How to organise a funeral ceremony

Preparing the farewell — the venue, the order of events, the officiant, the farewell address, music, and flowers. The administrative formalities are part of organising the funeral.

At church, at the cemetery or funeral home chapel, directly at the graveside, or at home — for the wake and a final farewell.

For a religious ceremony, a priest. For a civil ceremony, a celebrant or a close friend or relative. The officiant is chosen in advance.

Receiving those present; the service or the officiant's address; the farewell address and eulogy; the final tribute by the coffin; the procession and lowering into the grave.

Usually someone close to the family. It can be a eulogy or a few sincere memories. It is best kept short and prepared in advance.

At a religious service, the singing follows the church's order. At a civil ceremony, a piece of music that meant something to the deceased may be chosen, in a sober tone.

Wreaths, sprays, and bouquets, chosen with restraint. Flowers are placed by the coffin and then taken to the grave. The funeral home helps with arrangements.

Through the death announcement — in a newspaper, online, or on social media — with the date, time, and venue. This lets relatives and friends know so they can be there.

Yes. The law recognises both religious and civil ceremonies. The choice depends on the faith and wishes of the deceased and the family.

A funeral service usually lasts under an hour, to which the procession and graveside rites are added. A civil ceremony may be shorter.

Many attend the memorial meal (pomana), as is customary. The next commemorations — at three, nine, and forty days — are also arranged at this time.

The funeral home organises the procession — transporting the coffin and accompanying it to the cemetery — so that everything proceeds with dignity and without hurry.

A great deal — the venue, the officiant, the order of events, the farewell address, music, and flowers. Planning ahead makes things significantly easier for the family.

Yes, especially for a civil ceremony — music, words, symbols. For a religious ceremony the order of the service is observed, but everything else can be chosen.

We organise the ceremony from start to finish — the venue, the officiant, music, flowers, and the procession — so the family can pray and say goodbye.

As soon as the funeral date is set. The venue, officiant, and order of events are prepared in the days before. The funeral home coordinates everything quickly.

In theory yes, but it is difficult — transport, cemetery, paperwork, coordination. The funeral home takes care of everything so the family can focus on saying goodbye.

The family, together with the priest or officiant. At a religious service the order is given; at a civil ceremony the order is chosen freely.

Yes. A ceremony can be held before the cremation or at the placing of the urn. The form — religious or civil — remains the family's choice.

Usually male relatives and close friends, or the funeral home's staff. A heavy solid-wood coffin requires more bearers.

Yes, on request and with the officiant's agreement. A discreet live stream helps relatives abroad who cannot attend to still be present.

The ceremony can be delayed to await their arrival, within the available time, or streamed online. We set the date together, taking account of everyone close.

The priest or officiant, and, if wished, close friends or family members who say a few words or read the eulogy. It is best to inform them in advance.

At a civil ceremony, yes — a piece that meant something to the deceased. At a religious service, the singing follows the church's order.

Wreaths and sprays are taken to the grave and placed on it. Some may be left at the chapel, according to custom and preference.

Yes. A small ceremony with only family and close friends is an increasingly common choice. We prepare it with the same care as a larger one.

It depends on the services — venue, transport, flowers, music. We provide a clear breakdown with no hidden costs. See also the guide on what a funeral costs.

As many as you wish — from a small family gathering to a large ceremony. We prepare the space and seating based on the expected number.

Within certain limits, yes — a short service followed by words and music chosen by the family. We establish with the priest what is appropriate.

The family, through the death announcement in a newspaper or online. The funeral home helps you confirm the time with the church and the cemetery so everything fits together.

Yes. Candles have an important place, especially at a religious ceremony. At a civil ceremony too, a lit candle is a gentle symbol of remembrance.