Funeral planning is an emotional time, and accounting for unpredictable winter weather can make it even more challenging. Snow can prevent long-distance friends and family from attending, and even locals might struggle to make it to the funeral service. If you’re planning a winter funeral, use these tips to prepare for snow or severe weather. 

What to Consider During Winter Funeral Planning

1. Parking 

Street and public parking during snowstorms can be tricky. When funeral planning, research what bans are enforced in your city—or the city of the funeral service. If the funeral is being hosted at a venue, discuss snow removal and parking regulations with the staff. If you are hosting any part of the funeral at your home, make sure there is plenty of off-street parking and coordinate snow removal with someone who isn’t attending the service. 

2. Start Time 

Always provide friends and family with a scheduled start time. That way, they can assess whether or not the weather will allow them to make it on time. Also, discuss a delayed start time with your funeral director, in the event of inclement weather. This allows enough time for the entire planned service while giving traveling mourners extra time, so they don’t miss any part. 

3. Extra Tissues 

While extra tissues are always a good idea, this is especially true in winter, as cold weather often means an increase in colds and cases of the flu. Have the bathrooms stocked, and consider adding lotion and unopened lip balms as well.  

4. Warm Food 

It might be easier to coordinate cold food catering, but warm food will keep friends and family cozy as they travel for the funeral service. If you don’t have a way to keep the food warm during the ceremony, offer warm beverages, like tea and coffee, instead. 

Whatever challenges you might face during funeral planning, Gilligan Funeral Homes is here to help. Located in Cincinnati, OH, they have been serving families for five generations over 100 years. Skilled staff members will work with you to create a personalized service with less last-minute expenses. Plus, they offer burial packages that include acknowledgment cards, coordination services, and transportation. Learn more funeral planning tips online, or call (513) 281-8311 to speak with a compassionate staff member.