If there is one thing we are certain of in life, it’s death. It happens to us all. This means at some point in your life, you may face the task of arranging a funeral for a loved one. Understandably, this will be an incredibly difficult time. You will need to figure out exactly what needs to be done and be in control of the funeral planning process, even as you navigate this emotionally crippling loss.
For some people, they find it a helpful distraction to focus on practical tasks. However, for those who have never been in this position of organising a funeral before, any steps you take may feel incredibly stressful and hard to bear. To guide you through the process, here are some tips on how to give your loved one the send-off they deserve.
First Steps
What happens in the immediate aftermath of a loved one’s death will entirely depend on the circumstances. For example, your loved one may have passed in hospital, in a care setting, or at home. If your loved one dies at home, you will need to notify your GP straight away. In any case, the death needs to be confirmed in the form of a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
Once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued, your next step will be to register your loved one’s death. This normally must be done within 5 days in England and 8 days in Scotland. In circumstances like an unexpected death or suicide, a coroner may need to investigate the death. This will delay funeral proceedings until investigations have been carried out.
Find a Funeral Director
After your loved one’s death has been confirmed, your next step will be to find a funeral director. They will help you make all the necessary arrangements. You may find your loved one had taken out a funeral plan which can be a huge weight off your shoulders.
Make sure you pick a funeral director who can work alongside you and implement the wishes of your loved one. For practical purposes, it’s recommended to pick a funeral director that is located near to the place where the funeral will be held. Your funeral director will guide you through the process and instruct you on what paperwork is required to ensure everything is in place before the funeral commences.
Take Care of the Details
Numerous factors go into planning the funeral of a loved one. These include the type of service, date and venue, costs, and order of service. You will also need to think about music, transportation, and whether you are holding a wake after the funeral.
Taking care of every detail and knowing what things to consider will ensure your loved one’s funeral runs smoothly. Regarding the funeral program, Loving Memory Prints can help. They have a memorial service program template you can make use of which can be printed out and given to guests.
Make the Right Choices
Whether you opt for a traditional funeral or your loved one expressed wishes for something a little more personal and unique, make sure you have your funeral director on hand for help and guidance along the way. This may include any cultural or religious requirements that your funeral director will bear in mind. They can explain the different options available, like whether you would prefer a burial or cremation. Other things to think about include the choice of casket and flower arrangements.
If you would like to say your final goodbyes to your loved one, your funeral director can arrange viewings in the chapel of rest. They’re also able to arrange the wake too. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers when organising your loved one’s funeral. If your loved one never had a funeral plan in place, you may benefit from speaking to loved ones about how best to plan and arrange the funeral.
Put Your Needs First
Organising a funeral for a loved one will naturally be an emotional and exhausting experience. You’re going to want to follow your loved one’s wishes and get things just right. Because of this, you may experience all kinds of emotions along the way, which are synonymous with the grieving process.
During this time, make sure to put your needs first. If you’re not in the right headspace, you may make rash decisions. Therefore, getting plenty of sleep, watching what you eat, and leaning on family members and friends is crucial while planning the funeral.
While the end of a loved one’s life isn’t normally pleasant to think about, try and see their funeral proceedings as an opportunity to give them the best send-off possible. If you are in charge of the service, our suggestions above should make the process that little bit easier and help you plan and execute a fitting tribute for your loved one.
