| Q: | Do we need a cemetery plot? |
| A: | If you do not have a cemetery property your funeral director can provide details about area cemeteries including bylaws governing the cemetery and cost comparisons. If not already decided, now is the time for the family to decide whether burial, cremation or entombment is desired. |
| Q: | Do we need to order flowers? |
| A: | A decision on family flowers should be made as soon as possible. You could also contact your local florist who will assign a staff member to either visit your home with pictures and catalogues or if you prefer to go to the flower shop, you can see the floral arrangements yourself. There is no charge for this service. Cards from the flowers will be removed and returned to you so that appropriate "Thank You" cards can be prepared. |
| Q: | What are Memorial Donations? |
| A: | Friends and family may prefer to make a memorial donation in honor of your loved one. Your funeral director is familiar with this option and can supply "Memorial Cards" which records donor information. Memorial Cards are returned to the family so that appropriate "Thank You" cards can be prepared. |
| Q: | What are Mass Cards? |
| A: | Mass Cards are a valued expression of sympathy for Catholic families. You can obtain a Mass Card from the Catholic Parish or in some cases your funeral director will provide them. The Mass Cards are returned to the family so that appropriate "Thank You" cards can be prepared. |
| Q: | Where can we get proper "Thank You" cards? |
| A: | A selection of funeral "Thank You" cards is available through your funeral director. Costs for these cards are included in the service charge. |
| Q: | Do I need to organize a reception? |
| A: | A reception following the funeral is not compulsory. If you would like to hold a reception a number of options are available:
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| Q: | How do I choose the pallbearers? |
| A: | Six are required to carry the casket. The family usually chooses pallbearers from among family members, close friends, business or work associates, fraternal organizations or church members. Remember there is a physical demand on pallbearers. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers should be at the funeral chapel at least 30 minutes before the start of the service. They can either ride together in a vehicle designated by the family or choose their own vehicle. A list of pallbearers' names should be given to the funeral director at least one day before the funeral. |
| Q: | What is a car list and do I need one? |
| A: | A car list is required by the funeral director to assist in the organizing of the vehicles. Your funeral director will meet with you the day before the funeral. At this meeting decisions will be made concerning which family members are riding in which cars (color and make should be supplied if known). This information will also assist the funeral director for seating at the service. As the family cars arrive, the designated drivers should announce themselves. By doing this cars will be placed in the appropriate order for the procession to the service. NOTE: WHILE PROCEEDING TO A CHURCH OR A CEMETERY IN PROCESSION, IF YOU ENTER AN INTERSECTION AGAINST A RED LIGHT, USE EXTREME CAUTION FOR YOU ARE LIABLE IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS. |
| Q: | What should I prepare for on the day of the Funeral? |
| A: | Usually the day before the funeral, the funeral director will review in detail all the arrangements that will take place the day of the service. |
| Q: | What must I do during the visitation? |
| A: | At this time the funeral director is there to help you any way they can. The visitation traditionally is for family, friends and/or work associates to support and comfort you through your initial period of loss and grief. The funeral director will look after greeting guests, memorial donations, flowers, and so on. |
| Q: | Can I personalize the Funeral Service? |
| A: | Yes, you can personalize the funeral service. You can choose the appropriate music such as comforting hymns and any music specially loved by the deceased (folk, bagpipes, ballads). Treasured family photos, letters from grandchildren or mementos can be displayed in the visiting room. If the deceased belonged to a fraternal organization and they wish to provide a memorial service this is usually done during visiting hours on the evening before the funeral service. Your funeral director can assist you with any special arrangements that you might wish. |
 It is completely expected to be unsure of your expectations before the funeral, especially if you've never had to make funeral arrangements before. Simpler Times has accumulated some common questions that are often asked of funeral directors. Possibly you will find some answers to your own questions. If however you find that your question isn't answered, please don't hesitate to ask your funeral director or visit our Ask the Director forum to ask your question online. |
| Q: | Should we have a funeral service? |
| A: | The funeral provides an opportunity for survivors, and others who share in the loss, to express their love, respect and grief. The funeral permits facing openly and realistically the crisis that death presents. Though difficult to experience, the funeral process takes that important first step for the family towards emotional adjustment for their loss. |
| Q: | Do we have to have a funeral Service? |
| A: | There is no legal requirement. Having a funeral depends on the wishes of the deceased and the immediate family. We all have a basic need to say good-bye with love and dignity. A well-planned funeral service can help in the healing process caused by the death of a loved one. |
| Q: | Who arranges for the clergy? |
| A: | Your funeral director will arrange for a clergy person to provide the service. If you have a spiritual leader or a member of your family you might want to make contact yourself. If you have no religious preference your funeral director will recommend someone to you. |
| Q: | Do we have to have a clergy person? |
| A: | There is no legal requirement. The clergy is trained to assist families, but a family member or close friend can also help you. Consider your options carefully; your funeral director is there to assist you in whatever decision you take. |
| Q: | What do I need for clothing for the deceased? |
| A: | Your funeral director will make arrangements for you to either bring a complete set of clothes to the funeral home, or arrange to pick up the clothing at a convenient time for the family. For men, choose an appropriate suit including a shirt and tie. For women we recommend a long sleeved high-necked dress (include undergarments). Shoes are not required. |
| Q: | What about Jewelry? |
| A: | If you would like jewelry in place for the visitation please provide it to the funeral director. Jewelry could include watches, rings, necklaces, brooches, pins or medals. Remember to let your funeral director know whether you would like to have the jewelry returned or left in place in the casket. |
| Q: | The Funeral Director asked for a recent photo. Why? |
| A: | A recent photograph is extremely helpful to both the staff hairdresser and the cosmetologist. If you have special instructions these should be relayed to the funeral director. |
| Q: | How do I get the death notice into the newspaper? |
| A: | Your funeral director has extensive experience preparing notices for both local and out-of-town newspapers. All notices will be reviewed with the family before being released. |
