Planning Guide
Comprehensive Funeral Service Planning Guide
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Our guide is designed to help you through each step of the process, providing clarity and support as you make important decisions. From notifying loved ones to arranging the final details, we are here to ensure that your journey is as smooth as possible.
Download Our Funneral Planning Checklist
Initial Steps
Notify Close Family and Friends:
It’s essential to inform those who were closest to your loved one as soon as possible. This step allows you to gather support and begin coordinating the next steps together.
Contact a Funeral Home:
Choose a funeral home that aligns with your family’s values and needs. The funeral director will assist with various arrangements and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
Obtain Death Certificates:
Death certificates are required for various legal and administrative purposes. Your funeral home can help you obtain the necessary number of copies.
Decide on Burial or Cremation:
Consider your loved one’s wishes and discuss with family members to decide whether burial or cremation is the most appropriate choice.
Arranging the Service
Choose a Venue for the Service:
Select a location that holds significance or is convenient for family and friends to gather. Options include places of worship, funeral homes, or even outdoor spaces.
Select a Date and Time:
Coordinate with family, friends, and the officiant to choose a date and time that allows everyone to attend.
Choose an Officiant or Celebrant:
An officiant or celebrant will guide the service, offering words of comfort and leading any rituals. Choose someone who resonates with your family’s beliefs.
Select Music, Readings, and Eulogies:
Personalize the service by selecting music, readings, and eulogies that reflect your loved one’s life and legacy.
Final Arrangements
Arrange Transportation for the Deceased:
Ensure respectful and timely transportation from the place of death to the funeral home, and subsequently to the service and final resting place.
Order Flowers and Decorations:
Choose floral arrangements and other decorations to create a serene and respectful atmosphere during the service.
Print Programs and Memorial Cards:
Provide guests with programs and memorial cards as keepsakes that celebrate your loved one’s life.
Provide a Guest Book:
A guest book allows attendees to leave messages of support and share memories, creating a cherished record for the family.
Post-Service Tasks
Plan a Reception or Gathering:
Consider hosting a reception or gathering after the service to bring family and friends together in remembrance.
Send Thank You Notes:
Show appreciation to those who provided support during this difficult time, whether through attendance, flowers, or other gestures.
Administrative and Long-Term Considerations
Notify Banks and Financial Institutions:
Inform banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of your loved one’s passing to begin the process of settling accounts.
=
Cancel Services and Subscriptions:
Ensure that unnecessary services and subscriptions are canceled, including utilities, memberships, and digital subscriptions.
File Insurance Claims:
Contact insurance companies to file claims on life insurance policies or other benefits.
Settle the Estate:
Work with an attorney or executor to settle the estate according to the will or legal requirements.
Consider Grief Support:
Grieving is a long-term process, and seeking support through groups or counseling can be beneficial.
Decide on Memorialization:
Choose a lasting tribute such as a headstone or plaque to honor your loved one’s memory.
Manage the Deceased’s Digital Legacy:
Address online accounts and profiles, deciding whether to close or memorialize them.
Find Advance Directives Forms By State
En español | When planning for your future medical care, prepare your advance directives to be sure your loved ones make health choices according to your wishes. Select your state below to find free advance directive forms for where you live. You’ll find instructions on how to fill out the forms at each link.
Choose Your State
Get in Touch
Rick Ayon
➞ (323) 863-5804
➞ info@everlastingcaskets.com
Liseth Orrego
➞ (661) 997-6072
➞ everlastingcaskets.lo@gmail.com
Schedule a Free Consultation
We are here to answer any of your questions.
