What to Know When Planning a Funeral

Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming experience, especially during a time of grief. Understanding the key aspects of funeral planning can help ease the process and ensure that the final tribute is meaningful and reflective of your loved one’s life. Here’s what you need to know when planning a funeral.

Understand the Types of Funerals

There are various types of funerals, each with its own customs and practices. Common types include:

• Traditional Funeral: A traditional funeral usually involves three key components:
  • Visitation or Wake: Family and friends gather to pay their respects before the formal service.
  • Funeral Service: Often held in a funeral home or religious venue, this service typically includes eulogies, prayers, and music.
  • Burial or Cremation: The body is laid to rest in a cemetery or cremated, followed by a graveside service or similar commemoration.
• Memorial Service: A memorial service takes place after the body has been buried or cremated. The deceased is not physically present, and it can be held weeks or even months later. If cremation has occurred, the family may choose to gather with the ashes, offering a focal point for the memorial and creating a meaningful way to say goodbye.
• Celebration of Life: A celebration of life focuses more on remembering the positive aspects of the person’s life than on mourning their death. It’s usually less formal and can take on a variety of styles, from a casual gathering to a themed event that reflects the deceased’s personality or passions.
• Direct Cremation or Burial: This option is for those who prefer no formal service or viewing. The body is directly cremated or buried without any preceding ceremonies. Families may opt for a private moment or hold a memorial service later.
  
  Family Participation: In some cases, the family can be present at the cremation and assist with certain aspects of the process, offering a meaningful way to say goodbye.
• Green or Eco-Friendly Funerals: This option aims to reduce environmental impact. They often avoid embalming, use biodegradable caskets or urns, and focus on natural burial methods.
  
  Families may also choose to scatter the ashes in a meaningful location or plant a tree in memory of the deceased, incorporating the ashes into the soil, which can be a fitting tribute that honors both the person and the environment.
• Home Funerals: A home funeral allows families to care for their deceased loved one at home. It’s a more intimate and hands-on approach that often involves preparing the body, holding a small ceremony, and then transporting the body for burial or cremation.

Deciding on the type of service can help guide other planning decisions.

Consider Your Loved One’s Wishes

It’s essential to honor the wishes of the deceased, if known. Many individuals leave behind pre-arranged funeral plans or expressed preferences regarding their final send-off. This can include their choice of burial versus cremation, preferred locations, and specific rituals or readings.

Set a Budget

Funeral expenses can add up quickly, so establishing a budget is crucial. Costs may include:

• Funeral Home Services: Fees for staff, facilities, and equipment.
• Caskets or Urns: Prices vary significantly based on materials and styles.
• Burial or Cremation Fees: Costs for plots, vaults, and cremation services.
• Additional Services: Transportation, flowers, obituary notices, and catering for receptions.

Consider discussing pricing with multiple funeral homes to compare options.

Choose a Funeral Home

Selecting a reputable funeral home is one of the most critical decisions. Look for:

• Recommendations: Seek referrals from friends, family, or local organizations.
• Accreditations: Check if the funeral home is a member of national or state funeral associations, and that they have their permit.
• Services Offered: Ensure the funeral home provides the services that align with your plans.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about pricing and services during your initial consultations. You can find à list of funeral homes on Echovita here: https://www.echovita.com/us/funeral-homes . If you’re located in Canada, simply change the country in the top left-hand corner.

Plan the Details of the Service

Once the type of funeral is decided, focus on the details:

• Location: Decide whether the service will be held at a funeral home, place of worship, or another venue.
• Date and Time: Consider the availability of family and friends when scheduling.
• Officiant: Choose someone to lead the service, whether it’s a religious leader, family member, or a professional celebrant.
• Personal Touches: Incorporate elements that reflect the deceased’s personality, such as favorite songs, readings, or photos.

Communicate with Family and Friends

Open communication with family members and close friends is vital. Keep them informed about plans and seek their input, especially if they have strong feelings about specific elements of the service. This collaborative approach can help ensure that the service is representative of the deceased and provides comfort to attendees.

One of the best ways to communicate with family and friends is via an online obituary. Echovita allows families to create online obituaries for their loved ones for free and can be easily found online no matter where family and friends are located: https://www.echovita.com/us/why-create-an-obituary.

Consider Online Options

In recent years, virtual funerals and livestreamed services have gained popularity, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate. If this is something you’d like to consider, discuss options with the funeral home.

Grieving and Support Resources

Remember that grief doesn’t end with the funeral. Consider seeking support from counseling services, support groups, or community resources. Encourage family members to talk about their feelings and share memories.

There are also plenty of books available about grieving, which may help: https://www.echovita.com/us/blog/190/12-best-seller-books-to-help-you-through-grief.

After the Funeral: Follow-Up

After the service, there may be additional tasks to consider, such as:

• Thank You Notes: Sending acknowledgments to those who attended or contributed flowers or donations.
• Estate Planning: Addressing the deceased’s estate, will, and other financial matters.

Conclusion

Planning a funeral is a significant responsibility, and it can feel daunting. By taking it step by step and involving family and friends in the process, you can create a meaningful tribute that honors your loved one’s life. Remember to allow yourself time to grieve and seek support during this challenging time.