Planning a Funeral Service

Although inevitable, planning a funeral or memorial service is, without a doubt, a difficult task to perform.  Yet, though it is difficult, a funeral or memorial is often considered a rite of passage both for the deceased and the grieving.  In an effort to make this necessary task seem less insurmountable, below you’ll find some helpful hints on how to approach and plan a funeral or memorial service.

At First
Some of the first things that should be taken care of are the date and location of the service.  Once decided, it is also important to notify friends and family by spreading the word via the newspaper, telephone, and internet.  Additionally, selection of a funeral home and final resting place should be decided upon.  A majority of establishments require a legal certificate of death before caring for the deceased.

And Next
A large portion of planning will be devoted to the programmatic details of the service.  Typically, funerals and memorials include some or all of the following: eulogies, music, religious readings, poetry or prose, a sermon or message, and prayer.  The elements you choose to include should be an appropriate representation of your loved one’s life.  You should also consider people who may want to take part in the service such as specific ministers, family members, or friends.

At Last
Decorations, flowers, and food or refreshments are all common at funeral services.  Many people will bring or send flowers, but it is also appropriate to have flowers custom designed for the service.  Providing food or refreshments for everyone who attends can be a daunting task, but caterers are available for these events.  As an alternative, relatives and members from your local church are typically very generous and gracious when it comes to preparing and providing food.