While most industries fluctuate, the funeral market is not one of them.
There are about 2.4 million funerals every year throughout the United States, and that number keeps increasing as America’s population ages.
Death may be an uncomfortable subject to talk about, but it’s essential to know what to do when a loved one passes away.
How long does it take to plan a funeral service? What goes into funeral planning? Keep reading to get the answers to all of your funeral-related questions.
How Long Does It Take to Plan a Funeral Service?
Funeral planning generally takes between one and two days to complete. There are a few critical steps to take before planning the funeral service, which includes:
- Transporting the body
- Filing documentation
- Getting appropriate permits
- Notifying friends, family, and any other relevant parties
If your loved one passes away while in the hospital or a nursing home, transportation is simple to coordinate. The facilities have procedures in place to make sure the body gets to where it needs to go safely.
The state in which the deceased lived will require specific forms and permits. They include a Pronouncement of Death (or a Registration of Death). If you’re hosting a burial, you may also need to complete a Burial Permit (also known as a Disposition Permit).
Reach out to other relatives, friends, and coworkers. Contacting family and friends used to be a process, but the internet makes communication easier than ever. Use social media platforms like Facebook to relay information about the death and funeral dates to others who may be interested.
In addition to letting loved ones know about the death, you must notify companies who did business with the deceased. Email or call credit card companies, health clubs, insurance businesses, and any other recurring organizations the deceased interacted with.
Tips for How to Plan a Funeral
When it’s time to put together the funeral service, check for pre-planning. Many people pre-plan their funerals as part of their estate planning.
The deceased may have specified what they want to be done with their body (cremation vs. burial), where they would like the service, and allocated finances to cover the costs. If this is the case, there isn’t much for you to do except honor their final wishes. If you are researching these steps to find out what process your family will have to navigate when the time comes, there are resources for you. Planning for a senior can be intimidating, but with the help of the right people, you can solidify your final wishes, with financials covered, allowing your family to honor you without all that comes with it.
If there was no prior planning, then you can call the shots.
First things first, choose a venue. Keep the deceased’s religious beliefs in mind. Most funeral services take place in the deceased’s regular place of worship. However, non-faithful people may have funeral services in a park or a place that was important to them.
After the funeral, it’s customary to hold a reception for everyone to gather. Receptions may be held at someone’s home or a local venue or restaurant. The reception provides an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the deceased person’s life.
Working with a funeral home can make the funeral planning process go smoothly. You can tell the funeral director what you’re looking for, and they will iron out the details. Consider working with a funeral home, such as lavistamemorialpark.com, to make funeral planning easier.
Explore More Lifestyle Advice
Funeral planning doesn’t have to be stressful. The more knowledgeable and organized you are, the smoother the process goes. Don’t forget funeral homes are available to help you along the way.
So, now that you know how long does it take to plan a funeral service, what other lifestyle topics are you looking to explore? Check out our website for more expert-written articles.
