How to Plan a Funeral

Many loved ones find themselves making funeral arrangements for someone after they’ve passed. If you're fortunate, your loved one may have arranged for a prepaid funeral plan with written instructions, payment details, and legal documents already in place.

“Funeral arrangements" and “funeral planning” are sometimes used interchangeably. They refer both to the physical care of your loved one after death and the organization of any ceremony or service. Even if a family chooses not to have a funeral or memorial, arrangements for care after death still need to be made.

Making the First Call to a Funeral Home

Making that first call to a funeral home can feel overwhelming. However, funeral professionals are there to help, and you won’t need to go through this alone. Here are some tips for making the process smoother

• Take a deep breath, funeral professionals understand you’re navigating a challenging time.
• Be prepared to share basic information such as the name of your loved one, their location, and your relationship to them.
• Ask any questions you have, even if you're unsure what to ask—funeral directors are used to helping families through this.
• Be honest about what you need. Whether you know exactly what you want or need guidance, they’re there to support you.

Remember, funeral professionals have experience and compassion. They’ll guide you through each step of planning a funeral, offering help where you need it.

Where to Begin with Funeral Arrangements?

Funeral planning involves answering a few key questions to get started:

1. Cremation or Burial? 

This decision shapes many other aspects of funeral arrangements. Whether influenced by family traditions, religious practices, or personal preference, knowing this will help you narrow down options for funeral providers and understand potential costs.

2. What’s Your Budget?

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), cremation is generally less expensive than burial. However, make sure to consider additional expenses, such as flowers, catering, or transportation, and whether you plan to ship the remains to another location. Budgeting early can make planning a funeral less stressful. You can view our Funeral Cost Guide to learn more about what expenses to consider and plan for.

3. Time and Place?

Some families decide to wait to hold a service until more people can attend or a particular holiday or occasion occurs. The location of the funeral can also depend on whether the loved one lives far away or has a hometown that is special to them.

4. To View or Not to View?

If a viewing or open-casket funeral is important to you or your loved ones for cultural, religious, or personal reasons, discuss this with your provider. Viewing the body may require embalming, but it’s not always legally required. Alternatively, cremated remains can be present at the service if preferred.

How to Choose a Funeral Home

Once you’ve addressed the basics, choosing the right funeral provider is the next step. Here are some tips to help:

• Get Recommendations: Ask friends, neighbors, or family members for suggestions.
• Do Research: Look at online reviews and compare prices from different providers.
• Delegate Tasks: Assign a family member to gather information if you feel overwhelmed.
• Explore Options: Don’t feel pressured to stick with a provider your family has used in the past unless you’re confident in their services.

Afterall can help you find trusted funeral homes in your area if you need a starting point for finding the right option for your needs.

What to Expect from a Funeral Home or Provider

Whether you’ve chosen a traditional funeral home or an online cremation service, funeral professionals will guide you through the planning process. Under the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, providers must give you a General Price List (GPL) to help you understand costs.

Tips to remember:

• Familiarize yourself with your consumer rights to ensure you’re making informed decisions.
• Gather essential documents, such as Social Security information, to streamline the process.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions about pricing, services, or terms before committing.

Goodbye Funerals, Services, and Memorials

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to honoring a loved one. Some families opt for immediate funerals or memorials, while others wait or choose alternative ways to celebrate a life, such as:

• Ash-scattering ceremonies
• Planting memorial trees
• Hosting private gatherings
• Donating in memory of the deceased 

Planning a Gathering

If you’re planning a gathering as part of the memorial, treat it like organizing any other event. Here’s what to consider:

• How many people will attend?
• Will food be served?
• What date works best for everyone?
• What components - speeches, music, or videos - feel most meaningful to you?
• Where will you hold it?
• Do you want flowers, a guest book, photos?

Planning a gathering doesn’t have to be daunting. Focus on creating a meaningful experience that reflects your loved one’s life.

Navigating the Funeral Planning Experience

Remember to be kind to yourself as you navigate this process. Planning a funeral is often emotionally challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Lean on friends, family, and your chosen provider for support.

To stay organized:

• Take notes during discussions.
• Keep a list of questions and answers.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or assistance.

Whether you’re working with an Afterall provider or another funeral director, compassionate guidance is always available. Ultimately, the goal is to honor your loved one in a way that feels meaningful to you and your family.

The Benefits of Pre-Planning a Funeral

Taking the time to pre-plan your funeral can ease the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones. A prepaid funeral plan ensures your wishes are honored while simplifying the decision-making process for your family. Here are some key benefits of pre-planning:

• Relieve Financial Stress: With a prepaid funeral plan, you lock in current service prices, potentially saving money and shielding your family from unexpected expenses.
• Ensure Your Wishes Are Honored: Preplanning ensures your wishes are followed exactly as you intend, from the type of service to the choice of burial or cremation.
• Reduce Emotional Pressure: Your loved ones won’t need to make tough decisions under stress, allowing them to focus on grieving and celebrating your life.
• Streamline the Process: By documenting your plans and choosing a provider in advance, your family will have clear guidance, making the process smoother for everyone.

Afterall offers resources to help you create a thoughtful and detailed prepaid funeral plan that brings peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

Take The First Step in Planning A Funeral

At Afterall, we make it easy for you to find trusted funeral homes and providers in your area. Whether you’re in the midst of funeral planning or considering pre-planning funerals for peace of mind, our network of providers is here to guide you every step of the way.

We’re here to connect you to funeral providers in your area and help you take the first step toward planning a funeral with confidence.