Viaggio in Islanda

Planning a funeral for the loss of a loved one can be extremely overwhelming. In the midst of the grieving process it is often difficult to make any decisions.  We know when dealing with the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to do is have to keep track of all the many details that go into planning a funeral. That is why we created the Funeral arrangements check list. Please feel free to printout this check list and refer to it as you go through the planning process.

It is important to have a support system in place to guide you through and give you objective advice. Here we have listed some possibilities.

• Pastor
• Close friend
• Relative
• Funeral director
• Attorney

If a death has just occurred you'll need to follow some basic first steps:

1. Notify the proper authorities: If the death occurred outside the hospital a thorough investigation needs to be conducted to determine cause of death.
2. Notify:
   
   • Family
   • Friends
   • Relatives
   • Employer
   • Employees
   • Insurance Company
   • Church
   • Social Club
   • Cemetery
   • Burial Place
3. Consult The Will: Be made aware of any special arrangements or requests they may have already in place. You may be surprised to find that the deceased has made previous arrangements. If the will isn't being read until after the funeral, consult with the lawyer, and ask if there are any special instructions concerning burial.
4. The Obituary: Your Funeral home director will assist you in writing the Obituary and submitting it to newspapers.
5. Charitable Contributions: Did your loved one have a charity that they had preselected for any charitable contributions. Advise your Funeral home director so it can be included in the Obituary.

Funeral Planning Choices and Decisions

1. Select a funeral director. Browse our site and read the bios of funeral homes in your area. Read the reviews and choose the right fit for you and your family.
2. Set up a meeting with your Funeral Director
3. Select a Church or other funeral service location. -
4. Select a date and time for the wake and the service.
5. Select an officiant or clergyman to lead the service.
6. Select what type of service you want:  traditional funeral, non-traditional funeral, military funeral, catholic, Jewish, etc.
7. Select a casket (or cremation urn).
8. Select a burial container or mausoleum crypt.
9. Select a florist to help you plan your floral arrangement theme.
10. Select a musical assortment for the service. You can browse the web for popular choices, or you can select music that would best portray the moment, or a favorite song of your loved one.
11. Select funeral car arrangements. Consult your funeral home director on available options.
12. Select a final resting outfit for your loved one. While this is sure to be a difficult step in the process your funeral home director can assist you in making the right choice.
13. Pallbearer selection. Typically there are six pallbearers to carry the casket. It is best to contact the possible candidates so they will have time to mentally prepare for the task they are usually honored to be asked.
14. Select scripture readings and hymns that were meaningful to your loved one. (If applicable).
15. Eulogies are usually given by a close friend or family member, and are the sharing of sentiment and memories about the loved one. While a Eulogy is not required it is a way to bring warmth and personality to the service. It also helps remind everyone of the better times they shared with the deceased.
16. Select a caterer or someone to take care of the food and refreshments consult with your funeral director they may have specific guidelines or on site catering.

You may want to consider making arrangements for someone to watch or help with the young children in attendance.