A loved one’s death is an extremely trying and emotional time. Managing every detail of the arrangements while grieving can be too much to bear. To alleviate some of the stress, it can be helpful to know what to do and how to do it when planning a funeral.
Making decisions about everything from legal issues to the actual planning of the funeral is necessary when someone passes away. Even though there are professional services available, some families prefer to plan the funeral on their own. Although this method enables more individualized touches, it can also be difficult without assistance.
For individuals who want to handle funeral arrangements themselves, this article provides helpful guidance on all the necessary tasks, from managing paperwork to scheduling the service. We intend to simplify things in order to help you navigate this challenging time a little bit better.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Confirm death | Contact a doctor or call emergency services to officially confirm the person"s death. |
| 2. Notify family and friends | Inform close relatives and friends about the passing to gather support and help with arrangements. |
| 3. Choose a funeral home | Select a funeral home to handle the transportation, paperwork, and organization of the service. |
| 4. Obtain death certificate | Ensure the death certificate is issued by a doctor or coroner, which is needed for legal matters. |
| 5. Plan the funeral | Decide on the type of service, burial or cremation, and make arrangements with the funeral home. |
| 6. Notify relevant authorities | Inform the government, banks, and other institutions about the death to close accounts and handle legal matters. |
| 7. Hold the funeral | Gather family and friends for the service to pay respects and say goodbye. |
Step No. 1
If a tragedy has occurred, then the first call you make is to an ambulance by phone 03. The ambulance doctor must certify death and issue an information sheet indicating the team number and time. It is at this stage that leaks often occur. According to our sources, the cost of information about the deceased can reach 12,000 rubles. Then this amount is “smeared” over the general bill for funeral services, that is, the relatives themselves pay for the services of informants. One of our respondents noted that there was an interval between calls to the ambulance and the police, and it was during this interval that helpful people appeared at the door, “ready to quickly and inexpensively help you organize the funeral”. Now another “trick” has appeared in Yekaterinburg. The ambulance doctor may ask you whether you have called the police. If you have not yet managed to do this, then, while in your apartment, he will offer to call the police from your own phone. And on the other end of the line they will even answer you: “This is the police”, although later it turns out that no one has yet reported to the police. It is surprising that such scammers even choose mobile phone numbers ending in 02 or 102.
Organizing a funeral after a loved one dies can be difficult, but understanding the fundamentals can be helpful. After notifying the appropriate authorities to confirm the death, make arrangements for the body to be transported to a morgue or funeral home. In addition to selecting a service, location, and any religious or customary practices to adhere to, you will need to decide between burial and cremation. In addition to handling necessary paperwork, such as death certificates and cemetery permits, asking for help from friends and family during this trying time can help reduce the emotional toll.
Step No. 2
Simultaneously with the ambulance, we call the police on 02. The police arrive, check if there are any signs of violent death and give directions for transporting the body of the deceased to the morgue. A referral for transporting the body of the deceased to the morgue is an A4 document with a blue seal (this document is issued by the police, they can issue it directly at the place of death, or they can send you to receive it at one of the police stations, there is no single regulation for Yekaterinburg) Important! Policeman must be mandatory in uniform and he must have service ID, which you should carefully read. You can even call the police department and clarify information about this employee. Funeral agents can forge an ID, but they are unlikely to put on a uniform, since this is a serious crime. After these two actions, call the funeral service, which transports the body to the morgue.
What should you never, ever do? The passport of the deceased CANNOT be given to anyone. There should be no way for the passport to leave the apartment. You first get a medical report with your passport, and then the registry office sends you a death certificate.
Cremation or burial?
This depends on many factors. even during life, it informs relatives what to do with the body. According to statistics, cremation is more common in Yekaterinburg. It is cheaper. By the way, the church does not prohibit cremation. After cremation, relatives have the right to bury the urn with ashes in an existing grave. The urn burial service is paid for at the same time as the cremation service, burial documents must be presented to the cemetery administration. Burial services are provided only on weekdays, cemeteries are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are a marginal and are going to secretly bury an urn in a cemetery at night, then keep in mind that no one will ever find the burial place of your relative in the archives.
Although planning a funeral on your own can seem overwhelming, everything can be done in a dignified and respectful manner if you follow the correct procedures and maintain your composure. It’s crucial to begin by contacting the relevant authorities and obtaining the required documentation, including a death certificate.
After the legal matters are resolved, concentrate on making funeral plans that honor the family’s and the deceased’s desires. This entails selecting a burial or cremation, picking a location, and organizing invitations for guests. A memorial service or some flowers can add small but meaningful touches to the farewell.
Finally, keep in mind that this is a sensitive period. It’s acceptable to ask friends, family, or experts for assistance in managing your stress. Self-arranging a funeral can be difficult, but it also gives you the chance to design a meaningful and personal service that pays tribute to your loved one.
