Complete Funeral Planning Checklist & Guide

Complete Funeral Planning Checklist & Guide

Planning Checklists
100 Items
Step-by-step funeral planning checklist covering legal tasks, service arrangements, ceremony details, and aftercare support.

Essential Steps for Thoughtful Funeral Planning

Planning a funeral involves emotional and practical responsibilities. This comprehensive checklist helps families organize legal documentation, coordinate with funeral homes, choose ceremony details, manage transportation, and handle post-service arrangements. It ensures every step—from honoring loved ones to final aftercare—is handled with compassion, clarity, and respect.

1. Initial Notification & Legal Steps

1Obtain legal pronouncement of death (doctor, hospital, coroner)
2Notify close family and friends
3Locate and review any advance directive, will, or funeral plan
4Check for pre-paid funeral arrangements or insurance that covers funeral costs
5Contact funeral home / mortuary to take responsibility for the body
6Request certified copies of death certificate (several)
7Secure necessary permits (burial permit, transit permit)
8Notify employer, social security or pension agencies, insurance companies
9Freeze or monitor financial, digital, and administrative accounts
10Engage a trusted family member or coordinator to oversee arrangements

2. Personal & Biographical Information

1Full legal name (and aliases)
2Date and place of birth
3Parent(s)' names (including mother's maiden name)
4Marital status, spouse's name if any
5Occupation / employment history
6Education and affiliations (clubs, religious, military, etc.)
7Military / veteran status, service records (if applicable)
8Social security, national ID, or other registry numbers
9Next of kin, heirs, immediate family list
10Preferences or statements from deceased (if available)

3. Disposition & Interment Decisions

1Choice between burial, cremation, or alternative disposition
2Select cemetery, grave plot, or columbarium
3Determine whether a burial vault or liner is required
4Decide on urn, mausoleum, crypt, or scattering (for cremation)
5Plan for memorial marker, gravestone, or plaque
6Decide on viewing / visitation (open or closed casket)
7Consider green / eco-friendly options (biodegradable caskets, natural burial)
8Reserve interment date/time with cemetery
9Verify rules, fees, or regulations of cemetery or location
10Arrange for transportation to final resting place

4. Funeral Home & Service Logistics

1Choose a funeral home / mortuary company
2Meet in arrangement conference with funeral director
3Select casket or coffin, or container for cremation
4Prepare and dress the deceased (clothing, hair, cosmetics)
5Choose time, date, and location for funeral or memorial service
6Select type of service (religious, secular, cremation service, graveside only)
7Coordinate transportation (hearse, limousines, escorts)
8Provide pallbearers, ushers, processional order
9Print or design program / memorial folders / service booklets
10Arrange audiovisual equipment, slide shows, photo displays

5. Ceremony, Music & Readings

1Select officiant or celebrant (religious leader, family member, speaker)
2Choose hymns, music, or songs (live or recorded)
3Choose readings, prayers, poems, scriptures
4Determine who will give the eulogy or speeches
5Decide on order of service (procession, welcome, readings, music, interment)
6Decide whether to have an open casket visitation or viewing period
7Arrange for memorial displays or memory tables (photos, memorabilia)
8Provide guest book or sign-in register
9Provide printed memorial keepsakes (cards, bookmarks)
10Plan a receiving or wake / reception after service

6. Floral, Decorations & Personal Touches

1Choose funeral floral arrangements (wreaths, sprays, bouquets)
2Select color themes or styles for décor
3Choose photographs to display (lifecycle, favorite portraits)
4Select memorabilia, keepsakes, or personal items to be displayed
5Prepare tribute video or slideshow presentation
6Design memorial stationery (thank you cards, programs)
7Choose clothing, jewelry, or personal items for the deceased
8Decide on symbols or religious items to include (cross, rosary, flag, etc.)
9Order signage, directional markers, seating charts
10Consider guest gifts or tokens (e.g. memorial cards)

7. Communication, Announcement & Invitations

1Write and publish the obituary
2Determine which newspapers, websites, or media will publish it
3Notify extended family, friends, organizations, and acquaintances
4Send formal invitations or notices (mail, email, social media)
5Prepare online memorial or tribute pages
6Provide directions / maps to service, cemetery, reception
7Coordinate transportation or accommodations for out-of-town guests
8Prepare acknowledgment cards (for sympathy, condolences)
9Provide live streaming info if remote attendance is needed
10Establish point of contact (phone number, website, liaison person)

8. Financial, Legal & Administrative

1Get cost estimates from funeral home (itemized)
2Review and approve contract / agreement with funeral provider
3Identify and collect sources to pay funeral (insurance, estate, family contributions)
4File claims (life insurance, social security death benefit)
5Retain receipts and financial records for accounting
6Notify banks, credit cards, and other financial institutions
7Cancel or transfer subscriptions or services in the deceased's name
8Update title / ownership of property or assets
9Handle probate, executor duties, and estate settlement
10Review and update legal documents (will, beneficiary designations)

9. Aftercare, Memorials & Remembrances

1Plan memorial events or anniversaries (1 month, 1 year, etc.)
2Establish ongoing charitable giving or memorial funds
3Arrange for headstone inscription, cleaning, or installation
4Send thank-you notes to participants, donors, speakers, helpers
5Ensure delivery of personal items and memorabilia to family
6Assist family with grief support, counseling referrals
7Maintain digital legacy (social media accounts, memorial pages)
8Conduct final account settlement / close estate obligations
9Record and archive photos, video, and service materials for posterity
10Periodically visit gravesite, maintain memorial

10. Checklist for Pre-Planning (for yourself or advance planning)

1Document your own funeral preferences (type of service, burial or cremation)
2Choose preferred funeral home in advance
3Prepay or fund funeral plan / insurance if possible
4Decide preferred music, readings, photos, eulogies
5Choose cemetery or burial plot in advance
6Specify personal touches (decor, clothing, keepsakes)
7Write obituary text draft or bullet points
8Note contacts: officiant, clergy, musicians, speakers
9Store copies of important documents (ID, insurance, will) in a safe place
10Communicate your wishes clearly to family or executor
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