Speak to a funeral director
Tell the director where your loved one is, who the family contact will be and whether you have any preferences already. Ask what information they need from you and what can wait.
Resources for families
A practical funeral guide
A few early decisions can help your family get started. Use this guide to prepare for a conversation with your funeral director and take each choice in turn.
Talk about the wake and ceremony
Decide whether you would like a wake and discuss possible venues. Share the customs you wish to follow and confirm which ceremony arrangements your funeral director will handle.
Gather items your family would like to use
You may want to select a photograph for display and set aside clothes your loved one would have wanted to wear. Ask family members whether there are particular readings, music or personal items they would like to include.
Agree on a resting place
Discuss cremation or burial with your family. If you choose cremation, you can ask about options such as a niche or ash scattering and decide which feels appropriate.
Check the arrangements together
Before you confirm a package, ask for a breakdown of what is included, which items are optional and who will coordinate each part. Let the family contact know the agreed dates and the names of the people to call.