Whether you’re planning your own service or making funeral arrangements for a loved one, it’s normal to have questions during this difficult time. Funerals are deeply emotional ceremonies, but they can help family and friends celebrate the life of their loved one and begin the healing process. To that end, here are a few answers to frequently asked questions about funeral planning.

Common FAQ Regarding Funeral Arrangements

1. Who Should You Notify After a Loved One Passes?

During this emotional time, it’s important to reach out to immediate family members so you can better understand your loved one’s final wishes and make important decisions, such as organ donations and body bequeathal instructions. You should also notify your loved one’s doctor, the county coroner, and employer. Reach out to a local funeral director, who can assist you through the notification process to ensure all legal requirements are met.

2. What Is Embalming & Is it Necessary?

Embalming refers to the process of sanitizing and preserving the body to delay the decomposition process. In most cases, there’s no requirement before burial. However, embalming is appropriate when you need to make additional funeral arrangements or give family members time to participate in funeral services.

3. What Is the Standard Time Between the Death & Service?

If you’re making funeral arrangements for an open casket viewing, plan to hold the service anywhere from one to three days after the loved one’s death. Closed casket services offer more flexibility and generally don’t require a timeframe between the passing and funeral service. Speak with your funeral director to determine which option best suits your needs.

4. Can I Personalize the Funeral Service?

You absolutely can (and should) personalize the funeral service. Work with the funeral director to customize the funeral arrangements to best celebrate your loved one’s life. If you’re pre-planning your own arrangements, consider how you would best want your loved ones to remember you, and tailor your service as you see fit.

When you’re coping with loss, funeral planning can feel overwhelming on your own. That’s why it’s vital to work with a team of professionals at a funeral home that can offer the services and resources you need to focus on what truly matters — remembering your loved one and celebrating the life they led.

You don’t have to handle funeral arrangements on your own. For over 113 years, the compassionate professionals at Cornwell Funeral Home have provided support, guidance, and personalized funeral services to help families and individuals cope with loss. Based in Dardanelle, AR, the team at this funeral home prides themselves in their variety of services, including cremations, traditional burials, and grief counseling. To speak with a representative, call (479) 229-2524, or visit them online to view their helpful resources.