GMP Funeral Planner

Public FAQ

A compassionate, practical FAQ to guide families step by step. Links point to Ghana Memorial Products

Initial Steps

What are the very first actions to take after a death?

Documentation

Why is the death certificate important and how quickly should we get it?

Notification

Who should we inform officially besides family?

One-Week Observance

What happens at the Christian one-week observance in Ghana?

Committee & Roles

Should we form a funeral planning committee?

Funeral Director

Do we need a funeral director and when should we hire one?

Venue

How do we select a church/chapel and burial site?

Cemetery

What cemetery arrangements should we make in advance?

Service Participants

Who typically participates in the service?

Liturgy & Music

What elements go into a Christian funeral order of service?

Timing

When should family arrive at the venue on the day of service?

How far in advance should tasks be scheduled?

Printed Materials

Which printed items are customary?

Obituary

What should an obituary include?

Announcements

When do we send funeral announcements or posters?

Transportation

What transport logistics are typical?

Seating & Flow

How do we manage guest seating and flow?

Displays & Media

Can we display photos and a memory table?

Sound & Livestream

Should we arrange sound and livestream?

Body Preparation

What body preparation is common?

Casket/Urn

How do we choose a casket or urn?

Flowers

Any guidance on flowers and delivery?

Ghanaian Traditions

What attire is typical in Ghanaian Christian funerals?

Donations (Nsawa)

How are donations handled at Ghanaian funerals?

One-Year Memorial

What is the one-year memorial about?

Reception

Should we host a reception, and who coordinates it?

After Service

What follow-up tasks are recommended after the service?

Budgeting

What are the main cost areas to budget for?

Cost Control

How can we control costs without losing dignity?

Public Notices

When should we inform newspapers or radio?

Programme Content

What goes into a funeral brochure/programme?

Day-Of Logistics

Who should be on-site before guests arrive?

Weather Plan

How do we plan for weather on the day?

Procession

Any tips for the procession to the cemetery?

Checklist

Is there a master checklist we can follow?

Programme Content

What goes into a funeral brochure/programme?

Posters & Banners

Are funeral posters and banners customary in Ghana?

Pallbearers

Do we need professional pallbearers?

Cultural Sensitivities

Can we include traditional elements within a Christian funeral?

Appreciation

How should we express thanks after the funeral?

Records

What records should we keep?

Using the Planner

How does the GMP Funeral Planner help?

Budget Tool

Can the Planner help us estimate and track costs?

Communication

How do we coordinate invitations and attendance?

Templates

Are there templates for programmes and notices?

On-Site Checks

What last-minute checks are essential before the service?

Honoraria

Whom should we prepare honoraria for?

Cremation

Are there special steps for cremation?

Guest Management

How do we estimate attendees and plan catering?

Facilities

What facilities should we consider for larger crowds?

Accounts & Reporting

What happens with funeral accounts afterward?