choose between a traditional burial or cremation. A burial would entail embalming, casket viewing, hearse transport, and the interment. On the other hand, cremation involves placing the ashes into an urn then interment at a columbarium.

3. Find out the funeral costs.

Coordinate with your chosen funeral service provider to estimate the total costs. The essentials such as the casket or urn, clothing, and elements for the funeral service, like sympathy flowers, must also be factored in. Consider the following essentials for a burial:

 

• Memorial Lot (apartment tombs, private lots, mausoleum, garden lots)
• Burial Services (excavation, transportation, burial)
• Venue Rental 
• Casket
• Clothing
• Flowers
• Headstone or epitaph

 

Cremation tends to be the more affordable option, especially if the bereaved chooses not to arrange a viewing. This can incur extra costs for refreshments and a complete funeral ceremony.

 

• Urn
• Columbarium Niche
• Flowers 
• Refreshments
• Funeral Ceremony
• Epitaph

4. Arrange the wake.

Any wishes left by the deceased can guide you on how to prepare a funeral. Different aspects such as the theme and location can be done according to the interests of the departed loved one. Otherwise, you can choose to do a religious funeral or proceed without a service, which is the case for some cremations or incredibly private families.

5. Inform family, friends, and acquaintances of the funeral details.

After doing the necessary steps on how to prepare a funeral, inform the rest of your family, friends and acquaintances of the dearly departed of the viewing, wake, and funeral details. Include the following details in your announcement or invitation:

• Biographical details of the deceased

Visitors can easily locate and identify the contact person for the funeral by looking this up at the funeral home.

• Viewing or funeral service details

Announce the length of service and viewing hours so they can pay their respects at their most convenient time.

• Food and refreshments

It is a hospitable practice that the deceased’s family treat visitors to a small snack, meal, or drink during the service. 

• Interment location and schedule

Family members and close friends of the deceased should be available on the day of the interment. Decide on a date and location that is accessible from the funeral home and consider transport options.

• Flower arrangements

Florists associated with funeral homes make it easy for family members to have flowers arranged for the service. You can also accept sympathy flowers like standing sprays or wreaths from visitors and display them next to the casket or urn.

• Tribute

The last day of the wake is typically the busiest. The bereaved family can hold a meaningful tribute or religious service to honor the departed.

 

Despite the difficulty and weight of emotions during a challenging time, you can plan and set up a funeral with a clearer direction. This how-to prepare for a funeral checklist should aid you in creating a solemn environment for saying goodbye to your loved one.

 

ALSO READ: Your Complete Guide for Choosing Casket Flower Arrangements

 

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