Checklist for Funeral Arrangements

When tragedy strikes and a loved one passes away, it is extremely difficult for bereaved family members to concentrate on making funeral arrangements. One of the most caring and thoughtful acts is for a person to make funeral plans in advance in order to relieve his or her family of this burden. The following checklist is intended to serve as a guide for those who wish to engage in pre-need planning or for family members who must attend to making funeral arrangements while coping with their loss.

Gather Vital Statistics

• Date and place of birth of the deceased person, along with his or her father’s name and mother’s maiden name
• Social Security number
• Veterans discharge or claim number
• Obituary information, including education, occupation, memberships, military service, outstanding work and a list of survivors in immediate family

Notify

• Family and friends
• Funeral home and cemetery
• Clergy
• Pallbearers
• Lawyers, accountants and financial advisors
• Newspapers where obituary notice is to appear – this may include the local newspaper where the decedent last lived and his or her hometown newspaper

Selections

• Consider a “pre-need” contract – this locks in prices, but more importantly, avoids the need for on-the-spot decision making by survivors during an emotional time
• Cremation – discuss how or where ashes will be kept or disposed of
• Burial
• Casket and vault
• Cemetery property and plot
• Select grave marker and inscription on stone
• Perpetual care for gravesite
• Clothing
• Determine if jewelry (such as wedding ring) will remain on deceased when buried
• Wake/viewing hours
• Preferences as to open or closed casket
• Funeral/memorial service – time and place (arrange with clergy/church or synagogue; readings, any special music, speakers)
• Flowers
• Funeral/memorial service program, include picture and favorite saying
• Thank you cards
• Transportation (funeral home may arrange)
• Time and place for reception or visitation after funeral
• After arrangements are completed, notify out-of-town attendees of time and place of wake and/or funeral and suggest accommodations.

Documents and Other Items to Locate

• Deed to cemetery plot
• Original estate planning documents (will, revocable trust, etc.)
• Contract for pre-need services
• Photographs

Additional Actions to Consider

• Find someone to help answer phone calls, cards and letters, and to help with reception as well as greet friends and relatives when they call.
• Decide appropriate charities to which gifts may be made (religious institution, hospice, other charity, etc.) and decide appropriate memorial (e.g., scholarship fund).
• Prepare list of distant persons or organizations to be notified by letter or notice, such as colleges attended, alumni associations; college and graduate school publications; professional magazines.
• Prepare list of cancellations that should be made following death, such as club memberships.