Are Funerals Events?

It may feel awkward to talk about a funeral in the context of an event but I think they qualify. Funeral home staff do an amazing job of pulling together events of varying sizes with very little notice every day. Depending on your faith, once a loved one passes, the activities to plan could include hundreds of people, span multiple days, and include a meal or three. There might be ceremonies, processions, people moving, travel accommodations, and a lot of sitting around. Some of you may be asking how this falls under the category of events. I don’t see how it doesn’t.

Some of the activities require a venue; the funeral home itself, a church, banquet hall, VFW, or someone’s backyard. With spaces come the necessary resources that need to be secured. Add to the mix the fact that there usually isn’t a guest list and almost nobody can predict what the attendance might be. I can only imagine the challenge it is to select the right sized venue and set up an acceptable number of tables, chairs, sofas, engage volunteers, and set out tissue boxes. And, remember the planner is navigating family dynamics, relationships, emotions, and opinions.

Logistically, “behind the scenes” preparations also need to be arranged. For example, if the family is burying a casket, at the cemetery itself a hole needs to be dug, equipment for lowering the casket needs to be set up, and space for the family and friends to be present needs to be prepared with items like chairs and a lectern, and depending on location and weather; a tent and artificial grass or a rug.

Meals can range from a family dinner at a restaurant or someone’s house all the way to a large catered affair at a banquet hall. I can only imagine that the funeral home staff assisting these families feel like they are planning a wedding with a few days notice all the time. Everything needs to be booked: venue, catering, resources, linens, tableware, program, waitstaff, number of buffet lines, and more.

Funeral home staff and those who help families with the events surrounding the death of a loved one have a unique gift. They combine extraordinary compassion and the ability to get things done. They can guide family members in their decision-making on some of the most emotional or impactful days of their lives while making their loved ones wishes come true. These planners can facilitate military honors, navigate estranged family dynamics, make the best of a bad situation, and do so with the most calm and encouraging demeanor.

I’m grateful for funeral planners. It is a job I’m not sure I’m suited for.

Have you worked with a funeral home? I am interested to hear your story! Email me and let’s set up a time to talk.

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