How to Prepare for a Funeral

Arranging & Getting Ready for a Funeral Service

Could there be anything more difficult than mentally, physically and emotionally preparing for a funeral? Certainly, such an end-of-life event is hard to look forward to with any great enthusiasm. And it doesn't matter if you're a member of the bereaved inner circle of close family, a co-worker, neighbor or family friend; preparing for a funeral service takes time and forethought.


While it’s true that most people do not know what to do when a death has occurred, we believe this to be due to the simple fact that death comes into our lives less often than it did for our ancestors. After all, average life spans are significantly longer today, and our medical services vastly improved.


But there’s a downside too; we can be ill-prepared to deal with a death of a loved one. Death can be expected, and due to a terminal illness, or old age and declining health; or sudden and completely unexpected. Either way, the death of someone you love can leave you feeling lost, alone, and unsure where to turn for guidance. 


We believe that making funeral arrangements doesn’t have to add to the stresses of the moment. If you’ve recently experienced such a loss, our staff will guide you in planning a funeral. To reduce funeral expenses, we’ll help you in the selection of an appropriate merchandise-all while working together.


We are committed to making the planning process of a funeral as easy as possible for you. To assist, arrangements can be made over the phone or by email. 


This area of our website will guide you in the right direction. However, if you have any questions or simply wish to speak to one of our Funeral Directors to share your story and explore your options, please contact us.

Jewish Funeral Planning Checklist

What does "Get Prepared For a Funeral" Really Mean?


There's a line in William Shakespeare's play "Henry V", which cuts to the heart of preparedness: "All things are ready, if our mind be so." Readying your mind means strengthening it for what's ahead: all the people, sights, sounds and strong emotions of the day.

In other words, getting ready to attend an end-of-life service is not just a matter of picking out the right clothes to wear; it's also essential to prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for the occasion. After all, you are going to be there to support the bereaved family, as well as the others who attend; and that takes inner strength and emotional fortitude. Never underestimate the importance of your presence there—to everyone in attendance. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Arranging a Funeral

When You Meet with the Funeral Home - What Does a Funeral Director Do?

Chances are, within the first hours of your loved one’s death, you will need to contact a funeral home to begin the funeral arrangements. The following information will help you prepare for what is often called “the arrangement conference.”

Without a doubt, this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones. Yet, it’s comforting to know every member of the funeral home staff will be there to do their utmost to make this difficult time a little bit easier. The Funeral Director will guide you in making all the necessary decisions. It’s good to know you are not alone.

Would You Like Someone to Go with You?

Perhaps you’d like another member of the family to come along with you. Or maybe you’d rather have a friend, or close neighbor join you in the first visit to the funeral home. While it’s not necessary to bring someone with you for moral support, it can be very beneficial.

Please don’t hesitate to ask someone to join you. Chances are they will be honored at your request, and gladly step up to help you during this time. When you ask, be sure to tell them that if they do not feel comfortable doing so, you’ll understand.

Who is Responsible for Making the Decisions?

It’s important to know exactly who is legally responsible for making the funeral arrangement decisions for a loved one. If the deceased has not expressed their wishes through a written document such as a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, or a Last Will and Testament, where the deceased has designated an agent to fulfill their wishes; then the chain of command is commonly as follows:
  • Legal Spouse/Partner
  • Surviving Adult Child/Children
  • Surviving Parent
  • Surviving Adult Sibling
  • Ex-Spouse
  • Parent of Minor Child

The person designated as the responsible party, whoever they may be, needs to be present to make decisions, and sign documents. If you have questions about the accepted kinship-related order of precedence, or are unclear as to who is the responsible person in funeral planning, call us.

Should Someone Else be Included in Making the Arrangements?

While assigning responsibility is an important part of funeral planning, it’s also very important to include any children, friends, or other family who would like to be a part of arranging the funeral, and perhaps share in the cost of a funeral. Despite the fact that they may not have any legal decision-making rights, their input could be very valuable to the process.

Assisting in making the final funeral arrangement decisions can be very empowering, and help someone come to terms with the loss. If there are people in your life who you feel should be asked to participate, make sure you ask them. They can always decline.

Have You Gathered the Necessary Documents?

Life and death are full of legalities. When a loved one dies, it is not just an emotional matter for those left behind; it is a legal one which requires the timely completion of paperwork. The Funeral Director will tell you that the first step in caring for your loved one involves completing, and filing, the Death Certificate and Burial or Cremation permit.

These documents need to be completed as accurately as possible and if you are not prepared with the necessary information, then most of your initial meeting will be spent retrieving this information.

To assist the funeral home in preparing all the necessary documents, it’s helpful to bring some of the following things with you:
  • Deceased's Birth Certificate
  • Deceased's Marriage Certificate
  • Deceased's Military Discharge papers
  • Deceased's Funeral pre-arrangements documents (if available)
  • Deceased Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
  • Last Will and Testament and any Codicils
  • Revocable Living Trust
If you’ve got questions about the legal documents you should bring with you, please contact us.
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