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If you're trying to make arrangements for someone's funeral, you're probably feeling a little overwhelmed. One of the first things you'll need to do is decide on a funeral provider to organize the service. In most states, there is no law requiring you to use a funeral home for your service. However, some states do require this. Search online to find out whether you're legally required to work with a funeral home. Even if you're not required to by law, it can often make arrangements much easier and less emotionally painful. Some factors to consider in choosing a funeral provider include location (ideally close to home), cost, and reputation or recommendation from other friends and relatives. You can call around to several providers and compare prices if the cost is a limiting factor. Ask the funeral provider for an itemized general price list (GPL), which lays out the items and services available and how much they cost. Under federal law in the United States, you have the right to choose or refuse any goods or services you want. You should also ask the funeral provider if they offer any packages, which can often reduce the cost when compared to purchasing items and services individually. Once you've chosen a funeral provider, you'll need to give the director some basic information. This will help him or her make arrangements, acquire the necessary permits and paperwork, and put together a meaningful tribute to your loved one. Some information that the funeral director may require will include: the deceased's full name the place and date of birth of the deceased, as well as his or her place and date of death the deceased's next of kin your name, contact information, and relationship with the deceased the name of the deceased's doctor whether or not an autopsy will be performed how soon the service needs to be If you are planning your own funeral, you can choose whatever fits your budget or whichever plan meets your needs. If you're making arrangements for someone else's funeral, check that individual's will for any instructions on how he or she wanted the funeral to be planned. If it's not specified, you can also ask that individual's spouse, significant other, or next of kin. There are three main types of funeral, and each type can range significantly in cost, depending on how simple or elaborate you want it to be. Traditional (also known as full-service) funeral - this plan usually involves a viewing/visitation, a formal funeral service with an officiant, a hearse rental, and the burial, entombment, or cremation of the body. This is usually the most expensive plan. Direct burial funeral - this plan skips the viewing/visitation, and generally skips the embalming since the body will not be viewed before the burial. The body is laid to rest in a simple casket, with the option of having a graveside memorial service. Direct cremation - in this plan, the body is not embalmed or put out for viewing. The remains are cremated shortly after the individual has died, and his or her ashes are transferred in an urn, with the option of a memorial service at a pre-planned location (usually someplace outside a cemetery). The actual cost of a funeral will depend on how simple or how elaborate you choose to make the ceremony and burial (if you choose to bury the deceased). For example, if you choose to have an open viewing/visitation, you may be required to pay for embalming. If you bury or cremate the body shortly after death, though, you won't need to pay for embalming services. The average casket costs around $2,000, though elaborate caskets can cost well over $10,000. What type of service you arrange will determine the financial responsibilities that fall to you and your loved ones. If the deceased has pre-payed for the funeral, making arrangements will be somewhat easier. If not, you'll have to work out how to pay for the goods and services you need. You may be charged additional service fees, depending on the services you agree to. You may also have to provide a cash advance if the funeral service providers need to purchase any goods or services from outside vendors. Most funeral service providers do not allow deferred payment plans. You'll most likely have to arrange the payment before the service. You can usually pay for a funeral with cash, credit cards, a loan, or the proceeds from the deceased's life insurance policy. Getting a death certificate is an important part of funeral planning. You will need this important document to finalize the deceased's affairs, including canceling credit cards and filing a life insurance claim. How you acquire the death certificate will vary, depending on where you live. In an open-record state, anyone can request a copy of someone's death certificate. In other states, you'll need to be either a relative of the deceased or be able to prove that you have some financial interest in that person's death. The death certificate will detail the deceased's name, social security number, parents' names, marital status, date and location of death, and cause of death. Death certificates are typically issued by the Bureau of Vital Records in the state that individual died in, which may not necessarily be that individual's place of residence. You can usually request a death certificate in person, over the phone, online, or through the mail.
Choose a funeral provider. Give the funeral director the deceased's information. Decide which type of funeral to choose. Make arrangements for payment. Acquire a death certificate.