No discussion of the loved one's wishes may have taken place. Cemetery arrangements may not be made. Family must travel from out of town on extremely short notice. The costs of the funeral and medical expenses may create unexpected financial hardship. These are just some of the problems which must be faced by those of us left behind.
Traumatic loss presents additional problems which complicate the process of preparing a funeral.
Sometimes, several people are killed, resulting in multiple funerals. Young people are killed, requiring special provisions for teens and peers. Violence done to the body or disfigurement may prohibit public or even family viewing. Overwhelming sorrow can make it hard for us to function adequately when making preparations for our loved one. The media may try to cover the viewing, funeral, or burial without permission, intruding on or sensationalizing the grief of the family.