Steps for Planning a Funeral

When a loved one passes away, you may be left having to handle many things. One of these things is planning their arrangements with a funeral home in Utah. This can be a very difficult time, and planning such services can feel overwhelming.

Here are some steps to follow when planning the services. 

Decide the Type of Service 

The first decision you must make is determining the type of services you want to hold. If your loved one had a preference that they made known, this step will be easier. However, you will need to choose if they do not voice their wishes. Remember their preferences, such as if they have any religious affiliations that require certain services, such as funerals. Also, other services such as wakes, visitations, viewings, and graveside services should be considered. You might also wish to hold a funeral reception after the service. 

Select the Location 

After you know what service you would like to hold, you must decide on the location. Most funerals are held at the funeral home like SereniCare Funeral Home in South Salt Lake or a church, but you can host this service wherever you wish. Some families hold it at a family member’s home, local park, school, or garden. 

Appoint an Officiant and Speakers 

The service will need an officiant or “master of ceremonies.” If the service is religious, this officiant is often a religious leader. In the case of a more secular service, this could be a family member or close friend. Whoever you decide, the person in this role will keep the service moving along and give remarks such as a welcome, introduction, and closing remarks. 

Besides the officiant, you must consider who will be speaking at the service. Most often time, the speakers are family and will be responsible for things such as: 

• Delivering the eulogy 
• Reciting any special readings 
• Reading the official obituary 

Decide the Details of the Service 

Once the main elements of the service have been planned, it is time to think about the details and extra elements of the service.

These things include: 

• Choosing the flowers 
• Selecting a guestbook 
• Gathering photos and personal items for a memorial table 
• Deciding on funeral favors for the guests 
• Designing and printing the memorial program 
• Selecting any music selections 

Let SereniCare Funeral Home Help

This is going to be an extremely difficult time. Don’t try to do this all alone. Make sure you enlist others to help you plan these and all services. You can have certain family members in charge of certain tasks so you can be confident everything is getting handled. 

Also, know that SereniCare Funeral Home, located in South Salt Lake, Utah, is here to help you in this process. Our number one goal is to ensure that your needs are met with care and compassion as you try to meet the needs of your loved one.

SereniCare Funeral Home: Honoring life and supporting families -  just a call away.