The Arrangement Conference

By: Shane Ritchie, CFSP, Licensee-In-Charge

    
Your funeral director is there to assist you in creating a tribute that is a meaningful and memorable reflection of your loved one’s life. While each funeral service should be unique to the individual, there is some information and items that are necessary in every case. Below is a list of common items to bring to the arrangement conference. 
 

·         Important Documents and Information:  For the death certificate and obituary you will need your loved ones full name, Social Security number, birthdate, marriage information, cemetery information, primary physician’s name, parents names (including mother’s maiden name), spouse’s name (maiden name for wives), birthplace, military discharge (DD214), life insurance policies, employment information, education information, names of family members and their spouses.

·         Photos: A clear, recent photo of your loved one to aid the hairdresser and cosmetologist and for the newspaper and website obituary. Forty to fifty pictures for a DVD tribute video, if desired.

·          Clothing: It is very appropriate to bring clothing that fits your loved ones personality. It doesn’t have to be a suit or dress but those are always appropriate also. Long sleeves are usually the best choice. Be sure to bring a complete set of underclothes; under pants, socks and undershirt for a man, panties, bra, and hose or socks for a woman.

·         Glasses: If your loved one wore glasses, it would be wise to bring them. Although most people don’t wear glasses when in repose, your loved one will look much more familiar to those who are used to seeing them with them on. Be sure and tell your funeral director if you wish the glasses to be returned to you after the service, if you want them to remain with your loved one or if they should be donated to your local Lions Club.

·         Jewelry: Any type of jewelry that your loved one wore in life is appropriate. Be sure to let your funeral director know if the jewelry should be returned to you after the service or if it will remain with your loved one.

·         Favorite poem or verse for the memorial folders (Your funeral director can help you with this if you don’t have anything in particular in mind).

At the arrangement conference (or any time before, during or after the service), don’t hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. Your funeral director is there to serve you and will be happy to help in any way possible.

     Remember, at Beard Mortuary, we try and make the entire process as comfortable and convenient for you as possible. We will gladly provide a complimentary limo and driver to bring you and your family to the arrangement conference, or, if you prefer, we will come to your home and hold the arrangement conference there.  Our complimentary limo and concierge service is available to you throughout the funeral process. Just let us know when you wish to be picked up and where you need to go. We will take care of the details and our professional driver will arrive promptly and will be ready to assist you in any way possible.