How to Plan a Funeral

Are you losing a friend or a family member? Are you wondering how to plan a funeral?

Although planning a funeral can be hard, it’s important to remember that it’s not only your job to get it done. From deciding the burial or cremation to picking the venue and ordering the flowers, there are a lot of things you can delegate to others.

Here are some of the most important things to know about planning a funeral.

Choosing a Venue for the Service

There are several options to consider: having the service at a funeral home, an event hall, or even at the deceased person’s home. Funeral homes are typically more of a traditional choice. They can provide various services like this cremation service, viewings, dressing, and casket selection.

There are also churches that often offer free or reduced services for members of their congregation. Finally, the home of the deceased is often a meaningful place for friends and family to gather for a personal, intimate ceremony.

Searching for a Funeral Home

Firstly, you should make a list of funeral homes in your area. Additionally, you should speak to the director of each location to get a better understanding of what services they can provide, as well as their prices.

Ask as many questions as you feel you need to in order to ensure that the home you’ve chosen is the right one. It’s also important to consider the reputation of each funeral home and do some research to see what other families have experienced.

Organizing and Printing Obituary Notices

First, decide what type of obituary notices you want to send out. Depending on your budget and how many close friends and family members you are planning to invite, you may choose to send out e-mails, printable cards, newspapers, or some combination of these.

Once you have made this decision, begin gathering contact information for those individuals you plan a funeral to notify. It is important to double-check the accuracy of the contact information and create a comprehensive list.

Arranging Music and Address Speeches

Planning a funeral is a very difficult job. However, with proper planning, arranging music and addressing speeches can be one of the most meaningful parts of the event. One should determine the type of music that best represents the deceased’s celebration of life.

Consider all cultural influences, spiritual backgrounds, and tastes. Pick the songs that will honor the memory of the deceased. For the speeches, think about who should present and decide who should give a speech.

Planning Menu and Budgeting for Food and Drinks

If there are guests with food sensitivities or allergies, you’ll need to create a menu that caters to their needs. If it’s a formal wake or memorial service, then you’ll probably want to serve platters of finger foods or sandwiches and beverages like tea or coffee.

Alternately, if it’s a more relaxed gathering, then you’ll want to go for heavier fare such as hot dishes, pizza, or cakes. Next, create a realistic budget. Calculate the number of guests and how much food and drinks you’ll need to serve them.

Learn How to Plan a Funeral

Overall, it is important to plan a funeral ahead and properly research your options. Directors and planning funeral services can help guide you through the process.

This provides you with the resources you need to plan a respectful, meaningful funeral service. Consider consulting an experienced, knowledgeable funeral director today to make planning a funeral easier.

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