Understanding the Funeral Planning Process
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. At Lisa S. Dozier Funeral Service, we guide you through each step with compassion and expertise, ensuring that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
This guide outlines the key steps involved in planning a meaningful funeral service. Our experienced team is available at every stage to provide personalized assistance and answer any questions you may have.
Initial Steps After a Loss
Notify Authorities and Medical Personnel
If your loved one passes away at home, contact emergency services (911) or their physician. If death occurs in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice facility, staff will guide you through the initial procedures.
Contact Lisa S. Dozier Funeral Service
Call us at (718) 922-5472 as soon as possible. We're available 24/7 to assist you. The sooner you contact us, the more we can help with arrangements and paperwork. We'll guide you through the immediate decisions that need to be made.
Notify Close Family Members and Friends
Begin notifying immediate family members and close friends. Consider designating a family member or friend to help make these calls and spread information about upcoming arrangements.
We can provide guidance on what information to share and how to communicate effectively during this difficult time.
Secure Personal Belongings
If your loved one passed away outside their home, collect and secure any personal belongings from the hospital or care facility. Make sure their home is secure, and consider having someone check on it regularly if it will be unoccupied.
Begin Gathering Important Documents
Start collecting documents you'll need for funeral arrangements and legal matters, including:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Military discharge papers (if applicable)
- Insurance policies
- Will or estate documents
Don't worry if you can't locate all documents immediately. We can guide you through what's needed and help you obtain copies if necessary.
The Funeral Planning Process
Once you've taken the initial steps, we'll guide you through the funeral planning process. Here's what to expect:
Initial Arrangement Conference
We'll schedule a meeting at our funeral home or, if more convenient, at your home. During this meeting, we'll discuss:
- Your loved one's wishes, if known
- Your family's preferences and needs
- Religious or cultural traditions to honor
- Options for services, including burial or cremation
- Budget considerations
We recommend bringing a supportive family member or friend to this meeting. It's also helpful to bring any pre-arrangement documents if your loved one made advance plans.
Choosing the Type of Service
Based on your loved one's wishes and your family's preferences, we'll help you decide on the type of service. Options include:
Traditional Funeral Service
Typically includes a viewing or visitation, a funeral ceremony, and burial or cremation. Can be held at our funeral home, a place of worship, or another meaningful location.
Memorial Service
Similar to a funeral but held after the burial or cremation has taken place. Offers more flexibility in timing and location.
Celebration of Life
A more personalized service focused on celebrating your loved one's life and legacy rather than mourning their loss. Can incorporate unique elements reflecting their personality and passions.
Direct Burial or Cremation
A simpler option without a formal service, though families may choose to hold a memorial gathering later.
Selecting Products and Services
We'll guide you through selecting the necessary products and services, which may include:
- Casket or cremation container
- Burial vault or urn
- Cemetery plot or cremation niche
- Headstone or memorial marker
- Flowers and decorations
- Memorial programs or prayer cards
- Guest book and acknowledgment cards
- Transportation arrangements
We provide clear information about all options and costs, ensuring you can make informed decisions that respect both your loved one's wishes and your budget.
Personalizing the Service
We believe every funeral service should reflect the unique life it celebrates. We'll help you personalize the service with elements such as:
- Meaningful music selections
- Readings, poems, or scripture
- Photo displays or video tributes
- Personal mementos or memory tables
- Special rituals or ceremonies
- Participation by family members or friends
Our goal is to create a service that authentically honors your loved one's life, providing comfort to family and friends while celebrating their legacy.
Handling Legal and Administrative Matters
We'll assist with the necessary paperwork and administrative tasks, including:
- Obtaining the death certificate (multiple copies are recommended)
- Writing and submitting the obituary
- Applying for veteran's benefits, if applicable
- Notifying Social Security and other agencies
- Coordinating with the cemetery or crematory
- Arranging for clergy or celebrants
Our staff handles many of these details for you, reducing your administrative burden during this difficult time.
The Day of the Service
On the day of the service, our staff will:
- Ensure all arrangements are in place
- Coordinate with all service providers
- Guide family and guests through the proceedings
- Manage transportation logistics
- Provide support and assistance throughout the day
You can focus on being present with family and friends, knowing that all details are being handled with care and professionalism.
After-Service Support
Our care continues after the funeral service. We provide:
- Assistance with thank-you notes and acknowledgments
- Guidance on grief support resources
- Help with memorial donations
- Support with final paperwork and details
- Ongoing availability for questions or concerns
We remain available to your family as you navigate the days, weeks, and months following your loss.
Funeral Planning Checklist
This checklist can help you organize the many details involved in planning a funeral. Our staff will assist you with each item.
Immediate Considerations
Contact funeral home to begin arrangements
Decide on burial or cremation based on wishes or family decision
Select date, time, and location for service
Choose clergy or celebrant to officiate the service
Begin notifying family, friends, and employers
Gather vital information for death certificate and obituary
Service Planning
Select casket or cremation container and related merchandise
Choose burial location or cremation arrangements
Select clothing for your loved one
Choose music for the service
Select readings and participants for the service
Arrange for flowers or memorial donations
Provide photos for memorial displays or video tributes
Arrange transportation for family members
After the Service
Obtain death certificates (multiple copies recommended)
Notify Social Security and other government agencies
Contact insurance companies to begin claims process
Send acknowledgment cards to those who sent flowers or donations
The Benefits of Pre-Planning
While this guide focuses on planning after a loss has occurred, we also encourage families to consider pre-planning funeral arrangements. Pre-planning offers several important benefits:
- Ensures your wishes are known and honored
- Relieves your loved ones of difficult decisions during a time of grief
- Allows for thoughtful decisions without time constraints
- Provides opportunity to discuss preferences with family members
- Can lock in current prices, protecting against inflation
Our pre-planning services are available without cost or obligation. We're happy to discuss your options and help you create a plan that reflects your wishes and values.
Learn More About Pre-PlanningWe're Here to Guide You
Planning a funeral involves many decisions during a difficult time. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of the process.