Funeral Checklist

4.8/5 with 564 votes

Introduction

Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming task during a challenging time. Our Funeral Checklist provides you with a structured approach to ensure that no important detail is overlooked. From notifying authorities to arranging for pall bearers, this template helps you manage all aspects of the process with sensitivity and care. Click Save to customize your checklist and utilize our Checklist App's features, such as syncing across devices and collaborating easily with family members, ensuring everyone stays informed during this difficult time.

0/105

tasks done!

Show Notes

0/105

Notes

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

Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.

Presented by:

Campbell Rodriguez

View Channel

Stats

Views

371

Views: 371

Uses

Uses: 44

Tasks

105

Tasks: 105

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.

Rate this Checklist

5 stars

Scores 4.80 with 564 votes

Suggest Improvements

Not finding exactly what you need?

Generate a custom checklist with AI in seconds.

Works on Web, iOS, and Android. No credit card required.

Business Checklists

Personal Checklists