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How a funeral director helps

Planning a funeral for your loved one can be a stressful and emotional experience. But you are not alone. A trained, licensed funeral professional helps ease the burden by offering:

Comfort

A funeral director provides the guidance and compassion to help your family through the grieving process and find healing.

Experience

A funeral director is experienced at creating meaningful tributes for people with different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures.

Support

A funeral director can help your family understand the funeral planning process, make important decisions and receive support every step of the way.

What funeral homes do

Your funeral director helps take care of important matters and assists your family in making decisions that honor your loved one in a unique and personal way.

Make initial arrangements

After a death occurs, the funeral home arranges transportation to get your loved one to the funeral home and prepares them for cremation or burial.

Complete important paperwork

Your funeral director can help file the death certificate, claim benefits and assist with writing and publishing an obituary on your family’s behalf.

Help plan the service or memorial

A funeral director works with you to plan a meaningful service or memorial according to your family’s and loved one’s wishes. A funeral director may conduct the service or memorial itself.

Assist with product selection

Your funeral director will help your family select products that honor your loved one’s relationships and interests and serve as lasting memorials of their life.

Plan transportation details

Funeral home staff can arrange transportation for your family to and from the service and assist with other important arrangements, such as planning the funeral procession and escorting your family safely to the burial or memorial site.

Make service arrangements

A funeral home will often assist with arranging flower delivery, memorial contributions, music choices, programs and guest books, and can assist you with creating high-quality, professional video tributes to use as part of the service.

GET HELP PLANNING A FUNERAL

The funeral service is a statement by the family that says, “Someone precious to us has died. We are grieving and invite you to join us in remembering this special life and supporting each other."

Dr. Alan Wolfelt​

Meeting with a funeral director

An funeral director will want to get to know you and your loved one so they can help you plan a unique service. Questions a funeral director may ask include:​

  • What service elements will be most meaningful to your family?​
  • Is religion or spirituality an important consideration?​
  • Are there special things your loved one requested?
  • What are some of the things that made your loved one special?
  • What are some of your favorite memories?​
  • Did he or she have any hobbies or interests your family wants to celebrate?​
  • Are there any family traditions that should be included?​
  • Are there any special readings, music or people that should be part of the service?

Preparing for the arrangement conference

The arrangement conference is when you can share information for necessary paperwork and planning the service. To obtain a death certificate and create a personalized obituary, a funeral director will request:​

  • Full name, SSN, birthdate and place of birth​
  • DD-214 military discharge papers, if applicable​
  • Insurance information​
  • Parents, siblings, spouse(s), children and other close relationships​
  • Pictures and information about their personal life, beliefs, affiliations, and career/work history for the obituary​
  • Things that made your loved one interesting and unique

Conveying your funeral or memorial wishes

During the arrangement meeting, a funeral director will explore service and memorial options to help you pay tribute in a meaningful way. These may include:​

  • What type of funeral or memorial service your family or loved one prefers, whether you choose burial or cremation​
  • The date, time and place of the visitation and service​
  • The cemetery or other location for your loved one’s final resting place​
  • What type of casket or cremation urn will best express your loved one​
  • Music, readings and photos​
  • Family, friends and clergy who will participate in the funeral
  • Clothing, eyewear, jewelry, and other items​
  • Preferences for sending flowers or making charitable donations

Find a funeral home

Search for a licensed funeral home to support you on your healing journey.