Steps to Planning a Funeral

It can be a difficult and stressful time when a loved one passes away. It may seem as if there are a million decisions to make at once, but if we slow down and take it step by step, we may find that the task of planning a funeral and saying goodbye to our loved one is not as overwhelming as we thought. It will still be difficult but remember it is not impossible to accomplish this task with the help of others. Here are just a few steps you should follow when you are planning the funeral of a loved one.

• Follow the instructions in your loved one’s will. Many people will preplan their funeral or at least leave their final wishes in their will. Hopefully, your loved one has a will and has decided to leave in detail of what they want to happen at their funeral, such as where they want to be laid to rest, if they want to be cremated or buried, and which funeral home to use. These details can take a big burden off your shoulders.

• Meet with other close relatives of the deceased. Other members of your loved one’s family may have an idea of what they would like to be included in the funeral. It is best to meet with the closest relatives and try to decide together which details may be best for the funeral. Remember to listen to their suggestions and try your best to recognize and accommodate everyone during this difficult time.

• Decide on the location. Most people opt for a place that is closest to their loved one. They would prefer something in town with as little travel as possible. You will also have to choose the type of location you want. You could decide to have the funeral at a church, funeral home, or even at the gravesite. When making this decision, you should also consider any close relatives and their wishes and the people coming to the funeral. Are they from out of town? Can they find lodging close to the location? Will the drive be too much for them?

• Determine who should lead the funeral. You may want a family member or close friend to head the ceremony, or you may want to choose someone from their church to take the reigns. You could even opt for the funeral director of the funeral home to lead the funeral. Some funerals will even have multiple people come up and lead certain segments of the ceremony. The options are pretty much endless. Remember to consult the will and any close family member before making your final decision.

Planning a funeral can be an overwhelmingly stressful task that no one ever looks forward to doing. Unfortunately, many of us will find ourselves in this situation more than once in our lifetime. Remember to look at your loved one’s will for any directions they may want and feel free to reach out to others. The family of the deceased may have some helpful ideas for you to consider, and the funeral director has experience in planning funerals. They are there to help, so never be afraid to reach out to them if you are unsure on which way you want to take your loved one’s funeral. It may seem like an impossible task, but if you ask for help and follow the advice of your loved one and their family, it might not be as hard as you once thought.