Losing a loved one is never easy. It doesn’t matter whether you were on speaking terms or not. The initial shock is sure to wallop you, and making a funeral arrangement is the last thing you want to be dealing with. If you absolutely have to take on this responsibility, understanding what’s involved and how best to handle problems will assist.
The majority of funerals are arranged by relatives or close friends. If there’s nobody, the health or local authority will arrange one. Also, the deceased might have left instructions regarding the type of burial and funeral they wanted. Even though there’s no legal mandate for the instructions to be seen through, it’s best to follow his or her last wishes.
How Funerals Are Arranged:
A funeral director arranges most of the funerals. Look for one belonging to a professional association like the Australian Funeral Directors Association. Associations like these have complaint procedures and codes of practice. Given how tumultuous this period is, it would be best if you left the technicalities to a funeral director.
Funeral Arrangement Without A Funeral Director:
You can make funeral arrangements without enlisting a funeral director. If you prefer this option, the Queensland Courts or Gathered Here can provide assistance and guidance.
Dealing With Funeral Costs:
If you enlist a funeral director to make funeral arrangements, you will be liable for the costs. Before selecting a funeral, request to see a price list or fit service in line with your budget. The deceased may have prepared early and already paid for their funeral. This is referred to as a funeral plan. If you’re unsure whether s/he had a funeral plan, you can:
- Ask relatives and close friends
- View the will
- Ask funeral directors
Getting a Written Estimate:
When you have selected the funeral, you should get a written estimate with a breakdown of the costs. Demand for one if not provided.
Funeral Directors Services
A funeral will include:
– A coffin
-A hearse takes the body to the burial ground or crematorium
-Transportation of the body to the funeral director’s premises. Often ten miles from where the death happened
-Caring for the deceased person’s body until the funeral. This will entail dressing and washing the dead person’s body and laying out the body. However, this won’t include embalming
-Providing the personnel to carry the body
-Acquiring essential forms
Other services up on offer include:
-press notices
-flowers
-an organist
-medical certificate needed for the cremation
-religious services
-a crematorium or burial fee. This will include costs for grave preparation.
-embalming
-a memorial
-catering arrangements
Signing a Contract:
You might be required to sign a contract. Ensure you have read the fine print carefully and be sure you’ve asked the funeral director if there’s anything you don’t understand.
Making sure the whole funeral process is seamless should be the priority. You’ll want to bury the loved one as fast as possible so that you can get on with your life.
