106 West Main Street
P.O. Box 146
NEGAUNEE, MI 49866
Phone: 906-475-4631
Fax: 906-475-5561

Funeral Planning Checklist

The funeral or memorial service is a significant step toward healing hearts and starting the process of restoring the rip in the social fabric that exists after someone dies. Throughout the funeral arrangement conference, your funeral director will guide you in the course of the funeral planning process, ensure that you get clear answers to all your questions, and share his or her insights and experience with you.

The following funeral planning checklist is an overview of the numerous aspects of service planning you will discuss throughout the arrangement conference. Should you have any questions about this information, don’t hesitate to call us at 906-475-4631.

Where Should it be Held?

Now that you have arrived at a decision regarding burial versus cremation for the one you love, it is time to consider how you prefer the service to look and feel. It is intended to be an overall experience for everyone there; a testament to the life of someone you loved, and should represent the depth of your loving relationship.

Traditionally, a service is held in the family’s church, or in the chapel of the funeral home. However, in today’s world; you could choose to hold the service practically anywhere that is meaningful to you.

Perhaps there is a particular place that your loved one would like to have their final goodbye? It may be at the beach, or in their favorite park; we’ve even seen services staged on the 18th hole of a golf course! Really, the choices are limited only by your imagination.

Needless to say, this is where you may rely heavily on your funeral director to assist you in choosing the perfect location, and creating a memorable service.

What Day of the Week and Time of the Day are Best?

Naturally, the answers to this question depend upon the location you’ve chosen, and the schedules of those you wish to attend. We have made arrangement for evening services, normally followed by a dinner gathering at a local restaurant. We’ve also seen early afternoon services, held out-of-doors, in the sunshine and open air. For those who have concerns regarding the weather, an indoor service is normally the best choice; and the day/time issue resolves itself when we look at the facility schedule.

Who Will Officiate the Service?

You can choose to have a minister of your faith officiate the service, or a certified celebrant. For that matter, you could choose almost anyone who is comfortable with speaking in public, but we believe it should be somebody that cares strongly about–and is capable of–guiding those in attendance through the ceremony. The preference is always yours; however we suggest you choose someone you know well, and trust.

There are Other Decisions, Too

Actually, these include the decisions which really shape and personalize the service. For example, you need to decide:

  • Will the service be open-ended, or will visitors be informed the service finishes at a specific time?
  • Which flower arrangements, and in what colors, do you want to see surrounding the casket or urn?
  • Which kind of music you want to be played – and specifically, what selections?
  • Will there be transportation provided, to and from the service for friends and family?
  • Would you like to have a time in the service where people will be able to share memories of your loved one?
  • What will you do if no one would like to share? What are you able to fill that time with?
  • Will there be a traditional eulogy? And if so, who will present it?
  • If there is to be a burial, is it going to be private, or open to all who decide to come?
  • Are there close personal friends or business partners you'd wish to have service responsibilities?

Letting Everyone Know

Preparing a list of who should be informed of the passing of your loved one will likely be really useful to your funeral director. We have numerous ways to inform them of the passing, along with the details of the service arrangements; and we’d be delighted to help you in this important (and often emotionally-draining) task. When you meet with your funeral director, he or she will be pleased to talk about these options.

In the event that you’d like to learn more about any of the details associated with planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one,please call or email us.If you have immediate need of our professional services we ask that you call us at 906-475-4631.