Items to consider when arranging a funeral:
- When will the funeral be held and Who will attend?
- Will the person be buried or cremated?
- Will the ceremony be religious or secular?
- Who will perform the service and who else will be readers?
- Will there be a eulogy? Who will deliver it.
- Who will be the pallbearers/ushers?
- Has a burial or memorial site been reserved or paid for? If not, then at which cemetery will the person be memorialized? Burial, plot and entombment and headstone will also need to be considered. Most cemeteries will require some sort of marking to identify each plot.
When you are ready to meet with us to plan a funeral, here are some tips to help you with the decisions.
- Because the loss of a loved one is so difficult we suggest having someone accompany you to the meeting to help with the decisions to be made.
- Did the deceased leave any specific instructions? It is helpful to have them in hand when arranging services and we will make every attempt to help see them fulfilled.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions. One of our most important roles is not only conducting the service, but helping to guide you and your family through the process.
- Remember to Ask for help. The process is not only mentally stressful but can be very time consuming and physically demanding. You don’t have to take care of everything yourself so ask family and friends to help with phone calls, transportation, keeping track of flowers and donations, arranging food and beverages, etc.
General information and items to have when making funeral arrangements:
Personal information of the deceased including :
1) Full name
2) Date of birth
3) Social Security #
4) Address of the deceased
5) Mothers maiden name
6) Fathers full name
7) Place of birth (for the deceased and the parents)
8) Occupation and Resume or professional/career information
9) His or Her accomplishments, hobbies and interests.
10) Siblings (surviving and deceased)
11) Proof of military service (if applicable)
12) If cemetery arrangements had already been made, bring any information including the deed if available.
13) Pictures including any recent if possible. This way the funeral home director can get an idea of how your loved one looked in life.
Personal effects:
1) Socks or stockings
2) Undergarments
3) Shoes
4) Suit or dress