Nobody wants to think about death. It's hard to imagine leaving the ones you love behind, or the ones you love passing on to the next world. Unfortunately, not thinking about death doesn't mean it's not going to happen. If you have recently lost a loved one, then you know that the emotions that follow are often very raw. You may be in shock and unable to process the information at first, or perhaps it hit you like a freight truck and you can't stop crying. Even though it's hard, you will need to think about planning a funeral. In trying times like these, lean on your support network of friends and family so you do not have to bear this burden alone.
Find a Funeral Provider
The first step is to find a funeral provider. There are probably several in your area, so you might want to call a few to compare them and see which one is best for you. There are a few things to consider when looking at funeral homes:
- Location
- Price
- Possible package deals
You might know someone who went through the same thing a while back. You may want to ask him or her who was used and whether or not he or she would recommend the business. Once you have selected a funeral provider, provide the information needed. The director will let you know what information the funeral home needs from you.
Make Your Selections
There will be several decisions you need to make. First of all, you will have to decide what kind of funeral service to have. Most opt for the traditional kind, where you have a wake, a funeral service, and then a brief service at the graveside. Other options might include just a graveside service or a cremation. If you choose a burial, you will also have to select the casket that your loved one will be laid to rest in.
Arrange Payment
If your loved one knew his or her death was coming soon, he or she may have set aside some money for the funeral. Find out whether or not there is anything that can be put toward the funeral payments. If not, it's up to the family members to foot the bill. Figure out who is going to pay for what and how you are going to make the necessary payments. Some funeral homes accept payment in installments to assist those who might have trouble paying in full upfront.
Death Certificate
You will need to obtain a death certificate after the person has passed away. In some states, this is a very simple process, while in others, it's a little more of a challenge. Regardless, typically this will be ordered from a state or county office. The certificate will have the person's name, basic information, and date and cause of death.
Death Notice
Many people choose to put a notice in the newspaper or on an online site about the person's death. This often includes a picture and a summary of the deceased's life. It often lists the family members who are still living as well. These notices can be helpful because they spread the word about memorial services quickly. This saves you from having to contact a bunch of people to let them know the date, time, and location of the funeral.
Choose Flowers
Some people like to have flowers that will sit on or near the casket. Sometimes, people who cannot come to the funeral but wish to express their condolences will send flowers. If you choose to have flowers, pick the ones you would like to have. You might choose some in the deceased's favorite color or something you think he or she would like.
Losing a loved one is hard, and planning a funeral can further complicate the process. However, having a plan in place can help make things a little easier, and help you begin the healing process.
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