Funeral Planning Checklist
Table of Contents
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.
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Presented by:
Nicole Nichols-West
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Introduction
Our free Funeral Planning Checklist helps you manage every essential step — from choosing a funeral home to organizing the service and reception — with clarity and care during a difficult time.
You can customize, share, and print your checklist in PDF, Word, or Excel, or manage it in the free Checklist App to coordinate with family, track progress, and ensure no detail is overlooked.
Details
Our Funeral Planning Checklist guides you through every stage of organizing a respectful farewell - from selecting a funeral home and arranging services, to coordinating transportation, flowers, and memorial details. It includes key administrative steps such as obtaining death certificates, preparing the obituary, and managing documentation, helping you avoid missed tasks during an emotional time.
You can save and personalize this checklist in our free app to fit your family’s specific needs. Collaborate with relatives, share updates instantly, and keep everyone aligned on responsibilities. Prefer offline planning? Download it in PDF, Word, or Excel and print it out for easy reference.
Whether you’re pre-planning your own arrangements or handling them for a loved one, this checklist brings structure, clarity, and peace of mind to a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
Tips & Pitfalls
Practical Funeral Planning Tips
- Start early if possible: Pre-planning a funeral allows time to compare prices, choose the right funeral home, and avoid rushed decisions.
- Assign clear roles: Divide tasks among family members - it reduces stress and ensures everyone helps.
- Keep documents organized: Store death certificates, insurance details, and contact info together in one folder or the Checklist App.
- Use digital tools: Save, customize, and share your funeral planning checklist in the app to coordinate with loved ones in real time.
- Be flexible: Even with a solid funeral plan, timing and logistics can change - prepare alternatives in advance.
Common Funeral Planning Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing arrangements and overlooking essential steps such as permits or cemetery coordination.
- Not comparing funeral home prices — always ask for a detailed, itemized estimate to prevent hidden costs.
- Ignoring pre-paid plans or insurance benefits that could reduce expenses.
- Failing to communicate clearly with relatives or clergy about final wishes and service preferences.
- Skipping important paperwork like death certificates, burial permits, and post-funeral notifications.
These funeral planning tips help you stay organized, save money, and ensure a respectful, meaningful farewell - all while avoiding common mistakes families often make.
Who it's for
This Funeral Planning Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Funeral Planning essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Funeral Planning 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 Planning Checklist
- Save Funeral Planning 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 Planning (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.
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Funeral Planning Checklist Frequently Asked Questions
How should I plan my funeral?
Planning a funeral involves several important steps to ensure that the wishes of the deceased and the needs of the family are met. Here’s a basic outline to help you:
- Determine the type of service: Decide between a traditional funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life.
- Choose a location: Select a venue such as a funeral home, church, or outdoor space.
- Select a funeral director: Engage with a licensed funeral director who can guide you through the process.
- Plan the details: Consider flowers, music, readings, and any personal touches that reflect the deceased's life.
- Budgeting: Establish a budget to cover all expenses and avoid overspending.
By following these steps, you can create a meaningful tribute that honors your loved one while managing the logistics of funeral planning.
What is the first thing to do when planning a funeral?
The first step in planning a funeral is to contact a reputable funeral director. A qualified professional can provide guidance through the entire process, helping you make important decisions based on your loved one's wishes and your family's needs.
Once you engage with a funeral director, they will assist you in:
- Determining the type of service (traditional, memorial, etc.)
- Choosing burial or cremation
- Selecting a location for the service
- Discussing options for caskets or urns
This initial step sets the foundation for all subsequent arrangements and ensures that everything aligns with your expectations.
What funeral directors don't want you to know?
While most funeral directors are dedicated professionals, there are some lesser-known aspects of the industry that families should be aware of:
- Price Variability: Funeral costs can vary significantly; always ask for itemized pricing.
- Upselling Practices: Directors may suggest additional services or products that may not be necessary.
- Legal Rights: You have the right to choose services from different providers and are not obligated to purchase everything from one funeral home.
- Cremation Options: Many assume cremation is less expensive, but costs can vary widely depending on services chosen.
Being informed can help you make better decisions during this challenging time.
What not to forget when planning a funeral?
When planning a funeral, it’s crucial not to overlook certain key elements that contribute to a meaningful service:
- Personal Touches: Include favorite music, photos, or videos that celebrate the deceased's life.
- Obituary Details: Prepare an obituary for publication in local newspapers or online platforms.
- Guest List: Compile a list of family and friends to notify about the service.
- Transportation Arrangements: Consider how attendees will travel to and from the service.
- Documentation: Gather necessary documents such as death certificates and any pre-arrangement plans made by the deceased.
These details ensure that everything runs smoothly and honors your loved one appropriately.
What not to ask at a funeral?
During a funeral, it's important to be sensitive in your conversations. Here are some topics and questions best avoided:
- Details of Death: Avoid probing into how they died; it can reopen wounds for grieving families.
- Financial Questions: Asking about costs related to the funeral can seem inappropriate in this setting.
- Personal Opinions: Avoid discussing personal beliefs about death or afterlife unless invited.
- Comparative Losses: Refrain from sharing your own experiences of loss unless it’s supportive and appropriate.
Being respectful and empathetic goes a long way in providing comfort during such difficult times.
How can I make my funeral more memorable?
To create a memorable funeral, consider incorporating elements that truly reflect your personality and passions. Here are some ideas:
- Personalized Tributes: Include video montages or photo displays showcasing significant moments in your life.
- Favorite Music: Choose songs that resonate with your life experiences or were significant to you.
- Themed Decor: Use decorations that reflect your hobbies or interests—like sports memorabilia or travel items.
- Interactive Elements: Allow attendees to share memories or stories during the service or through memory cards.
- Unique Venue Choices: Consider holding the service in an unconventional location meaningful to you (e.g., beach, park).
These thoughtful additions can create lasting memories for those who attend.
What are the pitfalls of funeral plans?
While pre-planning funerals offers peace of mind, there are potential pitfalls to consider:
- Hidden Fees: Some plans may have additional costs not disclosed upfront; always request an itemized list.
- Inflated Prices: Funeral homes may increase prices over time; check if your plan locks in current rates.
- Limited Flexibility: Certain plans might restrict choices on services or products later on.
- Transferability Issues: If you move or change your mind about arrangements, transferring plans can be complicated.
To mitigate these issues, carefully review any agreements before signing and consult with multiple providers.
How much does a funeral cost?
The cost of a funeral varies depending on your location, type of service, and choices such as burial or cremation. On average, a traditional funeral in the U.S. costs between $7,000 and $12,000, including the funeral home, casket, transportation, and burial plot.
If you opt for cremation, the cost is typically lower—usually $2,000 to $5,000 depending on ceremony options and urn selection.
To manage costs:
- Compare itemized quotes from multiple funeral homes; prices can differ significantly.
- Review prepaid or insurance plans that may cover part of the expenses.
- Ask about direct cremation or simplified services if you prefer a modest arrangement.
Using a structured funeral planning checklist helps you understand every expense in advance and avoid unnecessary fees during a difficult time.