Preparations

Collect personal information for obituary.

Plan the type of funeral service you will be having.

Decide when the funeral will be held.

Decide who will attend.

Choose a funeral home.

Funeral Home Services

Choose burial or cremation.

Select a casket or cremation container.

Select a burial vault or cremation urn.

Choose the funeral location.

Choose family viewing or visitation.

Decide on the type of flower arrangements.

Select a photograph to be displayed.

Decide which religious or fraternal items are to be displayed.

Decide what the deceased will wear.

Select music, hymns, and solos.

Select scripture or literature to be read.

Select a memorial register.

Select memorial folders and acknowledgement cards.

Decide on the transportation.

Participants

Choose clergy or officiator.

Choose organist.

Select pallbearers.

Select family member or friend to perform the eulogy.

Select family member or friend to read scripture or literature.

Cemetery Selections

Choose a cemetery.

Select a burial or cremation plot.

Decide whether above or below ground.

Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription.

Final Arrangements

Apply for death certificates.

Apply for a burial permit.

Request preparation and embalming.

Compose and submit obituary.

Arrange location and food for the reception.

Funeral Planning Checklist

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