What To Expect During An Initial Meeting With A Funeral Director


Most people do not have a lot of experience planning a funeral, so they don't know what to expect when a loved one dies. The shock and grief of the loss of a loved one can make the process of planning a funeral difficult, but the funeral home that you work with will do their best to assist you in arranging all of the details of the funeral or memorial service as well as cremation or burial. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect when you meet with the funeral director:

Know Who is Responsible for Making Decisions

Funeral planning is usually the responsibility of a single person, although it is always a good idea for friends and family members to join that person for support and to give input on the funeral arrangements. Typically, the person how is legally allowed to make funeral decisions for a deceased person is named in his or her will or living trust. In the event that a person did not have a will or trust, a spouse has the authority to make funeral arrangements, followed by an adult child, parent of the deceased, an adult grandchild, or a sibling of the deceased.

Items to Bring

When you meet with the funeral director, it is helpful to bring several things with you. The funeral home will need the clothing that you would like your loved on to wear during burial or cremation. You can also opt to bring keepsakes and mementos that you would like placed in the casket with your loved one. Don't forget to bring a photo-- this will be used in the obituary as well as the service programs, if you choose to order them. The funeral director will assist you in the writing of the obituary.

Important Documentation

In addition to the above mentioned things to bring to the funeral home, you will also need to provide important documentation so the funeral home can file for a death certificate and a permit for burial or cremation. If your loved own had funeral pre-arrangement documents, bring those to the initial meeting with the funeral director. You will also need to give him or her your loved one's birth certificate, Social Security number, and marriage certificate (if applicable).

Having this information available at the initial meeting will prevent delays in the burial/cremation and ensure that you receive the death certificate promptly. Contact a funeral home, like Danks-Hinski Funeral Home, for more help.

About Me

getting through the planning process of a funeral

Nobody ever really wants to think about what will happen when they pass away. I think that is why so many of us do nothing to plan for our funerals. After suffering through planning my father's funeral while grieving, I decided I wasn't going to do that to my kids — I knew right then that I would take care of as much of the planning as possible before my final day. This blog contains all sorts of information that can help you pre-plan your own funeral or even get through the planning process for the passing of someone that you love.