Losing a loved one is often an unexpected event that leaves families ill-prepared for what comes next. The fact that loved ones must deal with grief and mourn the deceased means they are sometimes not in the right frame of mind to begin planning funeral proceedings. This is where the engagement of a funeral director comes in hand, as they are able to plan the particulars of a funeral on your behalf. With that said, you’ll still need to come to an agreement over the timing of a funeral.
Don’t Rush the Planning
Given how unaccustomed we are to funerals, it’s easy to underestimate how many things there are to plan. What’s more, the grieving process can all but leave one feeling as though they’re not yet ready to say goodbye. Rather than trying to get through everything as quickly as possible, give yourself time. Furthermore, give others time to come to terms with the death of the loved one, and/or to make arrangements so that they can attend the funeral. Even if you think you’ll be prepared by a certain date, allow an extra few days to account for any unexpected occurrences.
There is Flexibility with Timing
Nowadays, modern treatment methods and technology allow for a deceased body to be stored for up to several weeks. As such, one doesn’t have to feel compelled that there is a biological urgency to proceed with the funeral as soon as possible.
In general circumstances where a death is anticipated, families would typically proceed with a funeral within a few days of the loved one passing away. It is common for funerals to be held in the late morning or early afternoon, which provides time for the ceremony and either a cremation or burial. A Saturday funeral will generally be easier for many to attend, however, costs are generally higher.
Unexpected Circumstances
Where a death is either an accident or unexpected event, or a death certificate has not been issued due to identity concerns, a coroner will be required. The coroner will identify the body and attribute a cause of death before a funeral can be planned.
Depending on the circumstances, this process can delay funeral proceedings by several days or even weeks – particularly around public holidays. As funeral companies handle the transportation of the body to the coroner, they will also take responsibility for corresponding with the coroner to establish when the body is released. Only once a body has been released can you begin to plan an accurate date for the funeral, otherwise you may find you will need to change dates several times.
The availability of third parties including clergies, celebrants and the like can also delay proceedings. It’s worth considering that if you’re publishing notices about the funeral, there may be slight hold-ups depending on when the notice makes it into the media. Last but not least, the location of the service, as well as cemetery access also need to be confirmed first, although your funeral provider should be able to arrange this on your behalf without any notable issues.
