On average, it takes about seven days to plan a funeral since they typically happen a week after the person’s death. However, funeral homes in Erie, PA, will tell you a lot goes into planning a funeral. Depending on several factors, arranging one can take between a day and three weeks.
These factors include the complexity of the funeral, whether there are preplanned arrangements, and more. Depending on each element, this is how long it might take to plan a funeral.
If the funeral is preplanned
Decision-making is at the heart of planning a funeral, and it becomes more challenging when one is dealing with grief. When most of the necessary arrangements have happened before death, planning and execution are easier.
The family doesn’t have to worry about choosing a casket, selecting flowers, or the people who will speak at the service.
When all of these are in place, the funeral can happen within a day or two.
If the deceased wants strict adherence to their religious faith
Sometimes, the time it takes to plan a funeral depends entirely on the religious faith of the deceased or their family members. Some religions, such as Islam, require their believers to be buried within three days. Many followers strive to do so within 24 hours.
You may or may strictly adhere to the religious doctrines of your loved one’s faith. Still, it is advisable to, especially if it is important to them.
If the deceased died out of state
Other times, how long it takes to plan their funeral depends entirely on where the death occurred. If they died out of state, the burial depends on how quickly you can relocate their body to the preferred funeral home.
This involves coordinating with administrators and resolving legal details with other professionals. The efficiency of this process will determine how quickly you can have the funeral.
It could take a few days to several weeks in scenarios like this.
If they had a complicated death
In cases where the cause of death is unknown, the state requires an autopsy. A coroner will perform a surgical procedure to examine the body thoroughly.
The procedure lasts between two to four hours, but families may have to wait six to eight weeks before receiving results.
However, you don’t have to wait for the results to proceed with the burial or cremation. That said, many families choose to wait before saying their final goodbyes.
Several other factors contribute to the planning duration of a funeral. For instance, coordinating the schedule of family and friends can lead to delays by a few days or weeks.
The type of ceremony also contributes. Will it be cremation or traditional burial? Will there be an immediate memorial service? All these things contribute and complicate the planning process.
As a result, the idea of planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially when it is your first time. Try to take things one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance. Funerals are a time to grieve and celebrate the life of someone who has passed. You may feel like attending their funeral because they were close or had been in your life for many years, but it's important that you preplan so there won't be any surprises along the way - especially if this person was very popular with friends and family!
Feel free to reach out to us, Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP. As a funeral home in Erie, PA, we are here to help you tackle the choices one by one and make the process one of love, healing, and life celebration. Call us or visit our location today to get started.
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