Funeral Planning Checklist: What You Need to Know

Funeral Planning Checklist: What You Need to Know

A helpful guide to navigating arrangements during a difficult time, with a downloadable checklist for your convenience.

Planning a funeral is never easy. When you’re grieving, even simple decisions can feel heavy. There’s so much to think about, who to call, what arrangements to make, how to honor a life that meant so much. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

That’s why we’ve created this gentle, step-by-step guide, along with a downloadable and printable checklist, to help you stay organized, feel supported, and focus on what truly matters: remembering your loved one with care and dignity.

Why a Funeral Planning Checklist Matters

Whether you’re pre-planning your own funeral or arranging one for a loved one, having a clear checklist can:

  • Ease decision-making during an emotional time

  • Prevent missed steps or last-minute stress

  • Help you communicate choices with family or a funeral director

  • Make sure your loved one’s wishes are honored

Funeral Planning Checklist: Step by Step

1. First Steps After a Death

  • Notify close family and friends

  • Contact a funeral home or cremation service

  • Obtain a legal pronouncement of death

  • Arrange for transportation of the body (if applicable)

  • Secure property and personal belongings

Tip: You can find local funeral providers near you through Funeral.com’s directory.

2. Gather Essential Documents

  • Will or pre-arranged funeral plan

  • Birth and marriage certificates

  • Insurance policies

  • Military discharge papers (if applicable)

  • Social Security number

These help determine benefits and inform decision-making.

3. Choose the Type of Service

  • Burial or cremation

  • Traditional funeral, memorial, or celebration of life

  • Religious or secular ceremony

  • Viewing or visitation

  • Virtual or livestream option (if needed)

4. Select Service Details

  • Choose a funeral home, cemetery, or crematory

  • Pick a date and time

  • Decide on officiant/clergy

  • Select music, readings, or rituals

  • Prepare a eulogy or tribute

  • Order flowers or other decorations

5. Notify Others & Make Arrangements

  • Publish obituary (Funeral.com can help you post one)

  • Inform extended family, friends, and community

  • Arrange transportation for family and guests

  • Coordinate reception or gathering

  • Set up a memory table or photo display

6. Handle Practical Affairs

  • Request death certificates (multiple copies)

  • Notify banks, insurance, and government agencies

  • Close or transfer digital/social media accounts

  • Manage estate matters or work with an attorney

7. After the Funeral: Honoring and Healing

  • Send thank-you notes to those who helped

  • Consider grief counseling or support groups

  • Decide on memorial keepsakes or ashes placement

You might also find comfort in reading Navigating Grief: What to Expect and How to Cope.

Planning a funeral is never easy, but having a guide can make the journey feel less daunting. Whether you're preparing ahead or facing a recent loss, use this checklist to keep track of what matters most: honoring your loved one with dignity, care, and love.