Funeral Etiquette and pre & post Service Planning Worksheets

Pre-Event
Post-Event
Worksheets
Event Coordinating

THE FUNERAL SERVICE
• Specified by the Family
• Contact the Funeral Director
• Determine Location

The funeral helps the bereaved to take that first step toward emotional adjustment of their loss. The presence of friends at this time can offer assistance to you personally or acknowledgement of their friendship. Private services are usually by invitation only and specifies how many can attend or who can attend. It is customary to have a public visitation where the body is viewed in a slumber room. If a Memorial service is held, a ceremony without the body present can be held at a church, chapel or graveside. A regular, public chapel service is customary so friends and family can pay their last respects to the deceased. A funeral procession is formed at the church or funeral home. There is normally an escort fee for this service. For traffic safety, it is beneficial to family and friends who accompany the family to the cemetery.

Family Visitation is a time for friends to express their sorrow and sympathy. This true gesture allows the family to pull together and receive friends. The date, time and place is listed in the obituary. This will indicate to others when the family will be present and the body can be viewed together. The visit to the viewing and visitation does not need to last a long time. You can express your sympathy to the family members, sign the guest book and leave. You may also pay your respects to the deceased. If a kneeling bench is placed in front of the casket, you may kneel and say a prayer. If you do not wish to kneel, you may stand in front of the casket for a moment.

PALLBEARERS...
Friends, relatives, grandsons, church members or business associates

HONORARY PALLBEARERS.
Business associates, church members, social organization members

EULOGY
A family member, clergy, close personal friend or business associate may provide the eulogy. This is a special time to highlight the deceased person’s life, contributions, commendations, and lightly humorous personal stories. The eulogy is usually planned out and expressed in a way that gives meaning to the words. Special poems and verses can be added to personalize this event. Family members, especially, like to hear words about their loved one. Take some time in planning this special segment of the service as it can bring peace to family and add a special touch to the last remembrances of the loved one.

Funeral Etiquette & Service Planning Worksheets

Pre-Arranged Funeral Contract Advanced Planning Emergency Planning Estimated Cost: $_____________	Chapel/Church Service Graveside Service Rosary Family Visitation Wake Private Ceremony Memorial Service	Funeral Procession/Cortege Open Casket_____________ Closed Casket____________ Piano/Organ Music Recorded Music Musicians Escort Service
Priest/Pastor:		Phone:
Eulogy by:		Phone:
Pallbearer Names	Honorary Pallbearers	Music Titles
Casket Spray Colors/Flowers:	Military Honors/Honor Guard	Musicians:

Obituary / Death Notice newspaper dates:	Clothing/articles for the Deceased	Scriptures/Verses:
Specific Photos, Certificates, Mementos to Display	Fellowship Meal Location/Host	House Security / Designated House Sitter
Call Out of Town Family & Friends	Hotel Reservations	Volunteer Guest Homes for Guests
House & Lawn	Email Notices Made	Other Assistance Needed:

POST-FUNERAL Worksheet

Thank-You Notes Prepared by:

Return of Dishes

Tombstone Engraving

Will/Probate

Distribute Flowers/Plants

Housecleaning

Return of bed, medical supplies, home equipment

Returned borrowed items

Obtain copies of the death certificate

Meet with the deceased's attorney to discuss the necessary legal processes

Notify the insurance companies and file all claims

Apply for the appropriate social security, veterans benefits and/or pension benefits

Notify your accountant or tax preparer

Notify the deceased's stockbroker

Notify the deceased's bank

Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer titles

Notify the credit card companies

A Memory Board is arranged by the family with photographs and other highlights of a loved one's life. This may be displayed in the chapel during visitation.

A Memory Table is also arranged by the family with memorabilia, photographs and other highlights of a loved one's life. Items representing hobbies, trips, and other special events and interests may be presented. This is displayed in the chapel during visitation.

verse: Like a pleasant breath of spring; Blessed baby, precious thing. Run and jump and laugh and play; Life’s more fun each passing day. There she stands a lovely teen; Loveliest the world has seen. Father Time close by your side; As you stand a blushing bride. Take another step today; Mom will help you on the way. Favorite roles I’ve played through life; Grandma, Mother, Loving Wife; Father Time It’s plain to see, Life’s still out there beckoning me.

Father Time Folding Fan

Funeral Planning Thoughts