Planning a funeral service is a deeply personal and emotional process. As such, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with the tasks and process that come with addressing the loss of a loved one. However, knowing how to plan a funeral service can help ease some of the stress during this difficult time — empowering you to create a meaningful celebration of life that honors your loved one’s memory.

The first step to successfully planning a funeral begins with understanding your options throughout the process and the key steps required to allow your loved one to rest in peace.

Below, we’ve provided a comprehensive guide that covers the key steps in planning a funeral service, from initial considerations to final arrangements. Read on to learn more.

1. Check for Pre-Arrangements

Before making any decisions, it’s best to check if your loved one has made any pre-paid funeral arrangements or if they’ve left specific instructions for their funeral process. Any pre-arrangements can guide your planning steps, helping you to ensure you’re honoring their wishes.

2. Choose The Type of Gathering Your Loved One Would Want

Before proceeding with any further arrangements, it’s helpful to understand the range of services that are available to you. Traditional funerals, cremations, and alternative options (like green burials) are offered by most funeral homes.

Before you finalize any decisions, you can consult with your loved one’s family members or work with the funeral director to determine the best option to honor your loved one.

3. Choose a Funeral Home To Support You

Selecting a reputable funeral home is an important step to consider as you plan your loved one’s services. They’ll guide you through the process on the day of and in the weeks leading up to the event, taking care of any logistical or legal tasks necessary to lay your loved one to rest.

They’ll also function as an emotionally supportive arm for both you and your family members as you prepare for your loved one’s services, assisting you through the range of emotions you might be feeling on the day of or during preparations.

4. Meet with The Funeral Home

Once you’ve chosen your funeral home, it’s time to set a meeting with them to prepare for your loved one’s services. After the initial introductions, you’ll work with the funeral director to plan the specifics of the service or gathering.

5. Pick a Casket or Cremation Urn

If you’re opting for burial for your loved one, you’ll need to select a casket and burial plot. For cremation, your funeral home will help you decide on the final resting place for your loved one’s ashes — whether they’ll be in an urn, scattered, or interred.

As you work through the decision-making process, it’s important to remember that there is no “incorrect” or less satisfactory resolution for your loved one’s final resting place. This decision is a personal one, and should ultimately align with your family’s preferences and any instructions left by your loved one.

6. Customize The Funeral Service

As you plan and the days go by, you might find yourself wishing to further personalize your loved one’s services. It can be healing and helpful to personalize the service to reflect your loved one’s personality, interests, and values, treating the event as a tailored celebration or send-off for your friend or family member.

While the funeral home typically manages the overarching logistical needs (such as choosing a location and detailing the processional flow), you will be asked to decide many of the details of your gathering or service. Common family decisions include choosing the readings, music, and speakers. You might also be asked for details regarding food or meals onsite, or regarding any other special cultural or family presentations that you might have on the day of.

Common examples of more tailored service personalization include displaying personal items, playing your loved one’s favorite music, or incorporating elements of their hobbies or passions. You can also encourage guests to share their memories and stories related to your loved one, reminiscing on their life and your time together.

7. Organize The Obituary

After you’ve made your loved one’s arrangements, it’s time to inform friends and family about the service details. You might consider creating an obituary to announce the passing and provide service information. Many funeral homes can assist with this task. An obituary is also a great way to share treasured anecdotes and memories of your loved one, immortalizing their life in print.

FAQs

The average funeral costs in Kentucky fall between $6,000-$8,000+ at the time of this publication. This figure can vary depending on the region of the country you live in, the type of service you’re securing for your loved one, and any additional elements you choose to include in the service — such as funeral flowers.

Your funeral director will assist you with handling all legal requirements for the funeral. This process typically includes getting a death certificate for your loved one, and, if applicable, locating the will or details of any pre-arrangements.

Typically, the closest family members to the passed on loved one plan the funeral. This is family-specific, and could be a spouse, an adult child (or children), parents, or siblings. Sometimes, a close friend might assist if they were named in the deceased’s will, or if the family requests help. This might also happen if the decedent does not have any remaining living family members. The executor of the will might also play a role in the arrangements and services, in certain cases.

Planning a Peaceful Farewell

As you navigate this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to lean on friends, family, and professionals for support. Funeral directors can also be invaluable resources when it comes to guiding you through the process of how to plan a funeral service. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a beautiful, personalized gathering that provides comfort and closure for all who attend.

At Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home, we recognize the importance of a final farewell. It’s our privilege to advise you, stand by you, and take on the responsibility of arranging a peaceful remembrance while you and your family stand together in the love and memories of your loved one. Connect with us today to learn more.