First Steps in Planning a Funeral

Soon after the death of a loved one, funeral planning must start. Because there is much to organize, a funeral should be planned as soon as possible. It is not always easy to get your mind in gear to plan for a funeral as you are in the midst of deep emotions and grief, but these steps will help you organize the funeral planning process.

Funeral planning can be a positive task. While planning for the funeral, you may gain a deeper appreciation of your loved one as you contemplate his or her life, a crucial step in the healing process. Furthermore, reminiscence may allow you to remember important events that you may not have originally remembered.

Your loved one's religion, poetry, music, and interests are among a few aspects that may affect the funeral planning. Family and environment are other possible factors that may affect the funeral planning process.

Begin funeral preparation with the following steps:

1. Sit down with pen and paper in hand and begin planning. If you find this is difficult, ask another family member or friend to help you who may be able to offer suggestions. An affiliated clergy may be able to give some insight on the spiritual and emotional aspects of the service. Remember that a designated funeral director has experience and tips.

2. Contemplate everything that was unique to your loved one: interests, personality, and passions are 3 solid places to start. A more personalized and meaningful funeral service may transpire as a result of this contemplation and reflection.

3. Fulfilling the wishes of a loved one is essential to the healing process.

4. If your loved one was religious, consider holding a funeral service in a church of an appropriate denomination. Note that with a secular service, it is still possible to implement religious themes and ideas. For instance, a clergy member may speak in a service held outside of a church. One example is bringing in a religious leader for words of encouragement and hope during a service held outside of the church. If you are wavering between types of services, choose whatever you are most comfortable with.

5. You must decide between a Funeral Service and a Memorial Service; the difference between the two is the presence of the body in the Funeral Service. Note that funeral homes are flexible and can hold either type of service. The Memorial Service has become an increasingly wider choice because it offers the most flexibility.

6. Remember who will hold the service; most funerals are organized and run by family members of the deceased or close friends.

7. Who attends the service? Funeral or memorial services can be attended by a small number of family and friends or by a large group of friends, acquaintances or anyone who cares to attend.

8. Following the death, the service is soon held. Because a funeral service may be held some time after the death, a memorial service is a more flexible option.

We offer many beautiful funeral program templates to also assist you in creating a beautiful memorial funeral program for a loved one. Check out our catalog for a large selection of themes and colors.