Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest moments. As a funeral director, I have sat with many families who are being asked to make decisions they’ve never had to make before - about things most have little experience with and never expected to face so soon. With the right guidance, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
If you’re wondering how to arrange a funeral, here’s a straightforward look at the process so you can walk into our funeral home feeling informed, supported, and a little less uncertain.
What is the First Step in Arranging a Funeral?
Everything begins with a phone call.
Whether the death occurred at home, a hospital, hospice, or a care facility, one of our licensed funeral directors will guide your very first steps - including the safe and dignified transfer of your loved one into our care.
You don’t need to have anything figured out before you call. You don’t need to know what kind of service you want or what questions to ask. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Once your loved one has been brought into our care, the formal planning process begins.
What Information Do You Need to Arrange a Funeral?
You don’t need to arrive with everything figured out, but having this information will help with the required paperwork.
- Full legal name (including suffixes, such as Senior, Junior, or III)
- Address
- Marital Status and Spouse’s Name (if applicable)
- Date of birth
- Place of Birth (city and state)
- Educational History
- Occupation or profession
- Parent’s Name, including mother’s maiden name
- Social Security number
- Military discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
You may also wish to bring:
- A recent photograph of your loved one
- Personal items to include in a viewing or burial
Most importantly, bring along your questions and any known wishes for how your loved one would like to be remembered.
The Arrangement Conference
Within a day or two, you’ll meet with one of our funeral directors for what’s known as the arrangement conference - a guided, unhurried conversation designed to help your family make decisions that truly reflect who your loved one was. Plan for this meeting to last between one and two hours.
The conversation begins not with paperwork, but with your loved one’s story. You’ll be asked about their family, career, military service, hobbies, faith, and community involvement. This becomes the foundation for the obituary, the tribute, and the service itself.
From there, the focus shifts to the care of your loved one’s remains. Burial or cremation are typically the first and most foundational decision. Your funeral director will explain every option clearly, and without pressure, so you can decide what feels right for your family.
Planning the Service
With care decisions settled, the focus turns to the service itself. Will there be a visitation? A funeral service? A graveside gathering? A celebration of life? There is no single right answer - we will help you create something that honors your loved one and supports your family.
The details of any type of service are what make it personal and memorable. We will help you shape elements such as:
- Favorite Music
- Readings (prayers, poems, or favorite quotes)
- Photo or video tributes
- Symbolic gestures, such as a candle lighting
- Keepsakes for family and friends to take home with them
These choices come together to reflect a life in a way that feels authentic and lasting.
Receptions and Hospitality
One of the most meaningful things a family can do after a service is simply spend time together.
A reception provides space for sharing stories, offering support, and remembering as a community. Options can range from light refreshments and coffee to a fully catered meal. Personal touches, like serving a favorite dish, often spark the most meaningful conversations and memories.
Our team can offer you options for planning a reception that fits your family’s needs.
Handling the Practical Details
Toward the end of the arrangement conference, your funeral director will guide you through important logistical steps, including:
- Writing and publishing the obituary
- Ordering certified death certificates
- Coordinating with the cemetery
- Reviewing any available veterans’ benefits
- Completing required documentation
In experienced hands, these details don’t need to feel overwhelming.
Understanding Costs and Options
All funeral homes are required by federal law to provide a written General Price List (GPL). Our funeral director will review all costs openly and honestly so you can make informed decisions.
You are in control of every decision. If your loved one has a life insurance policy, our funeral director can explain how those benefits may be applied. For veterans, eligible burial and honors benefits will also be discussed. Ask questions, share your budget, and take the time you need.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
You are not expected to have the answers before you walk through the door. Our funeral directors are experienced in meeting families exactly where they are and guiding each step with patience, clarity, and care.
Arranging a funeral is one of the most meaningful acts of love a family can offer. It is a final gift - a time set apart to honor a life, gather those who mattered, and begin the process of healing together. With the right guidance, it can be exactly that.
