Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to arranging a funeral, starting from the discovery of death through disposition and post-disposition tasks:
Immediate Steps After Death
- Confirm the Death
- Call emergency services or a doctor to certify the death if it occurs outside a medical facility.
- Obtain a pronouncement of death (required for a death certificate).
- Notify Relevant Authorities
- Report the death to the coroner or medical examiner if required by law.
- Contact law enforcement if the death was accidental or suspicious.
- Secure the Scene
- Ensure the deceased’s belongings and any documentation (e.g., will, ID) are safe.
- Prevent tampering with the scene if the death needs investigation.
- Contact Family Members or Next of Kin
- Notify immediate family or legal representatives.
- Delegate tasks such as contacting others or arranging accommodations.
Legal and Documentation Tasks
- Arrange for Transport of the Body
- Contact a funeral home or mortuary to transport the deceased.
- Decide if embalming, refrigeration, or other preparation is needed.
- Obtain the Death Certificate
- Work with a doctor, hospital, or coroner to issue the certificate.
- Obtain multiple copies for legal and financial processes.
- Notify Authorities and Organizations
- Notify Social Security, government agencies, or pension providers.
- Inform the deceased’s employer, landlord, or utility companies.
- Locate and Review the Will
- Check for funeral instructions, executor information, or burial preferences.
- Contact the executor or attorney for further steps.
Planning the Funeral or Memorial Service
- Choose a Funeral Home
- Research options and compare services, costs, and reviews.
- Discuss packages, including direct cremation, burial, or memorial services.
- Determine the Type of Service
- Decide between traditional funeral, memorial service, celebration of life, or graveside ceremony.
- Choose a location (e.g., funeral home, place of worship, outdoors).
- Set a Budget
- Outline costs for funeral services, casket, burial plot, cremation, transportation, etc.
- Consider financial assistance options, insurance, or pre-paid plans.
- Select a Date and Time
- Coordinate with family, clergy, and the funeral home.
- Consider cultural or religious timing requirements.
- Choose Service Details
- Select officiants, pallbearers, eulogists, and musicians.
- Plan readings, prayers, songs, or a slideshow for the service.
Arranging Burial, Cremation, or Other Disposition
- Select a Disposition Method
- Decide on burial, cremation, aquamation, human composting, green burial, or donation to science.
- Arrange for Burial
- Purchase a burial plot or mausoleum space.
- Coordinate headstone or marker customization.
- Arrange for Cremation
- Select an urn or decide on scattering or keeping the ashes.
- Obtain required permits or approvals for scattering ashes.
- Alternative Dispositions
- Research aquamation, composting, or green burial options.
- Confirm legality and availability of the chosen method in your area.
- Arrange for Burial
Coordinating with Attendees
- Notify Family and Friends
- Use calls, emails, or obituary announcements to inform attendees.
- Create an online memorial or event page for RSVPs and updates.
- Provide Logistics for the Event
- Arrange transportation for attendees, especially elderly or distant relatives.
- Reserve accommodations if many guests are traveling.
- Choose Flowers and Decorations
- Select arrangements, wreaths, or personal mementos.
- Consider eco-friendly or cultural options.
- Plan the Reception or Gathering
- Decide on a location (e.g., family home, event hall, restaurant).
- Arrange for catering or a potluck.
Post-Funeral Tasks
- Distribute Keepsakes or Ashes
- Divide cremation ashes if requested.
- Share mementos or personal items among family members.
- Send Thank-You Notes
- Thank attendees, clergy, or others who helped with the arrangements.
- Acknowledge donations or support from friends and organizations.
- Handle Legal and Financial Matters
- Settle the deceased’s estate by working with the executor or lawyer. See also US and Canadian guidance
- Notify creditors, banks, and insurance companies of the death.
- Arrange Grief Support
- Seek counseling, support groups, or religious guidance if needed.
- Encourage family members to access bereavement resources.
Memorialization and Final Steps
- Plan for Long-Term Memorials
- Install a headstone, plaque, or bench in the deceased’s honor.
- Consider annual remembrance events or online tributes.
- Finalize Financial and Estate Issues
- Distribute inheritance according to the will or state law.
- Close financial accounts and cancel subscriptions.
- Reflect and Evaluate
- Discuss lessons learned for future family planning.
- Encourage family members to prepare their own funeral plans or wills.
