Are you wondering what it takes to plan a funeral?
If you or a loved one are suffering right now, then there’s no doubt you’re asking this question. Planning a funeral can be stressful, and many don’t know how to start let alone how to bring the process to a close.
Fortunately, the more experience you have in this field, the easier planning funerals becomes. Regardless of the length of time you’ve been providing this particular service, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to make funerals go smoothly.
Every family is different, and so is every funeral. With this in mind, read on to find out how long do funerals take to plan.
Funeral Planning Timeline
Funeral Planning Timeline is an essential tool when dealing with bereavement. It suggests all the important steps to follow to help make the process of grieving more organized. From the day death occurs to the funeral day and beyond, a Funeral Planning Timeline can help give structure to the overwhelming situation.
Day 1: Select a Funeral Home and Burial or Cremation
On Day 1 of funeral planning, the hardest part is selecting a funeral home and deciding if burial or cremation is best for the family. It is important to review reputable funeral homes that provide the services needed, as well as price comparisons such as cremation cost between them.
It is also equally important to research the purchase of burial vaults and cemetery plots; comparing prices and ensuring proper protocol for the cemetery property is being followed.
Day 2-5: Make Funeral and Burial Arrangements
On day 2-5 of a funeral planning timeline, family and friends of the deceased start to make the burial and funeral arrangements. They select a funeral or memorial service, a place of final disposition, as well as an appropriate mode of transport.
They also arrange for items to be placed near the casket during the service, such as flowers, photographs and religious symbols. They also coordinate the time and location of the visitation and the date and time of the service.
Day 6-7: Visitation and Funeral
On this day, family and friends will gather to honor the deceased and celebrate their life. Visitation will usually occur the day before the funeral. During the visitation, family and friends will view the deceased and offer their condolences.
The funeral will take place later in the day and will include a eulogy, scripture, music, the sharing of memories, and possibly a prayer. A procession will then take place to the gravesite where the deceased will be laid to rest and further words of comfort and prayers will be said.
Following the funeral, the family will generally gather for a reception at a home, church, or local place of gathering where they can talk, share memories, and support one another as they transition through the grieving process.
Factors Affecting the Length of the Funeral Planning Process
There are a number of factors that affect the length of the funeral planning process. These items include the following:
Type of Funeral Service Requested
A traditional funeral with full visitation and ceremony may require more detailed planning and coordination for flowers, catering, time frames and other factors compared to a more simple cremation service.
Taking into account the type of service requested is essential to properly timing the planning process which allows for loved ones to bid a final farewell to their departed with dignity and grace.
Size of the Funeral Arrangement
When arranging a large funeral, a variety of factors must be taken into consideration such as the number of family members and friends attending, what type of event or service will be held, what type of flowers or memorials to be included, and the availability of funeral homes or other vendors.
All these and other factors can make the planning process a cumbersome and time-consuming task if not properly managed. If a family desires a larger service, it is wise to plan well in advance. The availability of vendors, catering, services, and other items needed for a large funeral will be limited so making arrangements well in advance can save time and frustration in the long run.
Amount of Money Available for the Funeral
The more money that is available, the quicker the funeral can be organized. With access to sufficient funds, families can choose a venue and hire professionals for the various tasks associated with a funeral.
This makes the entire process much less stressful and time-consuming. On the other hand, if there is a lack of funds, families may have to be creative with funeral arrangements or delay certain items until the money can be found. This could result in the funeral taking longer to plan, as well as increase the stress for everyone involved.
Wishes of the Deceased
Depending on whether they had expressed specific desires prior to their death, their family and friends may be required to consider their requests when organizing a funeral or memorial service.
For instance, if the deceased had wished for a large funeral that requires a lengthy period of preparation, the funeral may take more time than a smaller, simpler affair.
Availability of Specialized Services
If a family has access to experienced, knowledgeable professionals who are well-versed in funeral planning, they can get the arrangements sorted quickly and efficiently.
On the other hand, if the family has to seek out and research individual service providers on their own, the process can be much longer and more difficult.
Provincial and Municipal Laws and Regulations
Provincial and municipal laws and regulations have a significant impact on the length of the funeral planning process. These laws dictate the types of services that can be provided, which may include cremation or embalming fees and rules for viewing and visitation.
In addition, laws may require medical certifications for death and provide specifics on burial rites and details. Moreover, local authorities may limit the number of people allowed at funeral services and require registration of all attendees at the funeral home.
Explore How Long Do Funerals Take to Plan
Overall to how long do funerals take to plan, the amount of time it takes to plan a funeral depends on the desired elements and length of services. Funeral directors should be consulted for a timeline that considers all details.
Don’t forget to plan ahead. Everyone should consider pre-arranging their funereal services to save time and money.
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