No matter how well organised, a funeral is never all that enjoyable because of the sadness around the event. However, by keeping it dignified, respectful and running smoothly, you can ensure that it is as successful as possible, not adding to the stress of the bereaved. In addition, planning a funeral cannot take too long, as the burial is usually within a few days of the death, perhaps depending on religious requirements.
If you are a friend or family member of the deceased, it may be difficult to contain your emotions, particularly if you are expected to be strong for the sake of others. Therefore, seek the help of someone that can assist with some of the more difficult tasks, such as telling people of the death, viewing the body, and so on. A funeral director is usually the best person for this job, as they are accustomed to the process and can lead you along the right path. The first task of the funeral director will be to transport the body from the hospital or home at which the person died to the mortuary or church. If you opt not to use a funeral director, you may need to get an undertaker to transport the body for you once you have a death certificate from the doctor(s). This transportation can be quite a task, as the body needs to be covered, kept cool and transported to a mortuary as soon as possible after the death.
Before you announce the death, sit down with another close friend or relative of the deceased and make a list of all the people who need to be called and told. Only once these ones know should an announcement be put into the newspaper(s). When you call people, remember to tell them about the funeral arrangements so that they have an opportunity to arrange their attendance.
Decide on what kind of funeral you will be having. This may depend very much on the wishes of the person that died. For example, some have stipulated that they want to be buried next to their spouse or a deceased child; others want to donate their bodies or organs (in which case the family would likely prefer a memorial talk, as there will be no burial).
The headstone for a grave will only be laid a few months after the funeral, so that the ground is settled and can support the weight. Therefore, it is not urgent that you arrange for this until after the event.
This checklist should assist you in the planning of a funeral:
□ Appoint a funeral director
□ Check the deceased’s will for funeral preferences
□ Choose a venue / location for the burial or cremation
□ Choose a coffin or urn
□ Choose a headstone
□ Select the clothing in which the person should be buried or cremated
□ Choose flowers for the service
□ Choose a venue for the funeral service
□ Contact a religious official to conduct the service, if applicable
□ Choose the transportation option for the body
□ Decide on the music or hymns as well as readings and any other important information that you would definitely like to be included in the service
□ Draw up a list of invitees to the funeral, including their contact details
□ Prepare an obituary / announcement and decide on papers in which you want it to be
□ Arrange accommodation for visitors coming from out of town
□ Appoint someone mature, tactful and sensitive to handle sympathy calls and messages
Photo Credit: A Dozen Roses
