Making Funeral Arrangements: Where to Start
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Start with the big decisions — burial or cremation, and what kind of service, if any — then work through logistics like date, location, and who to involve. The funeral home you're working with will walk you through this step by step; you don't need to arrive with everything figured out.
Making arrangements can feel overwhelming precisely because there are so many decisions at once. Breaking it into an order helps.
Start with the biggest decision: burial or cremation
This is usually the first fork in the road, and it shapes most of what follows. If you’re not sure, the funeral home can walk you through the considerations, and our Funerals & Cremation guides go deeper on each option.
Then: what kind of service, if any
- A traditional funeral service
- A memorial service (without the body present)
- A celebration of life, less formal in tone
- A small, private gathering
- No formal service at all
None of these is more “correct” than another — this is entirely about what fits your family and, where known, your loved one’s wishes.
Then: the logistical details
Once the big decisions are made, the rest follows more easily:
- Date, time, and location
- Who will speak, and what readings or music to include
- Whether to have a viewing or visitation beforehand
- Obituary details (see our separate guide on writing an obituary)
You don’t need to arrive with answers
The funeral home’s job is to walk you through each of these decisions in order — you’re not expected to show up with a fully formed plan.
If cost is a concern
Ask for the General Price List early in the conversation — funeral homes are required by law to provide it, and it lets you see exactly what each option costs before committing to anything.
Costs, options, and local customs vary — your funeral home can walk you through what’s realistic for your specific situation and budget.
Frequently asked questions
What if we don't know what our loved one wanted?+
This is common. Think about what you know of their values and preferences, and involve close family in the decision together. There's no way to get this "wrong" if it's made thoughtfully and with love.
How much does a funeral typically cost?+
Costs vary enormously based on choices made — a traditional funeral with burial is usually the most expensive option, while direct cremation is typically the least expensive. The funeral home's General Price List will show itemized costs so you can decide what matters most to include.
How long do we have to decide everything?+
The funeral home will tell you what needs to be decided quickly (like burial vs. cremation) versus what can be figured out over the following days (like specific service details).
Do we have to have a religious service?+
No — funerals can be religious, secular, or a blend, entirely based on what fits your family. See our Faith, Culture & Traditions guides if a specific tradition matters to you.
Sources
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