How To Prepare

How To Prepare

Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process of planning end-of-life arrangements with care and understanding, making this difficult time just a little bit easier for you and your loved ones. If you have questions or need assistance, we're always here to help.

Plan A Funeral Service

Planning a funeral involves asking the right questions and making thoughtful decisions. Here are some things to consider with your family as you prepare for a meaningful service:


  • Who will be invited? The guest list will help define the logistics of your service. Start by noting down everyone who should be invited, and feel free to add names as you go.


  • Where and when should the service take place? Consider any scheduling or travel challenges for out-of-town guests. Be sure to check in with loved ones before finalizing the details.


  • Who will lead the service? If your loved one was religious, their pastor or minister may perform the service. Many families also choose a non-denominational celebrant to oversee the ceremony.


  • What music and readings should be included? Choosing music and readings is a personal decision. If your loved one didn’t specify, take time to consider selections that reflect their life and values.


  • Who should speak? Some family members or friends may wish to speak at the service. Others may need to be asked, but it's important to choose someone who had a close relationship with the deceased and has meaningful reflections to share.


  • What activities would be appropriate? Reflect on what your loved one loved most and consider creative ways to celebrate their life—whether it's sharing memories, laughter, or even moments of grief.


  • What food or beverages should be served? The choice is yours, from simple refreshments to a potluck where guests contribute. Think about what would best suit the occasion.



  • How can the service be personalized? Many families opt for a tribute video or a memory table filled with photographs and memorabilia to celebrate their loved one’s individuality.

Meeting With Us

The arrangements you make will be influenced by your loved one’s lifestyle, the time of year, your budget, and the number of guests. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. We have years of experience assisting families with service planning and are here to guide you through every step. Feel free to contact us—we would be honored to serve you and your family.

  • What happens at the funeral home?

    While we can't speak to every situation, we can tell you the bare basics of what to expect on your first visit to our funeral home. When you come through the front door, you will be greeted warmly by a staff member. Names will be exchanged, and some words of comfort will be offered.


    Once informed of the reason for your visit, you will be directed to the funeral director's office or arrangement office and given a copy of any appropriate price-related documents. The funeral director will then ask you a number of questions related to the biographical details of the deceased for relevant paperwork and any plans you will want to make for the funeral arrangements.

  • Clearly state the facts

    When it comes to properly completing death paperwork and writing a detailed obituary, accuracy is everything. You'll want to bring as much documentation as possible. Naturally, if you're unable to bring any of this information, you can always contact us later to share whatever is missing.


    Your loved one's details may include:


    • The deceased's full name
    • Their Social Security number
    • Parents' names
    • Maiden name of mother
    • Spouse and children's names
    • Marital status
    • Educational history
    • History of military service
    • Work history
    • Hobbies and interests
    • Church affiliation
    • A list of organizational and club memberships
    • A recent photograph

  • Plan funeral events

    The second step in the funeral arrangement conference, that of planning a meaningful ceremony to pay tribute and celebrate the life of your loved one is really at the heart of what you'll be doing that day. In order to facilitate things, we ask that you bring:


    • Prearrangement papers, if applicable
    • Clothes in which to bury or cremate your loved one
    • Cemetery property information, if applicable
    • A list of preferred charities for memorial donations, if applicable
    • A list of pallbearers, if applicable
    • Desired musical and readings selections
    • Your memories and heart-driven creative thinking to give us insights into your loved one's character and lifestyle.

  • Let us help in any way we can

    Our time together will take only as long as you need it to take. Not only that, while the time you spend with us in your first visit can be very intense and emotionally-draining, you'll be among people who really care about your welfare. We'll support you throughout the funeral arrangement process, but if you still have any questions or concerns afterwards, you can always contact us at any time to learn more.