What factors should be considered in selecting the day and time of the funeral?
Some religious practices and customs require that the decedent be buried within 24 hours. Otherwise, it is customary to allow enough time for out-of-town guests to make travel arrangements to attend the service. (See Bereavement Travel.)Family and friends should also have enough time to read the obituary and arrange for time off from work. While some people may want to get through the service as quickly as possible, saying good-bye is an important part of accepting loss and letting go.