Planning a funeral is not the easiest thing to do at the best of times. But when you add in coronavirus restrictions to the mix, things get a lot harder – especially if there are more than 30 close family members who expect to be invited. But there are many ways you can host a funeral. Leading to creative ways in which you can include more people than you may have thought possible.
Planning the Funeral
Planning a funeral is a difficult process, especially if you never spoke to the deceased about what they wanted. However, you should always read the Will before you start any funeral planning. A Will can contain more information than you might expect. If the deceased has made a good estate plan, then the Will can contain any details about funeral payment plans or arrangements that have been made with local funeral directors. If they haven’t made any arrangements of those type; then they may have recorded details about their wishes in regards to their funeral. Once you’ve read the Will, it is a good idea to talk to a funeral director before anyone else. As the experts in funerals, they are aware of the restrictions that apply to specific types of services. They’ll discuss the services and can advise you on numbers and anything else you might need to know.
Songs, Memorials, and the Eulogy
Besides burying the deceased or cremating the deceased, there are three things that most people associate with a funeral – songs, memorials, and the Eulogy. With Covid-19, there are some restrictions that affect how these are involved in the funeral service. Songs can’t be sung, and all but short and selected professional performances are allowed. This means that for most, the best way to incorporate music into a funeral service is to use a recording. The recording can be anything from a CD that you own to playing a video that you have found on YouTube. Either way, the recording can take care of the singing and the music.
Memorials that are given by friends and family are limited at funerals; mainly due to the limited numbers that can attend. However, many celebrants who officiate the funeral service are willing to read a memorial that is written and sent to them prior to the service.
The Eulogy is still something that can go ahead as usual. Although you may want to contact those who cannot attend in order to have their memories included in the Eulogy.
Attendance
Though a maximum of 30 people can attend a funeral service in person, there is nothing to stop you broadcasting the funeral service via the internet. There are a number of different sites that host streams from funerals and weddings. They charge a one-off fee per event and provide you with a login username and password. These login details are unique to your event so you can share it privately with those you want to include. Though it is not quite the same as being there to say goodbye and grieve together, it is a good way to get closure and still say your final goodbyes during these troubled times.
Do you need to get your affairs in order? Is estate planning on the top of your to-do-list? Need to get your Will written? Call our experts today to see how we can help you get everything ready and make sure your loved ones are well provided for.
