How to Plan a Funeral

How to Plan a Funeral It is never easy when a loved one passes away. This guide to funeral planning can help you minimize stress in this difficult time. >> The Basics of Funeral Planning Consult the will of the deceased. Your loved one may have left special instructions or wishes for the event, 40.62% particularly if he or she specifically wanted to be buried or cremated. of people in 2010 chose cremation. Meet with other close relatives. An immediate family member such as a spouse or a child may wish for a certain kind of service. Establish a budget. The average cost of a funeral in 2009 was $6,560, so be sure to discuss any monetary concerns with your family. Decide on a casket or cremation urn. There are many tasteful options to fit a wide variety of budgets. Select a ceremony. You may wish for a traditional religious ceremony, a military event, or a non-denominational celebration of life service with personalized touches. Choose a funeral site. 6. Depending on the wishes of the deceased, this could be a church, funeral home, or graveside. Decide who will conduct the ceremony. A religious leader, family member, friend, or funeral home staff member can handle these duties. Select a eulogizer. 8. The eulogy should combine personal memories, appropriate humor, and reflections on a life well-lived-a celebration for the life of a loved one. Run an obituary. 9. This lets the community know of your loved one's passing and announces event details. Coordinate details with the funeral home. 10 The funeral home can take care of music, flowers, and transporting the casket from the event to the gravesite as necessary. Infographic provided by: Sources Skylawn www.nfda.org/media-center/ statisticsreports.html www.funeralwise.com/plan/ how to/funeral www.funeralplanning101.com/ arrangement-planning/ SKYLAWN FUNERAL HOME AND MEMORIAL PARK www.skylawnmemorialparksanmateo.com