Funeral Planning

Whether you’re planning a funeral for a loved one or yourself, there are many things to consider. You should know about the order of the service, visitation, donations, and more.

Pre-arrangement conference

Whether you are planning a funeral for a loved one or preparing for a funeral of your own, a pre-arrangement conference can be helpful. Having a clear understanding of the funeral planning process will help reduce the stress of dealing with a loss.

In order to prepare for a pre-arrangement conference, it is important to gather all of the necessary information. You can begin by collecting your loved one’s social security number, birth and death dates, and military status. These documents will be required during the funeral arrangement conference.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can also work with the funeral director over the phone or using digital solutions. This will help reduce the amount of paperwork that is necessary later.

During the pre-arrangement conference, the funeral director will ask you questions about the deceased’s preferences. He or she will also provide you with a General Price List of all the merchandise available at the funeral home. This is an excellent reference tool and will outline all the services that are available.

The funeral director will also ask about the type of remembrance you want. You may want to pre-select the readings and speakers. You may also want to designate an officiant. You may also know which type of music you would like to have played at the funeral.

If you have pre-arranged a funeral, the funeral director will work with you to choose the casket or urn. He or she will also provide you with information on the officiant, obituary, and other aspects of the funeral.

Your family will also be involved in the process of planning a funeral. You may want to have people in attendance who have special insights about your loved one.

Order of service

Creating an order of service for your funeral is a special way to honor the life of your loved one. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be.

The order of service is a document that lists the main events of the funeral service. It can include the deceased’s biography, obituary reading, music selections, prayers, and more. It can also include a request for donations to a charity that the deceased cared about. The order of service is a great memento to keep for years after the funeral.

Funeral orders are usually created by a funeral director or church. They are designed to help participants understand what to expect during the funeral service. They can also help guests visualize the events that will take place.

The Order of Service can vary in style depending on the denomination and style of service. If you have religious beliefs, you may want to include scriptures or hymns that are relevant to the deceased. You may also want to include the names of prayers and songs that are commonly used during religious services.

Orders of service can be printed out on the special paper stock. You can have them made at home or have them printed at a professional print shop. Some printers require that you use a template.

The front cover of an order of service can be a simple, informal, or formal design. You may want to include an inspirational saying or a collage of pictures.

The back cover of the order of service will include the most important information. You may want to include a photograph of the deceased and their spouse. You may also want to include a picture of the deceased in their younger years.

Visitation

Whether it’s the first or last time you’ve been to a visitation, there are several things you should know about it. It’s one of the first steps in the grieving process, and it’s a wonderful way to offer support to the bereaved.

The first thing you’ll want to do is introduce yourself. Whether you’re a family member, close friend, or a random stranger, it’s important to let everyone know that you’re there.

Next, you’ll want to share some of your favorite memories of the person you’ve lost. You may also want to express your sympathy. You’ll be able to do this by saying a few words, writing a message, or signing a guest book.

You may also want to bring a sympathy gift. If you’re close with the family, they may appreciate receiving a gift from you. If you’re not close, you don’t have to bring anything. If you want to offer monetary donations, there are envelopes available for you to give.

You’ll probably want to spend a few minutes with the family if you’re able. You may also want to watch your favorite movie or music, dance with the family, or sing some of your favorite songs.

At the end of the gathering, the pastor will probably say a short sermon. This will be a time for you to reflect on your own loss.

While you’re there, you may also want to visit the casket, if it’s open. It’s a tradition for families to do so. Often, the body is present, but it’s embalmed and closed.

If you’re unsure whether you’re comfortable with viewing the body, don’t worry. You can still attend the visitation, but you’ll need to leave after a brief time.

Donations during the memorial service

During the funeral planning process, you may have questions about what to do with donations during the memorial service. Generally, these donations are made in memory of a loved one and are meant to help a grieving family. These contributions may be used for funeral expenses, the cost of a funeral, or to create a permanent memorial for the deceased.

Many families also choose to raise money for a cause that is important to the deceased. These can include environmental groups, animal rights groups, and educational groups. These donations may be tax deductible.

You can also donate money instead of flowers during the memorial service. This is a great way to show your sympathy. You may have a favorite charity that the deceased was involved with. If you are not a close family member, you may want to give the same amount that you would have spent on flowers.

Donations during the memorial service can be made by sending a card to the family or by mailing a check. These can be delivered by mail within a few days. The card should include a note explaining why you chose the charity or how you plan to use the funds.

If you aren’t able to send a card, you may also want to consider a digital gift. There are several online payment apps that allow you to give a gift through the internet. This is a more discreet way to show your support for the deceased and is also easy for the family to use.

It is also possible to donate money directly to the family or to a charity that the deceased was involved with. However, you should make sure that you do so within a few days of the funeral.

Reception after the service

Whether you are planning a funeral or a memorial, planning the reception after the service is an important step. This gives everyone a chance to share stories and remember the deceased. It is also a time to lighten the mood.

A funeral reception can be hosted by a family member, a close friend, or an event hall. The size of the gathering will depend on the family’s preferences. If you plan to have a large crowd, a stadium or event hall may be the best choice. These venues can provide set up and clean up and will accommodate catering options.

If you plan on serving food, consider your budget and what types of foods and drinks you want to serve. Also, be sure to include dietary restrictions.

Organizing a funeral reception is not a one-day event, so be sure to take time to plan it well. Be sure to include a tablecloth, table centerpieces, and tablecloths. Adding photos of the deceased can be a great way to make the reception more personal.

Funeral receptions should also include food. Food can help to ease the emotional pain of loss and serve as a healing opportunity. Consider the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. If you are hosting a memorial reception, it may be a good idea to include a table with photos of the deceased.

The food at a funeral reception can be a buffet or a sit-down meal. Some venues will require guests to clean the room after the event. Be sure to provide enough food for everyone. You may want to send a group text or email blast to let everyone know the reception is going on.

Health Sources:

Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/