After the immediate questions are answered, there are still a number of questions the survivor(s) will need to respond to.  The most immediate questions, decisions and actions that must be taken are outlined below:

• Call the appropriate pastor, priest or rabbi.
• Arrange for support for surviving family, including child care if necessary.
• Appoint someone to call immediate relatives, close friends, employer.  Look for address books and consult with family members about who to call.
• Arrange care for pets if necessary.
• Make arrangements for the immediate family to have as much privacy as they need and want.
• Arrange for someone other than a bereaved family member to answer phone calls and take messages.<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
  <!--[endif]-->
• Arrange for another person to answer the door, accept deliveries, and keep a list of who delivered what so that acknowledgements can be sent later.
• Arrange for food donations to the family for the next three or four days.
  
• Look for any written funeral or burial wishes. Encourage family to talk about what the deceased's wishes would have been.
  <!--[endif]-->
• Contact the newspaper and ask about costs and requirements for publishing an obituary. Ask about extra charges for photographs. 
• If an obituary will be published, appoint someone to write the first draft. If funeral arrangements will be published in the paper, someone should volunteer to remain at the home during the services.
• Make an appointment for at least two people, one of them with a clear head for business, to visit the funeral home. The spiritual leader, priest, minister or rabbi can be very helpful with funeral or memorial planning.
• Arrange for the funeral home to obtain at least 7 or 8 copies of the death certificate. These will be needed later.
• Arrange for any separate cemetery or burial needs.
• Select pallbearers.
• Appoint someone to keep accurate records of all expenditures.
• Arrange for the time and location of funereal/memorial services to be communicate. <!--[endif]-->
• Arrange for out-of-towners to have a place to stay, either in private homes or at a hotel/motel .
  <!--[endif]-->
• Notify Social Security and Medicare, Medicaid, pensions, employers and any other agencies. Any checks that arrive from these sources should not be cashed until you have official instructions.

A funeral service has the potential to be as unique and special as the person it is intended to honor.  There is no "right" or "wrong" ceremony, if it is done in love and done in a way to respect and cherish the life of the loved one being remembered.

With that idea shared, many funeral and memorial services include many of the elements listed below:

Opening: Many ceremonies begin by setting the mood with music or songs. One choice is to pick any of the loved one’s favorite songs, instruments and / or voice soloist.  Many family members and grieving may not remember the words or stories shared, but often the songs are remembered for years to come.  

Readings: You may use requested readings from the deceased or certain religious scriptures.  The readings should demonstrate the loss of a loved one offering the guidance and support to the survivors.

Eulogy: The predetermined Speakers (Family and Friends) give a presentation.  These personalized presentations will be the recollection of memories, accomplishments, happy and sad times, offering hope to the surviving family.  In recent years, many ceremonies have included an "open michrophone" approach, where any attendees are allowed to share their stories as well.  In many cases, it allows even the closest family members to be surprised with positive stories of which they were unaware. 

Presentation:  Any other special presentations including Photos, Videos, or Slide Shows.  At some funeral services any creative talents are presented or staged including paintings, music, or writing are read.  Family and friends may light candles from a single flame close to the deceased.

Closing: The person who is in charge (lead person) may say a final few words.

Graveside:  Clergy person is usually present reciting prayers at the grave site.  Music can be played after prayers.  If a cremation scattering may take place.

Celebration:  Family and friends gather together in a home, church or special location to share a meal in remembrance and celebration of the loved one’s life.

Opening: Setting the mood with music or songs. One choice is to pick any of the loved one’s favorites, harp, flute instrumental and voice soloist is among the most common chosen.   

Readings: You may use requested readings from the deceased or certain religious scriptures.  The readings should demonstrate the loss of a loved one offering the guidance and support to the survivors.

Some of the major decisions that must be made as you prepare for the funeral include the following:

• Choosing a funeral Home
• Selecting the service type (A traditional service or something that reflects the personality of the deceased)
• Cremation, burial or donation (donating their remains to science)
  
• Recording of personal information
• Funeral notice – including publishing in the paper
• Choosing the clothing – including un-partable items
• Develping a complete list of people to notify
• Selection of desired products casket, urn, or burial vault or liner
• Deciding on an opened or closed casket service
  
• Selecting a location for the funeral service.
• The confirmation of key people or an organization who should assume supporting roles – example: speakers, pallbearers, fraternal, veterans.
• Consider ways to personalize the service. example: memorabilia, readings, music, favorite hymn.
• Consider creating rituals that would have special meaning to family and friends.
• In a service of cremation, deciding what will happen to the cremated remains.
• or Selection of  cemetery
• Special arrangement, Cross, or Floral tribute.