What does a funeral home do?

A funeral home is an important supporter for families and friends who need help arranging a respectful ending for a deceased person.

From confirmation of the death until after the ceremony is over, the agency takes care of important tasks. This includes assisting with the transportation and care of the deceased, planning the ceremony in collaboration with the family, and taking care of all necessary administration. On the day of the ceremony, they coordinate the logistics and continue to support the family afterwards, for example with the choice of headstone and legal issues.

The funeral director’s expertise allows the family to focus on grieving and processing the loss, while they take care of all the practicalities.

The most common tasks of a funeral home:

Confirmation of death and first steps

A funeral home’s first task is to help with confirmation of death, often handled by doctors either electronically or on paper. They also offer round-the-clock support for relatives who need assistance during this difficult time.

Transportation and care of the deceased

The funeral home arranges the necessary transportation of the deceased to cold storage or to the funeral home itself, where the deceased will be cared for and placed in a coffin according to the wishes of the relatives, including choice of clothing.

Planning the funeral

In collaboration with the relatives, the funeral home plans the ceremony, including the choice of ceremony type, music, flowers and any personal wishes. They offer guidance throughout the planning process to ensure a dignified farewell.

Choice of ceremony

Regardless of beliefs or religious affiliations, the funeral home assists in organizing the ceremony, whether it’s an interfaith ceremony, a church funeral, or a ceremony with no religious elements, according to the wishes of the relatives and the deceased.

Coffin and urn selection

A wide variety of caskets and urns are offered by the funeral home, allowing relatives to choose one that reflects the personality and life of the deceased.

Flowers and decorations

The choice of flowers and coffin decorations is important to create a personal and memorable ceremony impression. The funeral home provides advice and arranges for the procurement of these.

Administrative tasks

The funeral home handles the necessary paperwork, including obituaries, creating memorial pages, and communicating with government agencies to notify of the death.

Ceremony logistics

All the practicalities of the funeral itself, such as transportation of the casket and the deceased, coordination with the cemetery or crematorium, and planning of memorial services, are taken care of to ease the burden on the relatives.

After the ceremony

The funeral home also assists with post-ceremony tasks, such as headstone selection and inscription, as well as guidance on inheritance settlements and other legal issues that may arise.

Support and guidance

Throughout the process, the funeral director provides support and guidance to relatives, ensuring that all aspects of the funeral are taken care of and helping to create a dignified and personal farewell to the deceased.

Other frequently asked questions in connection with funerals:

What happens at a funeral?

In a funeral, family and friends gather to honor the memory of the deceased through ceremonial actions and words. This often includes eulogies, music and prayers. It is a time for reflection and sharing of memories, and a final farewell to the deceased.

How long does a funeral take?

The duration of a funeral can vary, but usually it takes a few hours. The ceremony can last from one to several hours, depending on the traditions and wishes of the family. It’s a time to honor the memory of the deceased and support each other in their grief.

Who carries the coffin?

During a funeral, it is usually close family members or friends who carry the coffin. This is considered an honorable gesture for the deceased. The pallbearers take on the task with respect and dignity, and it is a final tribute to the deceased from those who were close to them.

What flowers do you give at a funeral?

Popular flowers include lilies, roses and carnations. The choice of flowers often depends on the personal preferences of the deceased and the wishes of the family. Flowers are seen as a symbolic gesture to show respect and condolences to the deceased and their family in a time of grief.

What to wear to a funeral?

It is appropriate to dress in formal and subdued clothing that shows respect for the deceased and the relatives. Dark colors such as black, grey or navy are usually chosen. Avoid excessive fashion or colors to keep the focus on honoring the memory of the deceased.

When should you attend a funeral?

It’s common to arrive well before the ceremony starts to show respect and support to the relatives. This also gives the opportunity to greet other participants and find a seat. Being present early shows consideration and respect for the deceased and their family.

What do you say at a funeral?

During a funeral, people often express condolences and share memories of the deceased. This is a way of honoring the memory of the deceased and providing comfort to the family. You can also express support and compassion to the relatives and offer help during the difficult time that follows.

What happens after a funeral?

After a funeral, family and friends often gather to remember the deceased together. This provides an opportunity to share memories and support each other in their grief. Some people also choose to organize a memorial gathering, where people can gather for food and drink to continue the remembrance celebrations.