Planning for a funeral is no easy task. There are many things to consider, especially if you have a short time frame to work with. Regardless, a funeral should be planned properly to ensure closure for you, your loved ones and of course, the deceased.
Here’s everything you need to know about a funeral planning checklist and how it can help you pre-plan for a funeral:
What Is a Funeral Planning Checklist?
A funeral planning checklist is a guide that helps you organise everything needed for a funeral. This is highly important considering how funerals are often arranged within a matter of days. It also helps families make informed decisions on matters like costs and preferred rituals.
Our Funeral Planning Checklist
Notify Loved Ones ✅
Inform family and friends about the passing. This includes updating close relatives abroad and ensuring everyone has the correct details about the funeral.
Legal Documentation ✅
Ensure you have all the required documents. This includes the digital death certificate, permit to bury or cremate by the NEA and other venue-specific permits.
Religious Preferences ✅
Decide if the funeral will follow specific religious rituals or if it will be a non-religious funeral. This will guide choices such as prayers, rites and the type of funeral service to hold.
Cremation or Burial ✅
Choose between cremation or burial. For cremation, the ashes will be stored in an urn, which will then be stored in a columbarium. You also have the option to choose inland ash scattering at designated gardens.
For burial, you may need to purchase a cemetery plot and a headstone.
Choose a Venue ✅
Select a venue for the funeral wake and funeral ceremony. This could be at a funeral parlour, place of worship, community hall or even at home. The venue should be able to accommodate guests comfortably.
Choose the Music, Eulogies and Reader ✅
Select funeral music that reflects the wishes of the deceased. Prepare funeral eulogies in advance, and assign a reader to deliver them during the funeral ceremony.
Arrangement for Flowers and Memorial Items ✅
Make floral arrangements and prepare other memorial items such as framed photos, guest books or prayer cards. These items allow guests to honour and remember the deceased.
Plan Food and Beverages ✅
Plan for post-ceremony refreshments or meals during the funeral wake and funeral reception. This can range from light snacks and drinks to a catered meal.
Transportation ✅
Arrange transport for the funeral procession. This includes vehicles for the casket or urn, and any additional buses or cars needed for family members.
Funeral Programme ✅
Design a funeral programme that includes all the necessary details above. This helps guide attendees through the funeral ceremony.
Post-Funeral Matters
There are still important steps to take after the funeral. These include both practical and emotional considerations. For starters, handle matters such as closing bank accounts and notifying relevant institutions of the passing.
This ensures all financial and legal affairs are in order. Next, consider sending thank you notes to everyone who attended the funeral. This is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their presence and comfort. Last but not least, remember to seek grief support if needed.
Coping with a loss can be overwhelming and seeking counselling can help you and your loved ones with the healing process.
Choosing a Funeral Package With Memorial Funeral
Choosing a funeral package is a great way to cut most of the planning stress during a difficult time. A package usually covers many areas including venue arrangements and transportation.
At Memorial Funeral, we have many different packages tailored to different religions and non-religious needs. They come complete with essential services such as floral arrangements, decorations, chanting services, food offering and many more.
We also offer transparent pricing to ensure there are no hidden costs down the road. On top of that, we’ll do our best to guide you and your family throughout the planning process.
Conclusion
A funeral planning checklist is one of the best ways to pre-plan for a funeral. It helps you keep everything in check so you don’t have to worry about last minute arrangements. With that said, don’t hesitate to contact professionals when needed.
We can help you plan a large portion of the funeral so you can focus on what truly matters.
Visit memorialfuneral.com.sg or contact us to find out more!
