Planning the funeral
Remember to discuss these items with the funeral parlour:
- Deceased’s funeral wishes – if the deceased had specific funeral wishes, remember to consider these and inform the funeral parlour.
- Date and time of the burial – this must be decided by the family and the parlour.
- Clothing and accessories – for a traditional burial, you may want your loved one dressed in a certain way. Accessories can be association membership pins and the deceased’s watch, earrings or necklaces.
- Burial space at the ceremony – the funeral parlour can also help you arrange the burial site.
- Casket or coffin – remember to choose an appropriate coffin for your religious or cultural rituals.
- Transport for family and relatives to the gravesite / crematorium – think about how many people will need transport and then you will be able to decide on how many vehicles.
- Graveside needs – if there are special ceremonies during the funeral service for example military orders.
- Funeral programme and memorial cards – decide who will speak at the funeral service (friend, clergy, colleagues, etc.)
- Flower arrangements – order flowers to be laid at the resting place.
- Nominate pall bearers to carry the coffin. These can be close friends and relatives and usually 6 men are needed.
- Transport for funeral guests to be transferred to the burial site or crematorium.
- Think about publishing an obituary or announcements about the funeral in the local newspaper.
- Consider having a night vigil, memorial service or special wake so that friends can pay their tributes to the deceased.
- Erecting a tombstone can be done immediately after the burial or later.
- Organise a tent and catering to accommodate funeral goers.
Financial Matters
Contact your funeral insurance provider to inform them about the death of your loved one and make a claim from your funeral policy. Remember, the money that you receive from your insurance provider will help you cover costs for the funeral.
Claim payments are usually only when all supporting documents are received so make sure that you have them. Insurance providers usually have a range of benefits so make use of the benefits available to you.
Take care of legal matters such as closing the deceased’s bank and notify creditors such as cell phone service providers, retailers where the deceased had accounts can be done after the funeral. You must also arrange for a will reading if the deceased has a last will and testament.