Funeral Planning

Planning a funeral can be a difficult and emotional process, but taking the time to consider a few important aspects can help ensure that everything runs smoothly. Each funeral is personal, and the planning process is deeply based on the deceased's personal wishes and the family’s preferences. It helps to have support from family, friends, or professionals to make the process a little easier. Here at DeMarco we strive to offer and support you in all of the following aspects of creating a meaningful final farewell. The key points


Here are key things to think about:

Type of Service

  • Religious or Secular: Consider the preferences of your loved one and your family. A religious service might include specific rituals or prayers, while a secular one could focus more on personal tributes.
  • Traditional Funeral or Memorial Service: A funeral service typically includes the body or ashes, while a memorial service happens after burial or cremation. (For more information, please go to our Service Selections Menu)

Budget

  • First know we are here to serve you and your deceased loved one at any and all budgets.
  • Determine how much you are able to spend. Funerals can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the choices you make for the service, casket, and more.
  • Remember to account for additional expenses such as flowers, obituary notices, transportation, and any post-funeral events like a wake or reception.

Cemetery or Burial Arrangements

  • Cemetery: Choose whether your loved one will be buried or entombed in a traditional cemetery, or if cremation is preferred. Some cemeteries may offer a combination of burial and cremation options.
  • Casket or urn: Consider the type of casket for burial/entombment or urn for cremation. There are many different styles, materials, and price points.

Obituary

  • This may include details of their life, your family, their achievements, and funeral service information.
  • Decide where to publish it—whether it’s in a local or national newspaper, on a funeral home website, or through social media platforms.

Personalization

  • Tributes: Consider creating a tribute that celebrates the deceased’s life. This could include a slideshow, a eulogy, personal stories, or music that was meaningful to you and your beloved.
  • Pallbearers: Select family or close friends to serve as pallbearers, if applicable.
  • Flowers or donations: Decide whether to request flowers or ask attendees to donate to a charity in lieu of flowers.

Legal and Administrative Tasks

  • Death Certificate: You’ll need to obtain multiple copies of the death certificate for various purposes, like closing accounts or transferring assets.
  • Will and estate matters: If the deceased had a will, contact an attorney to begin the probate process. It’s also important to manage any assets, debts, and inheritances according to the will.
  • Social security and benefits: Notify relevant institutions, such as social security, pensions, or life insurance companies, about the death.

Transportation

  • If you need a hearse for transporting the deceased, funeral homes typically provide this service. If family members are traveling long distances, they may need accommodations and transportation arrangements.

Support Systems

  • Consider arranging for grief counseling, support groups, or a professional to guide yourself and family through this emotional process.
  • If you're helping someone else plan, offer assistance with these tasks or emotional support.

Post-Funeral Plans

  • Wake or reception: After the funeral service, you might want to gather with family and friends for a reception. This can be an opportunity to share memories, offer support, and celebrate the life of the deceased.
  • Cremation and ashes: If cremation is chosen, you’ll need to decide how to handle the ashes—whether to scatter them, keep them in an urn, or place them in a final resting place.