The death of a loved one is always a difficult time. In addition to grief, there are many practical considerations to take care of. One of the most important – and most daunting – tasks is planning the funeral.
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of questions you should ask when making funeral arrangements. By taking care of the logistics in advance, you can focus on what’s really important: supporting your loved ones during this difficult time.
42 Questions you should ask when planning a funeral:
- What are the first steps I need to take?
- Who do I need to notify?
- What are my loved one’s final wishes?
- Should I plan a traditional funeral service or something unique?
- Who should officiate the funeral service?
- How do I choose the pallbearers?
- What should be said in the eulogy?
- Who will deliver the eulogy?
- What music should be played at the funeral service?
- Are there any readings I want to include?
- What type of casket or cremation container do I want?
- Do I want to view the body before the funeral service?
- Where do I want the viewing to be held?
- What time do I want the visitation to begin and end?
- What are my options for burial or cremation?
- Where will the funeral service be held?
- Where should the interment or scattering take place?
- Do I need to purchase a cemetery plot in advance?
- How do I obtain death certificates and how many do I need?
- Who will write the obituary and place the notice in the paper?
- Should we have a reception after the funeral service?
- Where should the reception be held?
- What time should the reception begin and end?
- What food and beverages should be served at the reception?
- Who will clean up after the funeral/reception?
- How many people are expected to attend the funeral?
- When should the funeral be held?
- Do I want to have a graveside service?
- Who should attend the graveside service?
- Where should the graveside service be held?
- What time should the graveside service start and end?
- Who should speak at the funeral service?
- Are there any other speakers who should be included?
- Who will provide catering for the reception, if applicable?
- What flowers should be ordered?
- Who will arrange for transportation of the body to the funeral home or cemetery?
- Are there any other special requests or instructions that should be followed?
- What are your plans for memorializing the deceased after the funeral?
- Have you made arrangements for transportation to and from the funeral?
- Have you made arrangements for childcare during the funeral?
- Have you made arrangements for accommodations for out-of-town guests attending the funeral?
- Have you considered your own needs and feelings during this process?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important part of a funeral?
The most important part of a funeral is the ceremony itself, which allows relatives to come together and honor the life of the deceased. This usually includes a eulogy highlighting the deceased person’s accomplishments and memories, as well as readings, music, and other symbolic rituals that help convey the full meaning of loss and grief. By participating in these meaningful ceremonies, loved ones and friends can find solace and closure during a difficult time, while coming together to celebrate life and remember those we have lost.
What is the meal after a funeral called?
Funeral meals are typically called wakes, and they are typically served after a funeral as a way to honor the life of the deceased. These meals can take many different forms and may include traditional foods from the deceased’s culture or favorite foods enjoyed during his or her life.
Regardless of what’s served at these post-funeral meals, they’re an important part of the grieving process for the family and friends of the deceased, as they provide an opportunity to gather together and remember their loved ones.
What is considered rude at a funeral?
Rude behavior at a funeral can vary depending on the customs and traditions of different cultures. In general, however, it’s considered rude to speak loudly or laugh during a funeral service, as this can be seen as disrespectful to the deceased and their loved ones. It’s also considered rude to bring children to a funeral, as it makes it more difficult to focus on the ceremony.
Other examples of rude behavior at funerals include making negative comments about the deceased or trying to collect favors or gifts from grieving family members. Overall, it’s important to be considerate of the feelings of others when attending a funeral and to show respect and sensitivity to those who are grieving.
Conclusion
Planning a funeral can be a difficult and emotional experience. But by asking yourself these questions, you can be sure that you’ve covered all your bases and that everything will go according to plan. From deciding who will officiate the funeral service to choosing the music that will be played, these questions will help you plan a truly memorable send-off for your loved one.
