Losing a loved one can be emotionally traumatising. Family members often have a hard time planning the funeral. Read the article below for some funeral planning tips.

Funeral Home

Your most immediate task is to find a suitable funeral home. Below is a guide to help you when choosing a funeral home.

  1. The funeral home should be within your locality. It ensures you have an easy time transporting the body to the wake and funeral.
  2. Inquire about funeral rights. For example, does the funeral home allow family members to perform funeral rites on the body?
  3. What services does the funeral home provide? Look for a funeral home providing transport, embalming, cremation, cosmetology services.
  4. The funeral home should have sufficient amenities. You will require ample parking and security. Besides, you might need a conference area to view the body and perform funeral rites.

Guests

Funeral invites should be sent one or two days after the passing of your loved one. The invite should contain the funeral date, funeral program and when you will hold the wake. Preferably, include a map to direct guests to the funeral grounds.

Funeral program

How would you want your loved remembered? Choose a funeral theme and ask guests to base their speeches on the theme. Make the eulogy interesting. For instance, talk about the deceased's hobbies and interests, include funny childhood memories, your loved one's love life, dreams and visions. Funerals are an opportunity to celebrate your loved one's life. Include some poems and songs to entertain guests. 

Venue

Where will you hold the funeral? For an outdoor event, you will need tents and chairs. Besides, you will require a caterer to provide food and drinks. Consider portaloos if the venue does not have washrooms.

Funeral Director

The funeral director will help you prepare for the funeral. Below are a few tips to help you choose a funeral director.

  1. Work with a reputable funeral director. Ask for referrals or conduct some internet research to find reputable funeral directors in your area.
  2. The director should have sufficient experience in planning funerals.
  3. Inquire about the services provided. For instance, does the director offer counselling services to the immediate family? Will the professional organise the required paperwork? 
  4. The director should be a people person. Remember that they will work with the immediate family and planning committee.

Planning a loved one's funeral should be easy with the above tips. Choose a suitable funeral home, send funeral invites, prepare the funeral program, choose a suitable venue and work with an experienced funeral director.

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