Funeral arrangements require a lot of decision making, which can be overwhelming if your loved one didn’t leave written instructions. Before making any official arrangements, a next of kin needs to be chosen. Use this guide to understand how the process works and what options are available for funeral arrangements. 

Who Makes the Decision? 

If your loved one didn’t choose someone to handle their funeral arrangements—often called an agent—then the laws in each state determine who handles the funeral planning. Most often, preference is given to a spouse or domestic partner. If your loved one does not have a living partner, the duty falls to a child, parent, or sometimes a sibling. The next of kin must be 18 or older to be appointed, and emotionally and mentally able to make the decisions.  

What Options Are Available? 

The two main options for funeral arrangements are burial and cremation. Burial funeral services can take place outside at the site, or they can begin inside at a chapel with guests traveling to the cemetery afterward. Burials often cost slightly more than cremations due to the price of the casket. 

If you choose cremation, you can hold a funeral service before or after the process is completed. If you choose to scatter your loved one’s ashes, that is done any time after the service with a small group of close friends and family.  

Before any service, you can also choose to hold a viewing—an informal gathering where friends and family pay their respects to your loved one a day or two before the funeral. Traditionally, the viewing consists of a final viewing of your loved one after being prepared by a mortician. But you can use a cremation urn or photos as an alternative. 

During this emotional time, let Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home help you with all the funeral arrangements. For over 100 years, they have been making the difficult process a little easier for the Harpers Ferry, WV, area. Whether you choose a burial service or cremation, they will handle all the details for you. In addition, they offer grief support and help writing obituaries. Learn more about their services online, or call (304) 724-6500 to speak with a compassionate staff member.