Planning After the Service
In the wake of a loss, few people think about what happens after the funeral or memorial service. Amidst the planning and preparations, post-service events can seem insignificant or too far away to be concerned with. Planning after the service can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone during this process.
We have years of experience in the memorial industry, and this comprehensive guide will give you the head start you need to plan any post-service events that family members and friends of the deceased will appreciate.
Planning After the Service
Whether hosting a formal reception or a potluck-style gathering for family and friends, a post-funeral reception is an excellent opportunity for people to spend time together and commemorate the deceased. The reception usually has food and beverages, but it can be held anywhere the family desires. Some families host the reception at home, at a restaurant, at a banquet hall, or at a place of worship. Keep reading to learn more about planning ahead.
Planning a Reception: If you’re hosting a potluck-style reception at home, you can ask close friends and guests to prepare food and drinks, order deli platters from a local supermarket, or hire a catering company.
Arranging Transportation: As a courtesy to out-of-town guests or grieving family members, you can arrange vehicle transportation to the airport or around town as a way to ease the burden of traveling to the memorial service.
Deliveries and Visitations: If someone you know has recently lost a loved one, delivering meals is a meaningful way of showing the family how much you care. Visit the family several days after the service and again after guests leave.
Staying Connected: Come up with creative ways to stay connected. Death can be very isolating, and we all grieve in different ways. If you have recently lost a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to close friends or family members for help. If you know someone in mourning, do something special as a token of your sympathy.
Processing Paperwork: After the funeral and reception, it’s important that you record the date and time of any email or phone call that was made. Request certified copies of death certificates, the last will and testament, and any forms pertaining to the deceased’s estate. You will need to contact employers, unions, utility departments, creditors, banks, or any other appropriate agencies. You will also want to redirect mail, stop health insurance coverage, pay bills, close or modify accounts, contact life insurance companies, and initiate the probate process.
If you have any questions about planning after the service, please contact us today for further assistance or additional information. Please let us know if we can be of any help during this difficult time.