Arranging a funeral is something we all must do at some point in our life. It can be a trying time and a complicated one. This article will help you to prepare a nice church funeral. It lays out the necessary steps to make the process easier on you, and the family.

Choose a Funeral Director
The first step you should take is in choosing a funeral director that will best suit your price range and religious affiliation. Funeral directors are very accommodating and can usually suit whatever needs you and the family require. He or she will also be able to talk you through the difficult decisions you’ll have to make and help you through your wishes or the wishes of the deceased.

Here is a simple list of questions the funeral director might ask you:

- Where would you like the service to be held?
- Would you like to have a burial or cremation?
- Do you wish to view the deceased?
- Would you like to have the jewelry returned or remain?
- Pick out the hymns, music floral arrangements and eulogy.
- Who would be chosen for the pallbearers?
- Would you like to arrange a location for food following the service?

Thank You Cards
After the funeral it is polite to mail out hand written thank you card to those who attended along with a thank you note to the clergy or pastor.

Here is a sample of a properly worded funeral thank you card:

“Thank you for the beautiful flowers you sent for _______’s service. Our family appreciates your kindness during this difficult time. We are grateful to have friends (or family) like you.”

Funeral Costs and Service Fees
No matter the size or needs of the funeral, there will be costs. Below is a breakdown of costs you might encounter in preparing the church funeral.

- Casket or urn
- Cemetery or Cremation costs
- Obituary or newspaper article
- Funeral director fee
- Moving costs for transferring the deceased
- Medical certificates
- Clergy fee
- Music if requested
- Fee for chapel or church
- Floral arrangements
- Possible food after service

Hopefully this article has assisted in your efforts to coordinate a church funeral. By providing a place for others to celebrate your loved one’s life it allows their memories to live on.