A Guide to Planning an Out-of-State Funeral

Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. • January 30, 2023

Where do you begin? What are some things to consider? Fortunately, we’re here to help! This guide will get you started on planning an out-of-state funeral. 

Planning an out-of-state funeral can seem like a daunting prospect. However, by putting together the correct steps beforehand and reaching out to the right funeral home or cremation service in West Grove, PA, you can make sure that your loved one’s final wishes are met without complications. 


Here are some helpful tips from them to help you plan an out-of-state funeral. 


Determine where the funeral will hold 


Answering this question will determine if you need to work with one or two funeral homes. If you wish to transport the body before or after the funeral, you will need a shipping and receiving funeral home. 


However, this only applies if you wish to bury the body outside the state or hold the funeral in your city or a third location. If you choose cremation, you only need one funeral home, regardless of where the funeral takes place. 


Find the right funeral homes 


When you’re making arrangements for an out-of-state funeral, you’ll want to find reputable funeral homes in the state that can provide the level of service and care you want for your loved one.


However, not all funeral homes are created equal; some may be better equipped to handle out-of-state services than others.


Ask your loved one’s friends and family members if they know of any funeral home in the area that they’d recommend. You can also conduct an online search of recommended funeral homes in the state where your loved one passed away to see what options are available to you. 


Estimate costs and create a budget 


One of the most important things to do when planning an out-of-state funeral is to make a realistic estimate of costs. Aside from the funeral cost itself, you may also want to consider additional expenses such as travel, lodging, or meals while you’re in the other state. 


Once you have an idea of each state’s laws regarding funerals, you can start to get a ballpark figure of what the costs will be. Your chosen funeral can also provide a cost estimate. 


With an estimate and budget, you’re well informed to create a service your loved one deserves. 


Plan for your Guests 



An out-of-state funeral almost always means some guests will come from out of town. Whether it’s relatives coming from different parts of the country or community members making the trip to your location to pay their respects. 


It’s better to make the trip easy on everyone, starting with releasing the obituary as quickly as possible. The earlier the traveling attendees know about the passing and funeral information, the sooner they can make travel plans. 


Another way is to hold the funeral on the weekend. Saturday afternoons and early Sundays are popular days for a funeral because most people are free to attend and spend extended time mourning the departed before life beckons. 


In the end, the success of an out-of-state funeral relies on the funeral director. They will do most, if not all, of the arrangement on your behalf. You should go with the most capable option. 


Call us now if you need one to help arrange a cremation service in West Grove, PA. We help families, far and near, give their loved ones a befitting farewell


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