A funeral is already overwhelming alone and can be a lot more when you have to plan it. You might wonder, is there any way to make it easier?
Many suggest having a funeral preparation checklist to keep things organized. At the same time, it keeps plans on track while giving you space to grieve.
So, here are a few things you want to note and add to your list.
Pick a Final Disposition
Before you get into the funeral details, you should figure out how to handle the deceased. Some people provide their preferred disposition before they pass away. Otherwise, the family can decide what they prefer based on religion and other reasons.
The options for a final disposition tend to include the following:
Burial
A typical burial refers to burying the deceased in the ground and covering it with soil. When this happens, the body in the casket decomposes as time passes.
Burials usually include ceremonies or memorial service in a new grave plot or with other deceased family members.
Cremation
When you pick a cremation, the body turns into ashes using its bone fragments. These remains go in a decorative container or urn. You can keep it in a columbarium or display it close to you and your family.
Other ways you can handle the ashes include scattering or burying them.
Green Burial
Some funerary practices aim to reduce environmental impact by reducing labor or using fewer resources. A few things you get with a green burial are as follows:
- No embalming
- Biodegradable caskets and urns
- Direct earth burial
- Communal memorialization
- Optimized plot use
Prepare the Paperwork
You want to prepare the papers for the funeral as soon as possible. The death certificate is one of the most essential ones.
If you’re planning a funeral with a provider or company, you should have the death certificate before they begin to process it. But to get it, you must submit a few requirements and documents on the deceased.
In some cases, you might need a burial permit or a permit for disposition. You can ask your provider about it if you aren’t sure about the requirement.
Note that some of these take a while to process, so try to request them immediately.
Decide on a Funeral Service
When you’re ready to plan a funeral, you should decide on a type of funeral service to have. It could be anything from a wake to a private gathering.
Usually, the service you get varies on where you hold it. With a funeral home, you should contact the funeral director for arrangements. If you have it at a church, you get a special prayer done for the deceased.
It also depends on the deceased’s culture or religious beliefs. So, as a form of respect, you want to note these before picking a service.
Look Into the Logistics
One of the planning tips people tend to overlook is the logistics. Most places need you to discuss the arrangements before scheduling a place, time, and date.
By then, you should already have the necessary information required to hold the funeral service. Logistics also includes the clothing, jewelry, photo, and other similar elements you need for the wake and burial.
Consider Options for Personalization
When you have the essentials ready, you might want to look into the factors you can personalize. Doing so adds more meaning to the event and can help visitors while they grieve.
These can include the following:
Tributes
If you’re holding a ceremony, family and other visitors can take turns saying their tributes to the deceased. You can also have someone deliver a eulogy.
You can request specific traditions included in the service based on the deceased’s religion, culture, or personal beliefs. It also includes readings, like poems, prayers, or other spiritual passages.
The tributes can also be through charitable donations, an obituary, and more.
Meals or Snacks
If the funeral service is open for visitation, you can set up meals or snacks for the visitors. In most cases, the family must bring these themselves, but you want to check with the provider to be sure they allow it.
Another option is to arrange a reception after the funeral service with the visitors.
Songs or Videos
Funeral services let you personalize the musical pieces or videos they present before a burial. It can serve as a reminder of the deceased and help visitors feel more connected with them despite their passing.
Decorative Items
Even when planning a funeral, you should decide what decorative items to include. It could be the type of flowers, photos, and other similar pieces to add to the event’s value.
You can also have memorial cards or funeral programs for those who visit.
Attendees
If you close the service for public viewing, you should provide the funeral home with a list of attendees you expect. You can give them their names or request them to put a limit on the number of people who attend the ceremony.
Work Out the Costs
Funerals can be expensive depending on the type of service you get. The basic prices usually don’t include extras, like flowers, transportation, or the ceremony. So when you ask for estimates, be sure to confirm what the cost covers.
If the deceased has a life insurance policy, it lowers the amount you have to pay for services. You can also head straight to cremation since the cremation cost is usually cheaper than a burial.
Make Final Arrangements
Once you decide on everything, confirm the final arrangements with your provider. It includes picking a place of final rest, payment methods, last wishes, and claim documents.
If you need help with final decisions, consider contacting a professional for further advice.
Plan Accordingly With a Funeral Preparation Checklist
You may want to know how to prepare for a funeral to avoid causing stress. A good way around it is by having a funeral preparation checklist. This way, you get a guide on what steps to take and an idea of how to plan it correctly.
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