Funeral Arrangements From A to Z

When making funeral arrangements, there are many elements to be taken into consideration – including the planning, costs and expenses, contracts, and transportation details – as well as the more personal side of the ceremony itself, including funeral readings and music, religious traditions and rituals, and ultimately, the ability to create a memorable celebration of a loved one’s life.

If you familiarize yourself with the funeral preparations beforehand, it will not only ensure less stress and worry when you have to make the arrangements, but allow you to spend that time instead with your family and friends, when they need you the most.

Planning a Funeral: A Helpful Guide

Although it may not be something that you would typically think about, preplanning funeral arrangements can ease the emotional and financial burden for the loved one’s immediate family members. If it’s possible, planning in advance is the key to saving money and streamlining the funeral arrangement process, as it allows you the time to carefully consider all of your options and compare prices. Whether for yourself or a loved one, there are many advantages to planning ahead.

Typically, there are two basic ‘types’ of funeral arrangements: “At-Need" funeral arrangements are made at the time of death, and are usually organized by surviving family members, or by a trusted friend or loved one who has accepted this responsibility.

However, "Pre-Need" arrangements are the funeral plans that individuals make for themselves while they’re still alive. Many people choose to plan ahead in order to relieve their family of this burden (both financially and emotionally), and to ensure that the funeral is carried out according to their wishes.

If a family member or close friend is seriously ill and expected to pass away in a matter of days or weeks, you may want to make funeral arrangements (“At-Need”)  in advance. The following guide will take you through the steps of arranging a funeral if a friend or loved one has just died, or if death is expected sometime soon:

1. First Call: The deceased is still at the place of death. A "first call" needs to be made to arrange for transportation of the deceased (to a funeral home or other funeral service facility).
2. Deceased Transportation: After the First Call, an initial transfer of the deceased from the place of death to a funeral home or other facility will take place. In some cases, a second transfer may be required either locally (to another funeral home), or in some instances, to another city for ceremonies and burial.
3. Funeral Arrangement:Planning a funeral involves a great deal of decision-making concerning ceremonies, products and final disposition of the body. For assistance in arranging funerals, people typically turn to funeral directors for professional guidance.
4. Cemetery Arrangements:In the circumstances where cemetery property has not already been purchased, it will be necessary to meet with a cemetery representative to purchase a burial or entombment space. In some instances, the funeral director can make these arrangements on behalf of a family.
5. Funeral and Memorial Products:There are many resources and methods for purchasing caskets, grave markers and blankets, tomb stones, and other funeral merchandise. These products are available through a funeral home, cemetery, monument company, or other retailer.
6. Estate, Financial and Administrative Matters:Once the funeral has taken place, the affairs of the deceased must be put in order. These matters range from sending death notices to filing death benefit claims to changing title of the deceased's assets.

At FuneralAgent.com, we offer a complete funeral arrangement service that can assist you and your loved ones with all of the details entailed during this difficult time. A one-stop solution to all of your funeral preparation needs, our compassionate and knowledgeable funeral agents act as liaison and coordinator, networking with our national network of service providers throughout the country. From pick-up and transportation of the deceased, shipping cremated remains, and carrying out all aspects of the funeral arrangements, we are committed to one simple goal: freeing the bereaved from any unnecessary distractions so that you may spend quality time with your family and loved ones.

Relying on over a century’s worth of experience, our family owned-and-operated business has a deep understanding of our customers’ needs, providing each of our clients with a personalized consultation in order to present them with the best course of action. Please contact us today for more information about our services – our warm and caring staff is here to help.