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Understanding ABC's Of General Funeral Planning
The loss of a loved one is very difficult on many levels. Unless the deceased has made burial arrangements before their passing, it becomes the family's responsibility. Before getting started with funeral service plans, remember that this is a chance to gather with others to share memories that celebrate the individual's life.
The first step is choosing through which funerary establishment the arrangements will be made. They usually assign an event coordinator to walk the family through the process. Their purpose is to advise on things such as making sure all the legal documents are completed, creating the obituary, picking a casket or urn, and all the little details that go into the memorial and interment services.
The second step is deciding who will officiate the proceedings. If the deceased belonged to a specific religious organization, chances are they would want their regular spiritual leader to take this role. If they had no such association, the family can opt to select a minister or have someone else lead.
Next is deciding where the proceedings will be held. The coordinator can help with finding a location, setting up floral deliveries, casket preparation and display, providing audio and video equipment and handling reception details. They can also suggest appropriate music, poems or verses and design a memorial handout or event program.
Others may request the opportunity to speak a few words. Giving the eulogy can be one of the more emotional tasks. This heartfelt summary of a life should list their accomplishments and special attributes but should remain only 5-10 minutes long.
There are many details in planning a funeral service. The family may wish to provide a guest book for mourners to sign and leave a message if desired, a special table for the display of photographs and memorabilia, as well as a handout which not only guides the proceedings but acts as a memento of the occasion. Because this is a difficult time for all involved, the event is usually designed to last no more than an hour.
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