Funeral Planning Guidelines and Checklist | Hamel-Lydon Chapel & Cremation Service of MA

Planning a funeral is something that no one is ever truly ready for. The process is emotionally tolling and difficult, to say the least. A good funeral director will help walk you through the process, but it’s good to know what to expect beforehand. Keep these things in mind as you begin the funeral planning process to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Making Plans for Disposition

The first thing that has to be done is to create plans for the disposition of the body. If they will be cremated, all you’ll need to do is choose an urn for the ashes. If they’re being buried, it gets a little more complex. The funeral home will embalm the body and then prepare the deceased according to your wishes. This will include hair and makeup services, putting on their burial outfit, and any other specification the family has. Next, you’ll need to choose a casket and decide if the service will include an open or closed casket.

Gather Information for an Obituary

The funeral home will help write an obituary to be published in newspapers of your choosing and online publications. You’ll need to gather information for the obituary including a list of family members the deceased has left behind and those that have passed before them. Include major life accomplishments, favorite hobbies, and any other relevant information that will help people remember the deceased and honor their life.

Choose a Location for theService

Next, you’ll choose alocation for the service. Services can be performed at the funeral home, by thegraveside, or another sentimental location of the family's choosing.

Design a Grave Marker

A grave marker should bechosen and the inscription written out. The grave marker likely won’t be readyat the time of the service, but it’s best to get it designed while you’re doingthe rest of the funeral plans. A grave marker can include as much or as littleas you want. It can be as simple as a name, birth date, and death date. Somepeople opt for including a favorite quote, religious verse, or even a photo-engraving.

Contact a Florist

Decide what type of floral arrangements you’d like for the service. Floral arrangements come in a variety of colors, floral varieties, and sizes to fit your needs. Many funeral homes contact the florist on your behalf once you’ve decided what you’d like.

Choose Photos, Videos,and Songs for the Service

Choose photos to bedisplayed by the casket, on memorial cards, or in a photo montage video. Youshould also choose songs to be played during the service and calling hours. Ifyou don’t have any song preferences, the funeral home should have recommendedsongs they can play.

Contact Hamel-Lydon Chapel

Losing a loved one is anextremely difficult process and planning a funeral doesn’t make it any easier.Contact Hamel-Lydon Chapel today for assistance in planning a funeral for your loved one in theBoston area.