A Few Helpful Tips When Making Funeral Arrangements
Dealing with the death of a friend or loved one is not easy, but funeral arrangements will typically need to be made at this time, and usually very soon after that death. If you've been charged with the task of making funeral arrangements for anyone, note a few helpful tips that can get you through this process, and ensure it's as painless as possible for you and everyone involved.
Work with a funeral director
Even if you want to have the funeral in a church and not a funeral home, a funeral director can help you with many details of those arrangements. They can coordinate plans between the church and the cemetery, write up an obituary for newspapers and other such outlets, and work with the priest or other such official to ensure all details regarding the deceased are accurate. This can alleviate much of the burden on you, and ensure the entire funeral is conducted properly, with nothing overlooked.
Consider a memorial
If the idea of a very formal funeral seems unappealing to you, remember that you can always have a memorial service instead. These are usually conducted without the body of the deceased, even after cremation or burial. A memorial service can be held at a funeral home but can also be held at the graveside, in a public park or anywhere else that would be comfortable for attendees.
You can have anyone conduct a memorial service, and even invite attendees to share their thoughts and memories of the deceased, read poems, play songs, plant flowers or trees or do anything else that feels more comfortable than a formal funeral service. A funeral director can also assist with these plans, even if you don't want to have the event in a funeral home.
Consider hiring professional transportation
Consider hiring professional transportation, such as a car service or bus, for yourself and everyone else who is attending. It's easy to assume you'll just drive yourself to the funeral home or elsewhere. However, hiring a car can ensure that everyone's transportation needs are taken care of, including those who are uncomfortable with driving or who have unreliable transportation. A professional car service can work with you to devise the best route for a funeral procession, decide on the time when you should leave your home to ensure you arrive on time, and also allow family members to stay together in a car or bus, making the event easier on everyone.