Making Funeral Arrangements

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Most people don’t want to think about their own or their loved one’s funeral, but it’s a common part of life. When a loved one passes, relatives or friends are often left scrambling to make arrangements. The result is important details can be overlooked. Even if you plan your funeral, some details need to be done you might not realize.

How do you plan your funeral and tell your surviving relatives what you want? And if you’re planning for a deceased relative, what do you need to know? What are the details?

Funeral Planning Usually Last-Minute

If you’re planning your funeral, you have a lot of time. Family members or friends don’t have that luxury if their relative passes without a funeral plan. The relatives may only have a few days to prepare for interment.

This could result in details being neglected and costs running high. People will be grieving and not thinking straight. These last-minute decisions can be costly in more ways than one.

Regardless of whether you plan your funeral or leave it to your family, most of the same details need to be dealt with.

Who Should Be Called?

If someone dies and the death was due to unknown circumstances or unattended, law enforcement should be called. This could be the case when someone passes in their home. If someone dies in the hospital, they usually, under normal circumstances, will go directly to the funeral home.

You’ll also need to call the funeral home. Decide which funeral home you want to use. Whether it’s a hospital or their bedroom, you'll need to make the call. Funeral arrangements start with this.

A funeral director will help make arrangements to transfer the decedent. You may incur additional transfer fees if the deceased is being transferred to another city.

Notify all friends and family that need to know. This is a difficult task since it feels like you’re reliving the death repeatedly. But your family will appreciate it.

This is usually taken care of with a phone call. Have several people making calls so it doesn’t all fall on you.

Call the decedent’s legal representative to ensure a funeral plan wasn’t left with her.

If you are planning your own funeral, don’t write the plan in the will. Usually, wills aren’t read until after the decedent is buried. This will be too late for your wishes. Also, don’t place your plan in a safety deposit box. No one will have access to it.

Write Decedent’s Obituary

You’ll need to gather information about the decedent. Birth date and date of death are imperative. A list of surviving relatives like a spouse, children, or grandchildren is customary.

You may also like to add details about their life story or interests.

And, finally, you’ll need funeral or memorial times and dates if it’s open to the public. State if you would like donations to go to a designated charity in lieu of flowers.

Keep in mind that newspapers charge by the length. So, unless you don’t care about a large bill, keep the information succinct. The funeral home will also have a place online to put an obituary.

Ensure you’ve notified your relatives and friends before making a public announcement.

Decide on Burial or Cremation

You’ll need to decide between burial or cremation. There are pros and cons to both.

It used to be that the advantage of burial was that there was a gravesite to visit. And although that’s a common advantage, an urn can also be buried in a gravesite, complete with a marker.

Still, many people want a visitation where the deceased rests in a casket. But there are two ways to make this happen. One is to embalm and then bury the deceased in the traditional manner.

The other way is to rent a casket. Then, the deceased is wrapped up in the casket lining and cremated. They still must be embalmed, but you don’t have the expense of the casket.

Some religions don’t allow cremation, so traditional burial is the only option.

Whether you go with a traditional burial or cremation, funeral homes will provide a memorial service if desired.

Budget Funeral Expenses

Funeral expenses vary wildly depending on what you want. Research and ask for quotes.

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s funeral rule, a funeral director is legally required to provide you with price quotes over the phone. They must also give you a printed detailed price list when you visit.

If you have time, make a few calls. In 2023, a traditional funeral in the United States cost approximately $8,000. But details like paying for the obituary, plot, and clergy aren’t part of this figure. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost is over $11,000.

Where Will Internment Be?

You must also decide where your loved one will be interred. Do you already have a plot, or will you need to purchase one?

If you have a plot, you’ll need a cemetery deed. This is your proof of ownership.

What Type of Service

There are several types of services to honor the deceased.

Many people want a traditional service. This is a visitation along with a formal memorial service. They often will also have a graveside service.

Some people opt for a graveside service.

Cremation with a celebration of life ceremony is also an option. A memorial without the decedent present can also be held.

Decide if you'll need someone from the clergy to participate in the ceremony and contact them. You’ll need to discuss your wishes with them. And if you’re having a traditional ceremony, you’ll need pallbearers.

Funeral Details Overwhelming

Many details go into laying a loved one to rest. It’s better to plan. You don’t necessarily have to pay for it ahead of time, but knowing what you or your loved one wants will make it go smoother.

The Epoch Times copyright © 2023. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.