Steps Involved In The Funeral And Final Disposition Planning Process

The death of a loved one is an emotionally devastating time. But we at Blair Mazzarella Funeral Home know that while grieving, you also have to make important decisions about funeral arrangements and your loved one's final disposition. While it may seem overwhelming, understanding the steps involved in the funeral and final disposition planning process is crucial to managing things well.

Steps Involved In The Funeral And Final Disposition Planning Process

Typically, the steps involved in the funeral and final disposition planning process are:

1. Decide On Burial Or Cremation

One of the first significant decisions is whether you want your loved one to have a traditional burial or cremation. This choice will impact the type of funeral service and disposition of the remains. Burial involves the interment of the body in a cemetery plot, while cremation reduces the body to ashes through extreme heat.

2. Select A Funeral Home

You'll need to choose a funeral home to assist with making arrangements and preparing the body through embalming or cremation. Be sure to get price lists to understand all fees. You may also have the option of a "direct cremation" where no service is included.

3. Plan The Funeral Or Memorial Service

Work with the funeral home to decide on a funeral service with the body present or a memorial service without the body. Critical decisions include the location, any religious or cultural traditions to include, and whether you'd like a viewing or visitation period. You'll also select details like the casket, urn, flowers, and whether you want the remains present.

4. Prepare An Obituary

An obituary announces your loved one's passing, key biographical details, service times, and where memorial contributions can be made. Most funeral homes will assist with having the obituary published in newspapers.

5. Make Cemetery Arrangements

If you've chosen burial, you must purchase a cemetery plot and arrange a graveside service. Or if cremation, decide if you want the ashes buried, kept in an urn, or scattered.

6. Consider Additional Services

Modern funerals offer many personalization options, such as video tributes, personalized printed materials, releasing doves or butterflies, and more. You'll also decide how to handle flowers received and whether to host a reception after the service.

7. Obtain Death Certificates

Your funeral director can assist in securing official death certificate copies, which are required to handle your loved one's estate. Distribute these to agencies like Social Security, banks, insurance companies, and others as needed.

For more information on the steps involved in the funeral and final disposition planning process, call Blair Mazzarella Funeral Home at (718) 282-1164 or via this online form.