Things To Do When Arranging a Funeral

A funeral home (otherwise known as a mortuary) is a business service that provides funeral and burial services for the families of the deceased. Examples of these are the funeral homes in Beckley, WV. They provide wakes, funerals, and chapel services to these families to ensure they have a hitch-free funeral service.

It is the funeral home’s responsibility to make arrangements according to the wishes of the surviving family members, whether they are next-of-kin or executors named in a will. Often, a funeral home will handle all necessary paperwork, permits, and other details, including arranging a burial and distributing obituaries to the media.

The history of the funeral business dates back to Egypt when the preservation of bodies was mastered. Over the past few years, many funeral homes have begun posting obituaries online and providing memorial websites that use materials donated by families.

Planning a funeral takes a toll on loved ones and relatives. It can be a whole lot of emotional stress. However, with the help of a funeral home, it can be better simplified. This article addresses the step-by-step procedure of planning a burial with a funeral home.

Steps To Plan a Funeral

Please note that the guidelines do not follow any particular order. Many options are available, but it may be worth considering them to ensure nothing is overlooked during funeral planning.

• Obtain legal confirmation of the death from the attending physician or hospice nurse.
• Make your funeral arrangements at a funeral home.
• If necessary, prepare the body for embalming.
• Dress the deceased inappropriate clothing.
• Compose an obituary based on the collected information.
• Determine whether the deceased might be eligible for burial benefits or services (e.g., veterans’ benefits, military honors, religious groups, fraternal organizations).
• Decide the manner of disposition (e.g., traditional burial, cremation, mausoleum internment).
• Decide whether to use a casket or urn.
• Choose the grave marker and the inscription.
• Decide where the interment will take place.
• Decide where the service will be provided.
• Determine the type of service to be conducted (e.g., memorial, wake, military service, etc.).
• Make your flower arrangements with a florist of your choice.
• Select photos to display at the service.
• Play or sing funeral music or songs during the service.
• Prepare in advance if you want to use other displays, videos, or memorabilia at the service.
• Decide on the passages that will be read during the service (e.g., scripture, poetry, and other meaningful readings).
• Choose someone to write the obituary or write it yourself.
• Prepare a memorial register or guest book by purchasing and compiling photos.
• A purchase of memorial cards is recommended.
• The memorial folder or program should be created and printed.
• Organize transportation for family members to and from the service.
• Coordinate the transport of the casket.
• You can choose a religious leader, a family member, or a friend to lead the service.
• Decide on the person who will deliver the eulogy.
• Obtain a death certificate (at least two copies are recommended).
• The permit for burial (also known as the disposition permit) should be obtained.
• Choose a few newspapers to submit the obituary to.
• Make arrangements to serve food and beverages during the service and afterward.

The number one most common mistake people make when preplanning a funeral is believing in myths surrounding the process. Avoid these mistakes at all costs and consult an experienced professional for guidance on how best to plan ahead.

Funeral homes in Beckley WV can help with part of the arrangements, but there are certain responsibilities you’ll have to do yourself. These steps will help reduce the pressure and stress you’ll have to face when preplanning the funeral. Reach out to us now.