At Lewis Funeral Home, we’ve walked alongside San Antonio families during some of their most difficult moments for over four decades. As a long-standing member of this community, we understand how overwhelming arranging a funeral can feel, especially when emotions are raw and time feels limited. We’ve had the honor of helping thousands of families say goodbye with grace, dignity, and peace of mind.
Through this journey, we’ve gathered insights and practical knowledge that can help lighten the burden of planning. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, or are preparing to assist someone who has, we offer the following tips based on our years of service. Here are seven essential tips to help guide you through the process of arranging a meaningful funeral service.
1. Start with a Meaningful Conversation
The first step in planning a loved one’s funeral is to talk with close family members or friends. At Lewis Funeral Home, we’ve seen how beneficial it can be to gather everyone involved and create a safe space to discuss your loved one’s wishes, whether they were pre-planned or not. If your loved one has made pre-arrangements, review those plans together and make sure everyone understands them.
If no arrangements were made, this conversation becomes even more important. Talk openly about preferences such as burial versus cremation, religious or spiritual elements, and any traditions you wish to honor. We encourage families to think of this as an opportunity not just to coordinate logistics, but to begin the healing process through shared memories and decision-making.
2. Choose the Right Funeral Home Partner
Your funeral home will be your guide through every step of the process, so it’s vital to choose one that aligns with your needs and values. At Lewis Funeral Home, our role is to provide compassionate support while offering decades of expertise in managing details large and small. Look for a funeral home with experience, transparent pricing, and a deep respect for cultural and spiritual traditions.
A good funeral director should be a listener, a problem-solver, and a steady presence when emotions run high. Our team in San Antonio is always available for in-person consultations or phone calls, even if you’re still weighing options. We believe that families should never feel rushed or pressured when making such significant decisions.
3. Personalize the Service with Care
A truly meaningful funeral reflects the unique life being remembered. Personalization goes beyond flowers and favorite songs. It’s about creating moments that resonate with who your loved one truly was.
We encourage families to incorporate hobbies, achievements, or even a loved one’s sense of humor. Was your father a gardener? Consider a flower-themed display or seed packets as takeaways. Did your sister love jazz music? Let that soundtrack her farewell. At Lewis Funeral Home, we help families think creatively. From photo slideshows to memory tables and tribute videos, there are endless ways to turn a funeral service into a heartfelt celebration of life.
4. Understand the Paperwork and Legal Requirements
Unfortunately, even in moments of grief, there are documents to complete and processes to follow. But the good news is, you don’t have to face them alone. One of our primary roles at Lewis Funeral Home is to handle the necessary paperwork so you can focus on what matters most.
We assist with filing the death certificate, obtaining permits for cremation or burial, and notifying the Social Security Administration, among other tasks. We’ll also help you order certified copies of the death certificate, which you’ll need for legal and financial matters. Knowing that these technicalities are being handled by professionals can provide immense peace of mind during a time of loss.
5. Consider the Timing and Type of Service
There’s no right or wrong timeline when it comes to honoring someone’s life. Some families prefer to hold a funeral service within days, while others choose to wait weeks to allow out-of-town loved ones to attend or to plan a more elaborate tribute. We guide families in choosing between a traditional funeral, a memorial service held after cremation, or a celebration of life. Each option can be tailored to fit personal, religious, or cultural needs.
At Lewis Funeral Home, we believe that flexibility matters. We’ll help you navigate scheduling, venue options, and any restrictions or preferences that may influence your timeline. Whether it’s a sunrise gathering or an evening vigil, we’ll help you make it meaningful.
In recent years, cremation has become the most common choice among U.S. families. In a study done by NFDA, in 2024, 61.9% of deaths were projected to involve cremation, while only 33.2% opted for burial, reflecting a growing comfort with cremation as a modern, flexible, and often more affordable option. NFDA projects that cremation could rise to 82% by 2045. Understanding this broader shift may help families feel confident in choosing cremation based on values and convenience, and not just tradition
6. Support Guests and Out-of-Town Family
One of the most thoughtful things you can do during this time is make attending the funeral as seamless as possible for others. From travel accommodations to clear communication, guests appreciate a well-organized experience. Our team often assists with hotel recommendations and obituary publication to keep everyone informed.
We also help set up online memorial pages where people can share memories, RSVP, or donate in lieu of flowers. Families can also consider live-streaming services for those who can’t attend in person. We’ve seen how powerful it is when distant relatives can still feel present during a funeral service, even if they’re halfway around the world.
7. Plan for After the Service
The day of the funeral is just one part of the grieving process. After guests leave and services conclude, there are still emotional and practical considerations to address. We always talk with families about what comes next, whether it’s choosing a permanent memorial, managing the estate, or connecting with grief counseling resources.
Lewis Funeral Home offers aftercare support because we know that healing doesn’t end at the graveside. It’s also important to plan for the reception, if you choose to hold one. Many families opt for a gathering at a home, a local restaurant, or a community center. We can recommend venues in the San Antonio area and help coordinate catering or setup.
Allow Yourself Grace Through the Process
We’ve seen families try to take on too much or worry about getting everything right. Planning a funeral is never easy, but with guidance, compassion, and community, it becomes a powerful act of love. At Lewis Funeral Home, we are honored to be a trusted presence for San Antonio families during their most tender times. For over 40 years, we’ve helped individuals of every background create meaningful farewells whether simple or grand, religious or secular, traditional or modern. Our doors are always open, and our hearts are always with the families we serve.
Contact Us Today
Let us be a source of comfort and clarity as you navigate these decisions. You don’t have to walk this path alone. Above all else, we remind families that there’s no such thing as a perfect funeral. Grief is deeply personal, and no two funeral services nor journeys look the same. The best thing you can do is allow space for feelings, yours and everyone else’s, and know that it’s okay to ask for help.
