To give you a better idea of the variety of decisions that must be made following a death, take a look at the following list for the planning of a traditional funeral service.

You must notify

• Doctor or coroner
  
• Funeral director
  
• Cemetery or memorial park
  
• All of your relatives
  
• Church and clergy
  
• All of your friends
  
• Employers of all not going to work
  
• Organist and vocalist
  
• Pallbearers
  
• Insurance agents
  
• Union and fraternal organizations
  
• Newspapers

You must select

• Cemetery property
  
• Burial vault or outer case
  
• Memorial cards
  
• Casket
  
• Headstone and inscription
  
• Flowers
  
• Music
  
• Church
  
• Clothing
  
• Time
  
• Place
  
• Transportation
  
• Thank you cards

You must pay for

• Doctor
  
• Nurse
  
• Hospital
  
• Medicine and drugs
  
• Funeral services
  
• Cemetery property
  
• Endowment care
  
• Grave opening and closing
  
• Clergy
  
• Organist and vocalist
  
• Florist
  
• Clothing
  
• Transportation
  
• Newspaper notices
  
• Death certificates
  
• Permits

You must also

• Provide vital statistics about the deceased
• Provide and sign necessary papers
  
• Provide addresses for all people to be notified
  
• Answer sympathy phone calls
  
• Meet and talk with everyone about the details
  
• Greet all friends and relatives who visit
  
• Provide lodging for out-of-town guests
  
• Clean the house
  
• Plan the funeral car list

By making your own arrangements in advance through Choices Preneed Planning, you can spare your family the burden of making these decisions while they are still dealing with their grief. You can also ensure that the funeral is planned to your satisfaction, with every detail just as you would like it.

For more information on Choices Preneed Planning from Downing & Lahey Mortuary, contact us today.