How to Plan a Funeral When You Are Out-Of-Town

Tania Tack • August 26, 2016

Sometimes people live in different parts of the province or world when a loved one passes away. Other times, a loved one passes away at home while everyone else is off on holidays in a lavish resort. On occasion, the next of kin may be away on a business trip when their ailing parent dies. Planning a funeral for a loved one when out-of-town for whatever reason can pose many challenges.

Start Planning a Remote Funeral

– Contact funeral homes
– Have conversations with the funeral director and staff
– Learn about burial and cremation services

Find a funeral home with staff that will work alongside you and your family. The staff at the funeral home should be understanding and accommodating. There is a great deal to do in a relatively short amount of time. Having to plan a funeral from a different city or time zone may affect the planning process.

Considerations for a Remote Funeral

– Ensure the funeral home has the technology and knowledge to make arrangements over the phone or via email. Having these means will make the arrangement process easier
– Ask friends to help with tasks and errands

Instead of planning a funeral remotely, there is also an option to transport the deceased to where the rest of the family if located. Depending on circumstances, it may be easier to bring your loved one to you than to travel or to plan remotely. To make arrangements for transportation, families will be required to deal with the local funeral home as well as the funeral home in the city of the deceased. A family can decide if they wish to have a burial or a cremation.

Additional Item for a Remote Funeral

The deceased will need to be embalmed, placed in a casket and transported. Once that process is complete, a family can proceed with services and burial.

Cremation Before or After the Shipping?

The family can deal with the funeral home and crematorium. A memorial service can take place once the cremated remains arrive.

For a comprehensive guide outlining the rules and regulations associated with shipping remains, visit: Guide to Shipping Remains

A family can avoid many additional costs by having a written directive in place. By having funeral plans in place, and even paid for can alleviate many of the challenges that arise when planning a funeral, especially remotely. For more information on pre-planning, visit: Pre-Planning Options

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