hestiaStart with their wishes, and who decides
Find out who has the legal authority to make arrangements and whether the person left written wishes. Talk about whether burial, cremation, a memorial, or a particular faith or cultural tradition feels right.
Planning guide
How to plan a funeral, one decision at a time.
Planning a funeral brings several decisions together. This guide helps you work through wishes, people, arrangements, and costs one step at a time. Ask the people helping you which decisions have a deadline.
Choose the kind of farewell
Some families choose a traditional funeral; others a graveside service, a memorial after cremation, a celebration of life, or a small private gathering. Direct cremation and immediate burial are simpler options that still leave room for a goodbye later.
Compare providers with the prices written out
Ask each provider for their General Price List, what is included, which charges come from others (like a cemetery or crematory), and which decisions really need to be made now. A good provider will answer plainly.
Keep one shared record
Keep quotes, calls, documents, decisions, the obituary draft, flowers, travel, and the gathering afterwards in one place. It saves everyone from asking the same questions twice.
This guide offers general information, not legal, financial, medical, or religious advice. Please confirm requirements with your provider, county office, or a qualified professional.
Get the next steps for your situation
Four questions about what has happened, then an ordered list you can work through. No account, no cost, and you can print it or share it with the family.