After a death of a loved one, it might be difficult to focus on the service arrangements when your mind is still making the effort to accept that he or she is gone. Nevertheless, these plans still eventually need to be arranged. Below is a step-by-step list of things to do that should help make things easier. Instead of researching each component from several outlets, I have compiled everything here to hopefully relieve some emotional stress at an already difficult time. Although there are many different ways to arrange services depending on one's religion, I will use the Catholic religion as the example for this service.
1) Refer to the will of the deceased.
You may discover that the deceased had special requests for his or her burial.
2) Inform people about the death.
Notify the priest of his or parish. Ideally the priest would have offered the rites already if the death were expected. Call the authorities. Use the emergency number or get in contact with the coroner. You should then tell his or her friends and family.
3) Get information for the death certificate.
This includes one's name, social security number, and date of birth, as long as information about their parents.
4) Search for a funeral director/home.
You might want to consider the differences in prices while doing so, along with the services offered.
5) Arrange a meeting with him once you have made your decision.
The funeral is there to guide you. Express your concerns and ask questions. Notify him of religious traditions or other preferences.
6) Choose a type of casket or cremation urn.
7) Choose the location in which the burial will take place: cemetery plot or vault.
8) Decide on a date and time for the services: The Vigil "Wake", the Mass of Christian Burial, and the graveside Rite of Committal.
The Vigil typically takes place a few days before the Christian Burial. Both the Christian Burial and graveside Rite of Committal are typically on the same day.
9) Plan the Vigil "Wake" for the deceased.
This normally takes place at a Church after the viewing. Decide whether you want an open or closed casket. Do you prefer him or her to wear his or her own clothes or those of the funeral homes?
10) Plan the Mass of Christian Burial.
Decide on what type of flowers to use, considering the deceased's favorite colors or personality. Decide on what music will be played, considering the deceased's favorite liturgical songs, generic church music, or instrumentals. Choose a charity for the donations that will be given by the people. Also choose the pallbearers, scripture readings, eulogists, and the parish priest.
11) Plan the graveside Rite of Committal.
What are the car arrangements to transport the body from the church to the gravesite? Is it a limousine or a car of the family's? Bring flowers to the gravesite so that that each attendee might place one on top of the casket in remembrance of him or her.
12) Plan the special gathering.
The purpose of the gathering is to celebrate the deceased person's life. Get caterers to provide food and drinks for the guests.
13) Deal with financial and legal matters.
Make sure that all fees are paid off, and legal matters be discussed.
