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How to Prepare

Our knowledgeable staff has the experience and insight that could make planning end-of-life arrangements just a little easier for you and those you love. If you have questions about preparing for services, we're here to support you in any way we can. 

Plan a Funeral Service

Planning a funeral is really a process of asking and answering questions. Sit down with other family members to review your loved one's wishes and explore the ideas which arise from answering some of the following questions:

  • Who will be invited? The number of guests define the where, when, and how of your services. Write down the names of everyone you think would want to be there and then set it aside. You can add new names to the list as you go along.
  • Where and when should the event take place? Here's where your planning may be tempered by any scheduling or travel-related issues facing those who will be invited. Be sure to check in with out-of-town relatives and friends about their situation before settling on these critical details.
  • Who will orchestrate or conduct the event? If your loved one was religious, you may opt to have their pastor or minister perform these tasks. However, many families today hire a non-denominational celebrant to oversee the services.
  • What readings and music should you include? Choosing readings and music to be played at funeral services can be a deeply personal choice. If the deceased didn't designate which selections they would prefer, you and your family may take the time to plan on what kinds of options most reflect the life of your loved one.
  • Who wishes to speak at the event? Family members or friends may be very direct about their desire to make a short presentation about the deceased. In other instances, you will need to ask around to determine who would be willing to publicly share their thoughts and feelings. Either way, you'll want to select someone who has shared a close relationship with the deceased and has something meaningful to contribute.
  • What additional activities would be appropriate? We've heard some exciting celebration-of-life ideas over the years. This question involves thinking about what your loved one enjoyed most in life and gives everyone a remarkable space to share memories, laugh, and even cry together.
  • What food or beverages should be served? What you serve is entirely up to you. We've even seen "pot luck" repasts where guests bring select foods and beverages to share.
  • How can the event be further personalized? Many families create a tribute video and use it as the centerpiece of the event. Others choose to use a memory table of photographs and other memorabilia to honor the life of the deceased and celebrate their individuality.

Meeting with Us

The arrangements you make will be influenced by the lifestyle of your your loved one, the time of year, your budget, and the number of people in attendance. But you don't have to think about it all on your own. We're here to help. We've had years of experience helping other families make service arrangements, so never hesitate to contact us. We would be privileged to serve you and your family.

What happens at the funeral home?

While we can't speak to every situation, we can tell you the bare basics of what to expect on your first visit to our funeral home. When you come through the front door, you will be greeted warmly by a staff member. Names will be exchanged, and some words of comfort will be offered.

Once informed of the reason for your visit, you will be directed to the funeral director's office or arrangement office and given a copy of any appropriate price-related documents. The funeral director will then ask you a number of questions related to the biographical details of the deceased for relevant paperwork and any plans you will want to make for the funeral arrangements.

Clearly state the facts.

When it comes to properly completing death paperwork and writing a detailed obituary, accuracy is everything. You'll want to bring as much documentation as possible. Naturally, if you're unable to bring any of this information, you can always contact us later to share whatever is missing.

Your loved one's details may include:

  • The deceased's full name
  • Their Social Security number
  • Parents' names
  • Maiden name of mother
  • Spouse and children's names
  • Marital status
  • Educational history
  • History of military service
  • Work history
  • Hobbies and interests
  • Church affiliation
  • A list of organizational and club memberships
  • A recent photograph

Plan funeral events.

The second step in the funeral arrangement conference, that of planning a meaningful ceremony to pay tribute and celebrate the life of your loved one is really at the heart of what you'll be doing that day. In order to facilitate things, we ask that you bring:

  • Prearrangement papers, if applicable
  • Clothes in which to bury or cremate your loved one
  • Cemetery property information, if applicable
  • A list of preferred charities for memorial donations, if applicable
  • A list of pallbearers, if applicable
  • Desired musical and readings selections
  • Your memories and heart-driven creative thinking to give us insights into your loved one's character and lifestyle.

Let us help in any way we can.

Our time together will take only as long as you need it to take. Not only that, while the time you spend with us in your first visit can be very intense and emotionally-draining, you'll be among people who really care about your welfare. We'll support you throughout the funeral arrangement process, but if you still have any questions or concerns afterwards, you can always contact us at any time to learn more.