It can be difficult to think clearly during upsetting times, such as the passing of a loved one. This can lead to us forgetting things and making other mistakes which could potentially make the situation harder. As such, it’s a good idea to be as prepared as possible to ensure the funeral goes as smoothly as possible.
One way to ensure you’re sufficiently prepared is to prepare a checklist, which will help you identify what has been done and what needs to be done. To help, we’ve created this brief guide on what a funeral checklist should look like.
Determine Which Type of Funeral You Want
Before you even get started, it’s a good idea to try and work out which type of funeral you need. This includes details like whether to have a burial or cremation, while religious beliefs will also often have an impact on the decision. In some cases, you can even get feedback from the deceased before they die for a funeral they would be happy with.
Another main factor in deciding which type of funeral you need is the cost. And while we would always want to give our loved ones the best possible service, it’s necessary to bear in mind that the living still have bills to pay. However, most people can still give the deceased a respectable service even if they are on a tight budget. If you engage a funeral director, you can try asking about payment plans to help make the funeral more affordable for you.
Find a Funeral Director
Arranging a funeral involves legalities that involve filling in potentially confusing forms. There are also other arrangements to be made, such as those to have the body cremated or buried in a particular place. Making such arrangements can be frustrating at the best of times, and few people would want such responsibilities so soon after losing somebody they love.
As such, it makes a very good idea to hire a funeral director to make the arrangements for you. They can take care of official documentation and other arrangements, leaving you to focus on friends and family during this difficult time. A professional funeral director will also be able to lend advice to help ensure the day goes as well as possible.
And hiring a funeral director is not only about taking the responsibility off your plate, it’s also about helping to ensure the day goes as smoothly as possible for everybody involved. A professional funeral director will have experience in making the necessary arrangements, so they know what needs to be done.
In addition to arranging the funeral itself, a funeral director can also help with other related issues such as arranging flowers and other details. Of course, additional services will come at an extra cost, so you will need to consider your budget. Many funeral directors will also sell packages, helping you get the services you need at a great price.
When looking for a good funeral director, it’s a good idea to do your research first for a service that best suits your needs and preferences. Fortunately, you can find out a lot of information online with help from sites like Trust Pilot and Yelp. You can also try asking family and friends who might have already had an experience with a funeral director.
Let People Know the Arrangements
When dates and times are agreed upon, you will need to let people know so they know where to attend the funeral, and when. One of the most effective ways to do this is to ask for help from friends and family to spread the word to as many people as possible, letting them know they’re welcome.
When telling people about the time and place of the service, it’s also a good idea to pass on any other useful information. For example, if you want guests to wear something specific, it’s best to let them know well in advance of the service. This will give people a chance to get ready, so they’re fully prepared for the day.
Plan a Wake
Although the wake is not part of the official ceremony, many people still consider it one of the most important components of a funeral. This is largely because it’s a chance for people to get together and celebrate the deceased’s life, helping them with the grieving process.
What a wake looks like can vary wildly. In many cases, the wake will be held in a private home, often belonging to the deceased’s spouse or another close relative. However, depending on how many people attending and your budget, it might be necessary to hire a venue instead.
Summary
A funeral is a stressful occasion and there can be a lot to do and organize. Many people would not be in the right frame of mind to organize a funeral or they might be too busy with other things. However, helps is at hand from professional funeral directors.
A funeral director will handle most of the details for you, leaving you with more time to focus on other important details. Hiring a professional to help with the arrangements will also help ensure everything goes well on the day so your loved one has the dignified service they deserve.
If you want more information regarding funeral planning then feel free to get in touch with the team at Academy Funerals. We will be happy to hear from you and glad to answer any questions you might have.
