Funeral service include both practical and sentimental components. While some parts are concerned with paperwork and schedules, the service itself is an opportunity to honour and remember the person’s life. It’s a time to express grief, gratitude, reflect, and celebrate.
How to Plan a Funeral Service: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a funeral can feel like a lot, but it’s okay to feel that way. Ask for help from your friends and family, they can help you get through it. Before meeting your funeral director, it’s good to have some idea ready so that you can communicate, what kind of funeral you want for your loved one or what they wanted. Here’s a simple guide to help you think about the main things:
Before the funeral service (Before the day):
Decide Between Cremation or Burial:
Think about whether you want the person to be cremated or buried.
Personalise the service.
Think about how you want the service to be personalised and special for the deceased.
Religious or Non-Religious funeral service:
Consider if the funeral will have religious elements or not.
Choose the Music:
Select the type of music you want played during the service.
Set a Budget:
Think on how much you want to spend on the funeral.
Even on the day of the funeral, you are free to change your mind at any time. In making these decisions, the funeral director will assist you, as they are expert at managing all the details to ensure that everything runs smoothly and on time.
Funeral service (On the day)
To ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the funeral, there are several things to prepare for and consider. Here’s a simple guide to help you along:
Check the schedule:
Make sure you are aware of the times and locations for every part of the funeral, including the service and any afterwards reception. Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready without rushing.
Funeral attire:
Wear appropriate clothing, usually dark and respectful. Ensure that the entire family is aware of the dress code.
Transport:
Make travel arrangements for the funeral home and back. This could include cars for immediate family members and a hearse for the coffin.
Arrival:
Arrive at the venue early to greet guests and take care of any last-minute details.
Flowers and Tributes:
Bring any flowers or tributes you’ve prepared or those sent by friends and family.
Funeral order of service:
Make sure you have the order of service programmes ready to distribute to guests as they arrive or you can place it on the seats.
Speakers and Eulogies:
Work together with the people who are going to speak or offer eulogies to make sure they are ready and aware of the sequence of events.
Music:
Make sure the musicians or the location are prepared to perform the selected music at the scheduled times.
Photos and Memories:
Set up your photo slideshow or memory board so that guests can see it.
Guest Book:
Make a guest book available so that attendees can sign and leave messages.
Refreshments:
If you have arranged the reception or wake afterwards, make sure the refreshments are ready.
After the funeral service
Follow up:
Within a few weeks, send thank-you notes to attendees, flower senders, and anyone who assisted with funeral planning. Ensure that all personal items and decorations used during the service are collected and properly stored.
Acknowledge Donations:
Send thank-you notes to people who donated in the deceased’s name. If possible, let them know how their donations will be used.
Remember, there’s no rush to finish all the tasks. Take your time and seek assistance from family, friends, and professionals as necessary. It is important to give yourself space to grieve and heal.