Funeral Checklist
Table of Contents
Notify Authorities
If the death occurs outside of a hospital or nursing home you may need to notify authorities of the death
Call your local emergency number to report the death. The authorities will call the coroner. Although it may not actually be necessary to call the coroner, it is a good idea to do so, especially if the deceased had insurance policies.
Notify close relatives and friends.
The police are required to notify next of kin
But there will likely be other relatives that should be included, especially if they need to travel some distance to attend the funeral. Don't forget to include close friends.
You or the authorities may call the funeral home that will be taking care of the arrangements for the funeral and calling hours.
Notify relatives
Note on the relatives who will be having a part in planning the calling hours and details of the funeral and set up a time to meet with the funeral director to finalize the plans.
Discuss who will be responsible for funeral expenses for billing purposes
If there is an executor for the estate of the deceased, this person usually handles this responsibility, but it is entirely up to the family to determine who should handle this responsibility. Often families will divide this responsibility between several family members.
Gather the information
You will need it for the completion of the death certificate at the funeral home. Parent's names including middle initials, also the social security number and date of birth of the deceased, their place of work (Name and address) and occupation of the deceased. See Vital Statistics Form.
The funeral director
The funeral director will guide you through the much of the planning process
Use the following checklist to when meeting with your funeral director.
Consider embalming the body
This decision will determine the timing of many decisions you make.
The law requires bodies that are not embalmed be buried sooner than bodies that are embalmed.
Clothing & Jewelry
If this will be a traditional burial you need to consider clothing & jewelry
(If this will be a cremation you can eliminate this step.)
Clothing
You may want to bring this with you when you meet with the funeral director to make the plans, but this is not essential.
Jewelry
Remember any special pins or jewelry. Special pins would include but are not limited to Union and association membership pins. Also Watches, earrings, necklaces, tie tacks, cuff links, or anything that the deceased particularly liked or directed to be included.
Consider the type of burial
Cemetery plot
;If one has been previously purchased, bring the deed to the plot with you, if you have it, to the funeral home when you make your plans. If you know you have a plot but don't have the deed in your possession, the funeral director can contact the cemetery overseer to arrange confirmation. Otherwise a plot will need to be purchased. The funeral director will assist you with this.
Vault
;Your funeral director will describe the various types available.
Mausoleum
Select the casket or container.
;Wood - Metal - Cardboard (cremation) - Urn
Open or closed casket
Decide whether it will be opened or closed casket
;Some clergy persons insist that the casket be closed for the memorial service. If you have a specific wish for the casket to remain open during the service, be sure to specify this when selecting a clergy person to deliver the eulogy.
Calling hours
Decide on calling hours at the funeral home.
Some families choose not to have calling hours at the funeral home
There is great flexibility and the time(s) selected should try to accommodate the needs of the family and friends.
Traditionally hours have been from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p
m. as these hours can accommodate friends who have to work day or evening shifts.
Funeral services
If you plan to have a funeral service, you need to consider when and where the service will be conducted.
When
Before burial or cremation
After burial or cremation
Where
The funeral home
Church/Temple/Mosque
At the graveside
Special Ceremonies
Some Fraternal Orders and the Military may provide special ceremonies for the funeral service.
Check with the local branch of the service the deceased was enlisted in or the Fraternal Order for more information.
Seating arrangements for the funeral service
The funeral director should be aware of the relationships of people attending to seat them appropriately.
Compose the Obituary
Vital statistics
Memberships and associations
Hobbies
See Writing an obituary
Publishing an obituary
Decide on which newspapers or other publications will be used to place the obituary notice.
Local
Regional
Internet
Flower arrangements
Decide on the type of flower arrangements to be provided by the family
Relatives and other well wishers may also need to be advised as to your desired floral selections.
Casket Spray
Lid arrangements
Standing spray
Matching baskets
Specialty pieces (floral hearts, crosses, and bible)
Pictures or photo album
Consider setting up pictures or a photo album to remind well wishers and family of good times or special events in the life of the deceased.
Eulogies
Decide who will deliver the eulogy
Clergy
Friend
Combination
Video eulogy
Special Recognition
Consider special recognition for accomplishments of the deceased.
Athletic
Political
Religious
Scientific
Memorial cards (optional)
Choose from funeral home offerings
Have unique cards printed
Print your own
Pall bearers
Arrange for pall bearers
Usually 4 to 6 men are needed.
Ask friends or relatives (usually not next of kin)
Ask funeral home to arrange for this service.
Music at calling hours or funeral
Generic funeral home selections
Favorite recordings of the deceased
Other soothing instrumentals
Grave site transportation
Consider who will provide transportation for the family to the grave site
Transportation of the deceased is usually provided by the funeral home.
Friends and Family
Funeral home limo
Grave marker
A temporary marker may be selected if a permanent marker has not been purchased or engraved.
Engrave present stone
Purchase new stone
Veterans plaque
Veterans may be eligible for a marker plaque.
Special ;insignia
A member of a service or charitable organization may be eligible for special insignia to be fixed to the marker.
Wake or special gathering
Decide if there will be a wake or other gathering to celebrate the life of the deceased
Consider where and when to hold this gathering.
Where
When
Food
Drink
Accommodating out of town relatives
Consider how to accommodate relatives.
Assist with travel plans
Airport pick up
Lodging
Download or Print this Funeral Checklist
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Presented by:
Campbell Rodriguez
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Introduction
Who it's for
This Funeral Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Funeral essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Funeral structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Funeral Checklist
- Save Funeral Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Funeral (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.