It is common to feel overwhelmed when someone passes away and it is your responsibility to make the arrangements. Many don’t know what to do next or even what questions to ask. Here’s a little help:

First, decide on the type of good-bye you want to have. Will it be family-only or open to all family and friends? Do you want a visitation with an open or closed casket? Do you want to share pictures or videos? Do you want a funeral service or a memorial service? Who will conduct and who will speak at the service?

Next, decide on cremation or burial. What cemetery do you want to use? If you choose cremation, what do you want to do with the cremated remains? Will you scatter or bury them?


Then, decide how you can make it special. A funeral or memorial service is a useful form of closure for families: It puts the punctuation mark at the end of a chapter and helps turn the page toward a new beginning for those left behind.


Established customs and traditions are valuable because they offer a framework through which friends can support you and your family as you adjust to this loss. Be sure to include the personality, accomplishments and values of the person remembered, or the meaning of this tribute will be diminished.  It is important to make this final good-bye special.