Funeral planning checklist can help get you over the rough spots and make the process a little easier because planning a funeral can feel overwhelming and seem complicated, and it usually happens during a very distressing and emotional time.
1. Make an itemized list of tasks that need to be completed
Mark the tasks that someone else (a relative or a close friend) can assist with. The items on this list should be funeral-related only. Tasks that deal with the person’s estate or personal belongings should go on another list.
The list can involve things like selecting a funeral home, putting together an obituary notice, or arranging transportation for family members.
2. Make calls to family and friends
One of the most essential things to do is get help. Call a couple of close family members and friends who can help you during this emotional and saddening time. There will be lots of notifications to make, and they can help you. People who knew the deceased will ask how it happened when the services are, and how they can help. Assigning a specific person to help you with these calls will make things a lot easier.
3. Check for documentation of last wishes
Check to see if there is a document that the deceased had left behind concerning his/her final wishes. This could include anything from specifics about the memorial service such as what music to play to whether they wished to be cremated or buried.
If the deceased was a veteran, he or she is entitled to Military Funeral Honors at no charge (except in the case of a dishonorable discharge). This can include an honor guard, the folding and presenting of an American flag, and the playing of Taps.
4. Research funeral costs before contacting a funeral home
You can research average prices online or call local funeral homes to get a general idea of expenses before you go in. Most funeral homes will offer a basic service package, but this typically doesn’t include things like using the funeral home for visitation, using a hearse or limousine on the day of the funeral, or needing staff and equipment for a graveside service.
While researching funeral costs and other burial expenses, you should check to see whether the deceased had a life insurance policy. In case they did, it is essential to contact the insurance provider as soon as possible so they can begin their claim process. The death benefit from the policy can help cover a lot of the costs you’ll be incurring, but it might not be available in time. Contact the insurance provider to see what options are available.
5. Contact a funeral home
When you’ve identified a funeral home, make an appointment to go over the details of the service. It’s important to take a friend or family member with you. You’ll be asked to make a lot of decisions, and it helps to have someone there to share the responsibility. Here are some of the decisions you’ll need to make:
- Whether the deceased will be cremated or buried
- Selection of a casket and burial vault or cremation urn
- What kind of service to have and where
- Whether there will be a viewing or family visitation
- The clothing and jewelry the deceased will wear
- Floral arrangements, music, and passages to be read
- Funeral transportation for the family
- The final resting place
6. Prepare the funeral service
Part of preparing for the funeral service includes putting together an obituary. Obituaries are a unique place for you to highlight things like when and where they were born, the schools they attended, communities they lived in, jobs they had, and who they are survived by. If you want people to donate to a charity instead of sending flowers, mention that in the obituary.
