Losing a loved one brings intense emotions, often accompanied by a sense of uncertainty—especially if the family has no prior experience organizing a funeral. Many questions can arise quickly: what steps to take first, what documentation to prepare, and whom to contact. This article provides a practical overview of the steps involved, serving as a guide for families navigating the process for the first time.

First steps following the death of a loved one

The first step after a loved one passes away is the official pronouncement of death by a physician, who issues a death certificate—a document essential for all subsequent administrative procedures. If the person died in a hospital, hospital staff usually handle this step. If the death occurred at home, it is necessary to call emergency medical services or the attending physician to officially confirm the death.

Next, the family contacts a funeral home to handle the arrangements—ranging from transporting the deceased to assisting with the necessary paperwork and coordinating the funeral service.

Documentation to prepare

To organize the funeral, the family should prepare the deceased’s photo ID (identity card or passport), the physician-issued death certificate, and details regarding any existing burial plot, should the family already own a family grave. If a personal identification document is unavailable, a confirmation of identity can be obtained from the police to serve as a substitute.

It is also advisable to prepare the basic details about the deceased needed for the death notice in advance—full name, dates of birth and death, and the names of the immediate family members signing the notice.

Choosing a funeral home

Selecting a reliable funeral home is a crucial step that greatly simplifies the entire process. Families are advised to choose a company that offers comprehensive organizational services—transport, funeral supplies, death notices, flowers, music, and funeral coordination—to avoid the need to contact multiple service providers within a short timeframe. It is also important to verify that the company is available 24/7, given that death can occur at any time of day or night.

Decisions the family needs to make

During the funeral planning process, the family will need to make several important decisions. The first is the type of funeral—cremation or traditional burial—which determines the subsequent course of arrangements. Next comes the selection of funeral supplies—a coffin or urn, and potentially a grave marker. The family also decides on the location and time of the service, the music accompanying the ceremony (such as a *klapa* group, vocal ensemble, solo guitarist, brass band, or recorded music), as well as floral arrangements and wreaths.
Not all decisions need to be made at once; an experienced funeral home representative will guide the family through every step and present available options based on their wishes and means.

Family checklist — funeral planning steps

To make the process clearer, the family can follow this sequence of steps: first, obtain a death certificate from a doctor. Second, contact a funeral home and arrange for the collection of the deceased. Third, prepare the deceased’s personal identification documents and basic information for the obituary. Fourth, decide on the type of funeral (cremation or burial). Fifth, select funeral supplies using the funeral home’s catalog. Sixth, arrange the time and location of the service. Seventh, choose music and floral arrangements. Eighth, publish the obituary in newspapers or through other channels. Ninth, notify extended family and friends of the funeral details.

Emotional Preparation for the Family

In addition to practical and administrative steps, it is important to address the emotional aspect of the process. Organizing a funeral can feel overwhelming; therefore, it is helpful for the family to designate one person as the primary point of contact with the funeral home, allowing other family members to focus on supporting one another and preparing for the service itself. Professional support from the funeral home significantly reduces the pressure on the family, enabling them to focus on a dignified farewell.

When the Family Has No Prior Experience

If the family has never organized a funeral before, the most important thing to remember is that they do not need to know everything in advance. An experienced funeral home team asks the right questions, explains every step, and handles the administrative burden, leaving the family free to focus on what matters most—saying goodbye to their loved one.

In Conclusion

Preparing for a funeral without prior experience can seem daunting, but with a clear step-by-step structure and the right support, the process becomes much simpler. Our team at In Memoriam – Zagreb is available 24/7 to provide families with comprehensive support—from the initial contact to the final farewell—maintaining a professional and compassionate approach at every stage.