Q&A for How to Make Preparations for a Funeral

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What should I do to prepare for a funeral?

David I. Jacobson
Funeral Home Director
David I. Jacobson is the founder of Chicago Jewish Funerals, an independent Jewish owned funeral provider that evolved into two funeral homes in the Chicagoland area. With over 30 years of experience serving families, David is a leading expert on Kavod Hamet, the Jewish traditions of honoring and respecting the dead. David is an active funeral director that serves people planning and in need of funerals, lecturing to congregations, community groups, and schools extensively about the values of the Jewish funeral as well as the dying process and the value of one’s legacy.

David I. Jacobson

Funeral Home Director

Expert Answer

Interview several funeral directors who have a good reputation in your community. Choose someone who makes you feel like they really care for you—you should feel like you can trust them and they're talking to you from their heart.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

What should I write on funeral flowers?

Community Answer

It's common practice to add a short note that includes your name and your condolences to the family of the deceased.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 26
Question

Would it be all right to wear a white long sleeved shirt, a tie, and long black silky pants?

Community Answer

You may want to choose normal black pants to go with the shirt and tie because silky black pants could cause you to trip and fall in the cemetery. The pants could also rip too.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 16
Question

How can I let my loved ones know what I want for my funeral?

Community Answer

You can leave this information in your will, or you can write out your final resting wishes and leave them with a trusted friend or relative. You may want to have these documents notarized, just in case there's any disagreement among your relatives.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 30
Question

What should I wear to a close relative's funeral if I am pregnant?

Community Answer

Wear a dark colored maternity dress or a dark colored top with dark pants. Wear flats instead of heels because your feet can be more tender during pregnancy.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 25
Question

I'm thinking of arranging a limo to take me and my husband to his father's cremation, should I proceed?

Community Answer

Of course, but if you are using a funeral home, they may have their own transportation arrangements for immediate family so you might want to check with them first.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 20
Question

When getting photos ready, do there need to be photos of everyone, or just the deceased?

Community Answer

It’s up to you; if the deceased had other requests, follow them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
Question

Who should get a thank you card after the funeral?

Community Answer

Thank you cards are not traditionally sent after funerals, but you can send thank you cards to those who sent flowers or other gifts if you want to.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6
Question

What if I end up soiling my underpants during my mother's cremation?

Pearlbelle

Top Answerer

If you have an accident, quietly exit the service and building, go to a store and purchase some new underpants. Find a restroom and change into the new pants and then rejoin the cremation.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 17
Question

To whom should the flag be given at a military funeral if his wife is deceased?

Buddy4

Community Answer

It should be given to one of his kids.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
Question

If you have any photos of your loved one who passed away, should you bring them?

LICCS3478

Community Answer

Absolutely. You can display them or even place them inside the casket. Photos can be in the casket for burial or cremation.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0