Planning a funeral is something that not all of us necessarily dream about doing, however, it’s part of the process of losing a loved one. Although it may seem like a depressing responsibility, the truth is that funerals are incredibly necessary for healing, and moving on after the loss of a friend or family member.
However, navigating the intricacies of planning an event while simultaneously experiencing grief isn’t always easy. After all, when you’re completely overrun with emotions, organizing a service can feel totally impossible. Fear not— here are the steps you’ll need to follow for planning a funeral.
Take the First Steps
There are so many steps involved with planning a funeral, that when you initially look at the big picture, it can feel totally overwhelming. Instead of looking at what you have to do as one big lump, break it up into smaller pieces.
The first steps come first, and those will lay the foundation for the rest. These steps involve letting everyone know about the passing of your loved one and finding a funeral director to work with. Hopefully, one of your friends or family members will reach out and help at this point, as doing it all on your own can be emotionally exhausting.
A funeral director will help explain what kind of costs you’re looking at and work on a budget with you. They’ll also be able to discuss what kind of funeral service you’re looking for. Certain factors will come into play like what kind of cultural or religious traditions your family has, and of course, the wishes of the person who has passed.
Take Time to Grieve
In the whirlwind of funeral planning, it’s easy to find yourself in over your head. It feels totally unnatural to have to plan something so complex when all you want to do is hide under the covers. And although the planning is necessary, and will be incredibly healing, it’s also important to allow yourself time to grieve during the planning process.
Allow yourself the space and time to feel sad or to feel angry. Every emotion you feel is normal, so allow these feelings to pass and accept them with grace.
Decide on Burial or Cremation
Perhaps one of the most important steps of a funeral is deciding whether you prefer burial or cremation. This will vary depending on personal beliefs and of course the wishes of the deceased. This is never an easy decision, however, it is one that is nevertheless necessary for your ceremony.
Post-Funeral Matters
Once you’ve attended the funeral, and everyone has been given the opportunity to move on, it’s time to start with the post-funeral arrangements that usually involve legal matters. From handling important documents to dealing with credit and taxes, this is the administrative chapter of the passing of a loved one and may require some professional help.
However difficult each stage may feel, remember that healing is on the other side. Keep going and remember, that loss is a part of life, and funerals are there to give us closure and connection with others who are experiencing the same loss.
