PLANNING CHECKLIST

Preplanning Checklist

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming to your surviving family and friends, but pre-planning your funeral service can help them better deal with the stress of losing someone.

Choose the Type of Service You Want

Pre-planning your funeral service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it also helps ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making those final decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry about making those hard choices.


  • Decide what type of service you want (visitation, funeral, memorial service, burial, cremation, etc)
  • Will any of the services be private or will they be open for all to attend
  • Decide if their will be a visitation before cremation or a memorial service after cremation
  • Decide where you want your casket or urn to be buried.
  • Meet with the funeral director and look at your options for caskets and urns.
  • Look at options for a location to hold your service (church, funeral home, cemetery or other facility)
  • What type of flowers do you want?
  • Would you like memorial contributions be given to a particular charity or a charity of one’s choice?
  • Who will be a part of your service? You should decide on pallbearers and even ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service.
  • Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
  • Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary.

Choose Who You Want to be in Charge

Your family and friends want to take part in the process of fulfilling your final wishes. They only need instructions on what they need to do.

  • Designate someone in your will to be in charge of your funeral arrangements
  • Make sure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will.
  • Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important account information that will need to be contacted and handled following your death. Also, make sure someone knows your final wishes for your desired service.
  • Designate someone to be your power of attorney.
  • Have someone prepared to cancel basic utility services and subscriptions.

Choose To Pay In Advance

Making decisions about your funeral service in advance can benefit you and your survivors financially. If possible, pay for all expenses in advance, freeing your family from that financial burden. When possible, prepay for:

  • Cemetery services, burial plot.
  • All funeral arrangements, including casket, urn, flowers, transportation, and specialized services.