Planning a Funeral; The First Step is Always the Hardest

This article is contributed by LegacyShare.  We are the leading service helping you share your legacy with the ones you love and trust so you can confidently know your legacy will transition smoothly.  Please visit our website at legacyshares.com to review our services and to set up your legacy transition today.

You’ve just received confirmation from the doctor that your family member or someone close to you has just passed away. Now what do you do?

First things first. The first step is always to take a seat and relax. There is no sense in getting over worked about something that is out of your control. These times we find ourselves in should be calm, but most commonly are like an emotional tornado. It can only but benefit yourself and those around you who to have a clear mind as you move forward. Collect your thoughts and hang in there because you’ve been chosen to carry out the celebration. Your family and friends are counting on you. Oh, by the way; you’ve got a few days to get it done but don’t worry; we’re here to help you through it.

You’ll want to grab a notepad and pencil (always recommended in situations where we change our mind). If you are technically savvy, a computer works great as well. As mentioned, you are now at the helm of running an event for someone special. Let the planning begin.

1. First Calls
   1. To appropriate parties. (Ex: legal & financial representatives, family, close friends, coworkers)
2. Deceased Transportation
   1. Place of death to funeral home. Sometimes the deceased has been the victim of an accident and there needs to be some direction for authorities.
3. Pre-Arrangements
   1. If applicable. In some cases, people leave behind funeral plans or other life celebration plans depending religion or beliefs.
   2. Obituary
   3. Funeral Services
      1. Burial & Cremation – Costs
4. Cemetery Arrangements
   1. Plot – costs
      1. Single or double?
5. Funeral & Memorial Products
   1. Caskets, tombs, head stones, etc. (depending where you are in the world will determine what may apply)
6. Estate, Financial & Administrative Matters
   1. Contact the deceased legal & financial representative for smooth transition of their legacy.

These six steps will put you in a better place having now known what is best is times like this. Of course, you can change or skip steps but at least it will get you on a track to a smooth and stress-less departing celebration of life.

All in all; it is important to have a plan should someone you know and love pass away. LegacyShare is a perfect place to store those wishes and have your “Key Holder” notified where you have kept your plan.

Don’t let this happen to you.

Legacies are meant to be shared.

-LegacyShare