Why should I plan a funeral for my loved one?
A funeral or memorial is a customary way to recognize death and its finality. Funerals are held for the living — to show respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process. They also give friends and family a chance to express their love and to support one another.
What tasks are involved in arranging a funeral?
There can be as many as 200 tasks when planning a funeral. Many of them are listed below. Our funeral director will coordinate most of these for you after meeting with you at a private consultation.
- Obtain the signature of the attending physician, coroner or medical examiner on the death certificate and file it with the registrar of vital statistics
- Ensure compliance with government regulators
- Transfer the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home (local or out of town)
- Obtain family history
- Make decisions regarding the remains of the deceased
- Determine the budget (if not pre-arranged)
- Determine the funeral or memorial service location(s) — church, chapel, or graveside
- Plan a viewing/visitation and determine open or closed casket
- Choose the final resting place (cemetery, mausoleum, private land, etc.)
- Make arrangements with clergy, church and cemetery officials
- Obtain certified copies of the death certificate
- Procure the burial permit and file with the cemetery
- Select and purchase the casket, outer burial container or urn
- Select a monument/marker
- Order and schedule delivery of all merchandise
- Compose and submit newspaper and media notices
- Choose clothing & jewelry
- Select poems, scripture, and readings
- Select music: taped, live musicians, etc.
- Choose pallbearers
- Arrange transportation of the deceased and the family
- Purchase acknowledgement cards, register books, and memorial folders
- Complete Social Security, Veterans, and life insurance paperwork where applicable
What do funeral directors do?
Funeral directors are caregivers, advisors, and administrators. They make the arrangements for the transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and carry out the wishes of the family regarding the funeral and final disposition.
Who should be included in the gathering or ceremony?
Family, close friends, co-workers, fellow worshippers, neighbors and acquaintances, and in some cases, the greater community.
Some people cannot afford basic funeral services. Is financial aid available?
Beyond the family, there are veteran, union, and other organizational benefits to help pay for funerals, including, in certain instances, a lump-sum death payment from Social Security. We are glad to help you explore the options available to you.