Important Items to Know When Arranging a Funeral

Losing a loved one is a profoundly challenging experience, especially when you are responsible for organizing the funeral. At FuneralHomes.com, our team of experienced funeral directors is here to provide you with essential guidance during this difficult time.

Many people assume that arranging a funeral involves only choosing a funeral home. However, FuneralHomes.com offers a comprehensive, online directory of funeral homes across all 50 states and hundreds of cities in the US. Click here to find the funeral home that fits your needs.

But beyond selecting a funeral home, what other factors should you consider?

What Decisions Need to Be Made for the Funeral?

There are several important decisions to make:

• When will the funeral be held?
• Who will attend?
• Will the deceased be buried or cremated?
• Will the ceremony be religious or secular?
• Has a burial or memorial site been reserved or paid for?
• If not, at which cemetery will the person be memorialized?
• Who will deliver the eulogy, and who will be the pallbearers, readers, and ushers?
• Who will perform the service?

How Can You Prepare for a Meeting with the Funeral Home Director?

When meeting with the funeral home director, having someone accompany you can be helpful. The loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, and an extra set of ears ensures that you don’t miss any important details.

• Did the Deceased Leave Instructions? If so, try to adhere to them as closely as possible.
• What Were Their Accomplishments and Interests? Consider these when selecting items and services for the funeral.

How Can You Manage Funeral Expenses?

Discuss your financial situation openly with your funeral director to find options that fit your budget.

Seek Assistance When Needed

You don’t have to handle everything alone. Enlist the help of family and friends to manage tasks like phone calls, transportation, and coordinating flowers and donations.

Essential Information to Gather

Here’s a checklist of items to gather for the funeral arrangements:

• Personal Information of the Deceased:
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Father’s full name
  • Place of birth (for the deceased and parents)
  • Nickname (if applicable)
  • Occupation
  • Resume or professional information
  • Siblings
  • Address of the deceased
  • Proof of military service (if applicable)
• Cemetery Information:
  • The deed
• Personal Effects:
  • Socks or stockings
  • Undergarments
  • Shoes
  • Suit or dress
• Pictures:
  • The most recent picture of the deceased

Covering these details will help you be better prepared when working with a funeral home. For additional assistance and information, don’t hesitate to reach out to your funeral director.

Find an obituary for a specific person: For help locating an obituary, check out How to Find an Obituary for a Specific Person.

FAQ

What should I consider when arranging a funeral? 

When arranging a funeral, consider the timing, location, type of service (religious or secular), burial or cremation options, and any additional costs. Also, think about the guest list, eulogy, and pallbearers.

How can I manage funeral expenses? 

Discuss your financial situation openly with your funeral director. They can help you explore various options to manage the costs effectively.

What information do I need to gather for funeral arrangements? 

You should gather personal information of the deceased, cemetery details, personal effects, and recent pictures.

Who can help me with funeral arrangements? 

In addition to the funeral home director, you can enlist the help of family and friends for support with various tasks.