Mourning the loss of a loved one is never easy. On top of handling the stress that comes with a death often comes the load of funeral pre-planning. This can often include communication with a funeral home—such as the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home—and organizing cremation services. It is natural to feel every emotion in the book when it comes to handling all of the steps associated with funeral planning. 

However, one way to make these difficult trials a little bit easier is by following a checklist. 

When it comes time to sit down and think about the funeral process for your loved one, it may be easier when you have a basic funeral checklist in mind. From there, you can expand your thoughts and organize the event in the way best for your specific situation.

1.     Contact Loved Ones

Even with social media being the powerhouse that it is, connecting with close friends and family in a more personal way regarding a death is often a better way to go. This can be done simply through a quick phone call or even sending out a letter—if talking about the situation is still too fresh and difficult. Create a list of those who will absolutely want to be involved in the funeral process

2.     Communicate with Funeral Home

 If your loved one wanted to work with a funeral home after their passing, reach out to your trusted funeral home in the Albany, NY region—the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home. Discuss your wishes and interests involving the service and never hesitate to ask questions. Our workers are professional, caring, and patient. We will work with you to make sure this event is everything your loved one would have wanted.

3.     Decide on Casket or Cremation Services

 It can be tricky deciding what you would like to do with the physical body of the deceased. The thought often brings forth many emotions—all of which are 100% natural. Talk to family and friends about whether your loved one would have preferred a casket, cremation services, or wanted their organs donated. Many people often write this information down or tell someone years before the decision needs to be made.

4.     Organize Obituary

Writing an obituary isn’t an easy feat. However, before even barging into the task of writing the obituary, think of what your loved one would have wanted people to remember them by. Write down a list of memories that made them laugh or major turning points in their life. Write down who in their life truly impacted them and what they were known for. By starting the process on a positive note, it may make the overall experience easier.

5.     Personalize Event

Every human being is unique. Everyone has their own interest list of wants, needs, and personality traits unlike anyone else. Instead of making creating a funeral service that is dark and closed off, you can create an event that is unique to the lifestyle the deceased had. Incorporate special parts of their life throughout the event—whether that be with music or personal items or photographs. Create more than just a funeral service—create an experience of the life they lived.

Contact the professionals at the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home to help you out with each step of the funeral pre-planning process. We can walk you through what needs to be done and do it in a way that works best for you and your loved one. We look forward to helping you get through this difficult time.