Checklist

Funeral planning checklist

Planning a service is a lot of small decisions stacked on top of grief. This checklist walks through them in a sensible order so nothing important slips. Work top to bottom, skip anything that doesn't apply, and lean on the funeral home or a trusted friend for the parts you'd rather not handle alone.

First, gather what you'll need

Most decisions get easier once these details are in one place. You don't need everything before you start — just begin collecting it.

The full legal name, date of birth, and (if known) Social Security number of the person who died
Any pre-paid funeral contract, cemetery deed, or written wishes they left behind
Veteran discharge papers (DD-214) if they served — this unlocks burial benefits
A recent photo for the program, obituary, and any memorial display
Names and contact details for close family who should be consulted

Decide cremation or burial

This single choice shapes most of what follows — cost, timing, and which providers you'll call. If the person left written wishes or a faith tradition that guides this, follow that first.

Cremation or burial (or, increasingly, green/natural burial)
If burial: do you already own a plot, or do you need one?
If cremation: direct cremation (no service beforehand) or cremation with a service first
Whether you want any viewing or visitation

Choose and contact a provider

You are allowed to call more than one funeral home and compare. By federal rule, any funeral home must give you itemized prices over the phone and in writing — you never have to buy a package to get a single service.

Call two or three local providers and ask for their itemized price list (the 'General Price List')
Ask what's included versus added separately — transfer of remains, facility use, staff, paperwork
Confirm they can accommodate your timing, faith, or cultural needs
Choose one, and let the others know you've decided

Plan the service

The shape of the service is entirely yours. Some families want a full ceremony; others want something quiet, or nothing formal at all. There is no wrong answer.

Type of service: funeral, memorial, graveside, celebration of life, or a small private gathering
Date, time, and location
Who will officiate, and who will speak or give a eulogy
Readings, music, photos, or video to include
A casket, urn, or keepsake, if you want one
Flowers, or a charity for memorial donations in lieu of flowers

Handle the announcements

Word travels best when one or two people coordinate it, rather than everyone calling everyone.

Write and submit the obituary or a short death notice
Notify close family and friends directly, by phone where it matters
Decide where to post details (newspaper, funeral home site, a private message thread)
Print or order programs if you'll have a service

Take care of the paperwork

The funeral home usually files the death certificate, but you'll want extra certified copies for the steps that come later. A common starting point is ordering several at once.

Order certified copies of the death certificate (you'll need them for banks, insurance, and benefits)
Locate the will and contact the estate's executor or attorney if there is one
Notify Social Security, the person's employer or pension, and any life-insurance company
Set aside time later for banks, utilities, and online accounts — these can wait a few days