Steps Involved in the Funeral and Final Disposition Planning Process

Funerals are a time of many unknown factors and high emotions. It is not an experience that one person must face on everyday, thus trying to plan a funeral can be very confusing and emotional. Within this article we will take a look at some of the steps involved in the funeral planning process to help elevate some stress off of you during this difficult time. It is important whilst planning a funeral, to consult the professionals, find a funeral home and director that you feel comfortable with, that will help guide you through each step of the process, but take the time to do the right research.

First Steps of contact

When you first find out about the passing of your loved one, it can initially be very shocking and you will feel many emotions. But the first step that you need to conquer is contact the friends and other family of your loved one. Once you have notified immediate family you can start letting members of their work or other commitments that they may have had.

Once they have all been notified it is important that you contact your insurance provider. Insurance companies will help guide you through the first steps because they will explain your coverage’s, and will help you establish a budget for the service.  They will also help explain the proper protocol that needs to be followed through the legal side that you may have forgotten.

Consult the will

Once you have contacted all the necessary people, make a phone call to your lawyer to ask them to see the will. The Will provides necessary and important details that your loved one may have want for the service. In most cases people will preplan their funeral and document it in the will. One of the most important questions that should be answered on the will is whether to proceed with a burial or cremation, it is important to respect their choices.

Decide on a Budget

After you have spoken with your insurance provider, you will have a better idea of the coverage that you will have for the service, then you will be able to sit down and come up with an idea of the budget you need to set for the funeral home.

Find the Right Funeral Home

This is sometimes a decision that people make very quickly, it is vital to pick a funeral home that best suits your needs. Some people pick homes based on the location, however, you need to do some research on each company before choosing which one you believe will fit your values and your budget.

Planning the Service

There are many aspects that go into the actual service. Below is a list of different items to remember when planning the service:

• Obituary
• Open or closed casket
• Public viewings?
• Caterers
• Flowers
• Transportation
• Casket or Urn
• Music
• Location
• Clothing
• Donations

Day of the Service

When it comes to the day of the funeral, the funeral home will have everything already planned out and ready for you. The funeral director will lead you through each step. Whether there is a visitation, prior to the service and all the way to the burial or celebration of life, the director will be there to help you threw the steps.

Final Disposition

The final disposition stage is the last part of the funeral process. It is when they transfer the body to the cemetery for burial or cremation. This is the time when you say your final goodbyes.

If you have any further questions on how to plan a funeral, please contact our funeral directors here at Nutmeg State Cremation Society.