The loss of a loved one is often an emotionally overwhelming experience.

Amidst the shock and grief, arranging a funeral can feel like an immense task.

Meeting with a funeral director is a crucial step in planning the final farewell, and being prepared can help alleviate some of the stress.

Here are some key steps and considerations to help you prepare for your first meeting with a funeral director.

1. Introductory Phone Call

The first step is to call the funeral home to make an appointment. During this call, you will be asked two questions:

  1. Do you have prearranged services with the funeral home?
  2. If not, what type of service do you want – cremation or burial?

If your loved one expressed specific wishes regarding their funeral or burial, we will note these preferences to discuss later. You will then schedule your in-person meeting with the funeral director.

2. Gather Essential Documents

The funeral director will advise you to bring the following information to your meeting.

  • Full Name: The legal name of your loved one.
  • Date and Place of Birth: Important for obituary and death certificate details.
  • Social Security Number: Required for official documentation.
  • Military Service Details: If applicable, provide discharge papers for veterans’ benefits.
  • Life Insurance Policy: If your loved one had a policy, bring it to discuss how it can be used to cover funeral expenses.
  • Plans: If your loved one left a will or pre-arranged funeral plan, bring these documents to the meeting.

3. In-Person Meeting

The first meeting with a funeral director will be a day or two after your initial call.

This is a significant step in saying goodbye to your loved one, but it can be overwhelming.

In this meeting, the funeral director will collect all necessary documents and guide you through all the decisions that need to be made.

During the in-person meeting, the funeral director will ensure you have all the documents and help you move on to the next steps.

Here are a few helpful tips to remember when preparing for your appointment:

  • Remember, funeral directors are professionals trained to guide you through this difficult time, offering support and expertise to ensure a respectful and meaningful farewell.
  • You don’t need to make all of the decisions at once and you don’t have to have all of the answers during your first meeting.
  • Bring a family member or close friend to provide emotional support and help with decision-making. The entire family doesn’t need to attend, but it’s helpful to have a second perspective and someone to help ensure that all important details are discussed.
  • Try and get some rest and eat something before the meeting so you can be as comfortable as possible.
  • Keep your schedule clear after the meeting, sometimes it’s helpful to have a little time to decompress and relax after you’re finished.
  • If there are specific cultural or religious customs to observe, be open and honest with the funeral director. This may include rituals, dress codes, and specific procedures for handling the body. Funeral directors are experienced in accommodating various traditions and can help ensure these customs are respectfully followed.

Common Questions
Families Ask Us

No, typically the funeral director will notify SSA of the death as part of their services. This initiates the process for survivor benefits, which may be available to certain family members, such as a spouse, minor children, or dependent parents.

Hardy-Close offers flower arrangement services. We have established relationships with local florists and can coordinate the delivery and setup of flowers for the service. Discuss your preferences with the funeral director, and they can handle the details for you.

Death certificates are typically issued by the vital records office in the state or local jurisdiction where the death occurred. This is something we can help you with, but is an out-of-pocket expense for certified copies of the death certificate.

Secure Peace of Mind Through Preparation

Taking these steps can help you approach your first meeting with a funeral director with clarity and confidence. Your support team can help you make informed decisions during a profoundly emotional time while honoring the memory of your loved one.