Losing a loved one to death is not only a bitter true reality but also a difficult time as the emotions of mourners are raw while they need to deal with a lot of complex logistics and make decisions about the coffin transport vehicle, funeral home, and cemetery, and more.
While it's inevitable that no one looks forward to organizing such an end-of-life event with enthusiasm, here's a roundup of things one needs to consider and give forethought to while preparing for a funeral service.
#1 Reporting The Death
You must report the death to the proper concerned authorities to begin the death certification process. It is typically completed jointly by a coroner, healthcare practitioner, and a funeral home director. Ensure to get multiple copies of the documents as most tasks lined ahead, including settling the estate, disposition of the body, and myriad other affairs, will require the death certificate.
#2 Memorial VS Funeral VS Graveside: Choose Which Type Of Service Needs To Be Arranged
A funeral service involves an event before the cremation or burying of the deceased, whereas a memorial service is when the service is conducted after the burial or cremation. On the other hand, the funeral graveside service is typically held beside the gravesite before burying or cremating the body.
Regardless of the types of service you choose, another crucial decision is choosing the location for the service, such as a synagogue, funeral home, church, or more, along with the cemetery for burial in case that’s what the deceased wanted for their body disposition.
If the death has occurred far away from where the burial needs to take place, a funeral director will be needed to make appropriate transportation arrangements.
#2 Making Funeral Arrangements
This step is where the actual planning process starts. Here’s what you need to know.
Deciding Between Cremation Or Burial
You'll also need to choose whether to bury the body or get it cremated, as you'll need to get a casket, urn, grave liner, or a burial vault arranged accordingly.
Choosing The Service Type
After deciding how the deceased body will be interred, the next step is to choose whether you'll want an interment ceremony. It can generally be either a graveside service, a cremation service, a memorial, or a funeral service.
Deciding About Post-or-Pre-Service Events
Pre-interment events typically include a wake, visitation, or a viewing, whereas post-funeral ones include gatherings and receptions. Some people choose to decide according to the religion, traditions, or culture they abide by.
Preparing The Deceased’s Body
Most funeral homes require embalmed bodies, especially when there is an open casket funeral. While some religious beliefs and cultures prohibit embalming, others encourage it and consider it as a sense of closure.
If the cause of death has led to a body that isn't too great to be viewed, you can opt for cosmetic restoration services. Loved ones of the deceased should also choose the clothing they want them to be buried or cremated in.
Choosing Mode Of Formal Transportation
You’ll also need a hearse and lead car transportation service to move the body and immediate family to a cemetery in a funeral procession. At Funeral Service Concierge, we offer an efficient funeral home referral service nationwide during these testing times.
Reach out to us if you have any questions regarding ethics in funeral service, the arrangements or preparations required for funeral and cemetery, or if you’re searching for ‘affordable funeral homes near me.’