Funeral Checklist
Chance are if you plan a trip, or need to plan any type of event, you make a checklist. You write down the thing you
need to do ahead of time, prioritize a list of things you need or want to bring with you, who to call, etc. Planning a funeral
is not much different -- except in cases of an unexpect death you are most likely emotionally upset, highly anxious and
worse, there is little room for mistakes.
Knowing the things you need to consider for any funeral ahead of time will make it easier when you actaully need to
plan one. If today is the day -- and you're reading this because someone else is too upset, or the task of planning
the funeral has fallen on your shoudlers, again, my condolences -- and I hope in some small way this helps.
Planning a funeral involves purchasing goods and services, notifying people, and holding yourself together throughout.
This brings us to the first thing in the plan; If you need help, ask. If someone offers to help, let them.
First we'll go over the standard items you need to consider...
Services
Traditional funeral services require the services of several professionals in the funeral industry.
This part of the list helps you organize the right people.
- Funeral Director - this is person at a funeral home who will go over your plan with you and will also arrange for some of the other
people, items and services you'll need.
- Clergyman - if the deceased was involved in an organized religion, you will most likely want their Priest, Pastor, Rabbi or
other member of the clergy involved in the service, or minimally invited to attend.
- Florist - flowers may be sent to the funeral home, or to the home of deceased's immediate family, most likely you will want
flowers for any graveside service. A professional florist can help you choose what's appropriate, what is within your budget, and what
will fit the style of the service. Many times flowers are made available for others to place on the casket at graveside services. Living
plants delivered to the funeral home can be given to family members or friends to take home after the service as a living reminder of
one who has died. Knowing the person who's died favorite flower or plant adds a memorable touches, ("she always loved irises",
"he had a cactus in his college dorm", etc.).
- Limousine Service - the funeral home will provide a hearse, and may provide limousing services for immediate family
memebers and close friends. If you need additional limousine services, you should have the names and phone numbers of more
than one company ready -- a primary choice, and a backup. If a limousine service can not be available when you need them, you
may want to look into renting one or more full-size luxury cars, (Cadillacs or Lincolns), and delegating the responsbility for
driving older relatives, or those who are too upset or otherwise unable to drive to a few close friends.