Steps for Planning a Funeral

When a loved one passes away, you may be left having to handle many things. One of these things is planning their arrangements with funeral homes in West Valley City, UT. This can be a very difficult time and trying to plan such services can feel overwhelming. To help make this process a little easier, here are some steps to follow for planning the services. 

Decide the Type of Service 

The first decision you will need to make is determining what type of services or services you would like to hold. If your loved one had a preference that they made known, this step will be easier. However, is they did not voice their wishes, you will need to choose. Make sure to keep their preferences in mind such as if they had any religious affiliations that require certain services such a funerals. Also, think about other services such as wakes, visitations viewings and graveside services. You might also wish to hold a funeral reception after the service. 

Select the Location 

After you know what service you would like to hold, you will need to decide on the location. Most funerals are held at the funeral home or a church but you can host this service wherever you wish. Some families choose to hold it a family member’s home or even a local park, school, or garden. 

Appoint an Officiant and Speakers 

The service will need an officiant or “master of ceremonies”. If the service is religious, this officiant is often a religious leader. In the case of a more secular service, this could be a family member or close friend. Whoever you decide, the person in this role will keep the service moving along and give remarks such as a welcome and introduction as well as closing remarks. 

Other than the officiant, you will need to consider who will be speaking at the service. Most often time the speakers are family and will be responsible for things such as: 

• Delivering the eulogy 
  
• Reciting any special readings 
  
• Reading the official obituary 

Details of the Service 

Once the main elements of the service have been planned, it is time to think about the details and extra elements of the service. These things include: 

• Choosing the flowers 
• Selecting a guestbook 
• Gathering photos and personal items for a memorial table 
  
• Deciding on funeral favors for the guests 
  
• Designing and printing the memorial program 
  
• Selecting any music selections 

Things to Keep in Mind 

This is going to be an extremely difficult time. Don’t try and do this all alone. Make sure you enlist others to help you with the planning of these and all services. You can have certain family members in charge of certain tasks so you can be confident everything is getting handled. 

Also know that as directors of funeral homes in West Valley City, UT, we are here to help you in this process. Our number one goal is making sure your needs are met with care and compassion as you try and meet the needs of your loved one.