Funeral Planning Considerations

Planning a funeral is an emotional time, whether you’re pre-planning for yourself or planning for a loved one who has passed. There are so many details that can easily be overlooked. Following a funeral planning checklist alleviates stress and helps you stay organized as you coordinate each important detail.

Details to Pre-Arrange

While there are a few decisions that you cannot make ahead of time, many of these details lend themselves well to pre-arrangement. They include:

• Selecting your funeral home and director
• Service preference: spiritual or secular
• Type of service(s) to be held
• Deciding between cremation and burial
• Choose a casket and liner for ground burial or an urn for cremation
• Writing an obituary
• Flower arrangements and other decorations
• Verses or Scripture to be read at the service
• Any special music or musicians that will add to your service
• Selecting a guest book or memorial book
• Gathering pictures or videos from friends and family members for a slideshow 
• Determine pallbearers and gain their acceptance of this honored task
• Select a final going home outfit

Final Decisions

Even when expected, death can occur at any time. The below decisions must be made after the death of your loved one:

• Transfer from the place of passing to the funeral home
• Obtaining a burial permit and death certificate (important for insurance and other purposes)
• Set a date and time for the viewing, service and interment (if applicable)
• Submit final obituary details to local paper and your officiant

Gathering as many details as possible before you need them allows you to plan for a funeral that not only stays within your budgetary constraints, but also adheres to all religious and personal belief systems. If you need assistance pre-planning a funeral, contact our knowledgeable team at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery at 480-832-2850 today. Still have questions? Learn more about what happens when death occurs on our website.