Service Considerations

Considerations

  1. Flowers – The family will need to contact a local florist to order flowers. It is also important to think about where the flowers will go after services. Most families choose to take them after services and divide them up. Many nursing homes are not taking leftover flowers anymore. It is wise to take a picture of the flower tags so you have a record of who sent flowers to write acknowledgements. 
  2. Service Details – Anything to be said during the service or music played should be discussed with the officiant chosen by the family. The officiant will coordinate with the funeral home so we can have the correct music cued up. 
  3. Specialized Details – Our funeral home has contacts for certain specialized services such as bagpipers, officiants, military, fraternal organizations, etc. Let us know if any of these services are requested so we may check their availability.
  4. Picture Boards and Memorabilia – We encourage families to bring items of importance to display during services. We also have easels available for picture boards if needed. Families are responsible for transporting picture boards and items brought into the funeral home. It is advisable to have a plan in place for who will transport these items after services are complete.
  5. Pallbearers – If a casket is involved in the service, we can use up to 8 pallbearers to help transfer the casket. We will speak to them 30 minutes prior to the service to give instructions. If an urn is present at services, some families like to designate a person to carry the urn if necessary, such as a church service.
  6. Keeping timelines is very important. Many providers we work with (churches, cemeteries, veteran’s organizations, clergy, musicians, newspapers, etc.) have a specific schedule to adhere to. Any changes in plans should be brought to the funeral director’s attention right away so we can try and coordinate the changes with the necessary providers.
  7. Keeping Track – It is advisable to keep a list of those who donated, brought food, sent a card, or showed a special act of sympathy. That way acknowledgment cards can be sent out after services have concluded.