Checklist

Funeral planning checklist.

Everything that may need attention, in one list. You don’t need to do it all at once; tick off what you can, and share the rest.

Start planning How to prepare

Before choosing services

Confirm whether there are written wishes or prearrangements.

Identify the legal next of kin or authorized decision-maker.

Gather key personal details for the death certificate and obituary.

Talk about whether burial, cremation, body donation, or a memorial feels right.

Provider and price questions

Ask each funeral home or cremation provider you’re considering for their General Price List.

Ask for an itemized estimate before selecting packages or optional services.

Confirm what is handled by the provider and what is billed by a cemetery, venue, florist, caterer, or third party.

Keep each provider’s answers, prices, and your follow-up questions in one place.

Service

Ceremony details

Venue, clergy or celebrant, readings, music, flowers, livestreaming, printed programs, obituary, pallbearers, photos, and accessibility needs.

People

Family coordination

Travel, meals, care for children and older relatives, house sitting, letting people know, thank-yous, and one shared place for decisions.

Later

After the funeral

Death certificates, accounts, benefits, final invoices, a headstone or memorial, placing ashes, and support for your own grief.

This checklist is general information. It is not legal, financial, tax, medical, or religious advice. Confirm requirements with the relevant provider, cemetery, crematory, public office, or professional.

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