Funeral Planning Information

When you plan for your own funeral ahead of time or you have to plan a funeral for a loved one, you need to consider the obituary, final funeral arrangements, the service and the cemetery arrangements. Most funeral home directors will guide you through the process, but it is always a good idea to have some things planned ahead of time before you or a loved one meets with the director.

The Obituary

Many people prefer to write their own obituaries ahead of time. This may not always be possible, but it is a way to make sure that all of the information that you want people to read is included. For a relative planning a loved ones funeral, you should have immediate family names, passing relatives, work history and hobbies of the deceased. A nice picture as recent as possible can be placed with the obituary.

Funeral Arrangements

You will need to decide whether to have a cremation or a burial. With this decision, you must choose an urn or a casket for the funeral. You need to decide what will be worn for a showing, which can include jewelry, clothes, and hairstyle and make up. You will want to choose a car or limousine for the family members and the type of music that will play before the service if there is visitation.

The Service

The service may be at a church or at the funeral home. If you have a specific minister that you want to have conduct the service, this should be noted with the funeral home director. The cemetery service can be for immediate family only or for anyone that is at the service. If you have visitation before the service, you can decide on a closed or open casket.

Flower Arrangement

Flowers may be displayed at the funeral. The casket could have a floral wreath placed near the end whether the casket is open or closed. If there is an urn, a flower wreath may be placed on a stand next to the urn display. You should decide on the time for visitation and what time to have the service. Some people prefer the visitation, service and burial all in the same day.

Cemetery Arrangements

Buy a cemetery plot before you have an immediate need for it. If you plan ahead and buy the plot before a funeral, it will cost less than buying on demand. The day you plan the service, you should notify the cemetery so that the plot can be ready the day of the burial. The headstone can be placed on the plot and a death date is added when the person passes.

After the Burial

Many families have a get together at a hall to celebrate the person's life. There can be drinks and food served. This type of reception usually has a buffet style set up. Family and friends bring dishes or it can be catered. Soda is usually supplied with other drinks available from the bar area.

References

• Funeral Planning