Preplanning Checklist

Choose the Type of Service You Want

While some families will struggle to make those final decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry about making those hard choices.

• Choose what funeral home and funeral director you would like to use to handle your service.
• Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation, donation, etc…)
• Look at options for a location to hold your service (funeral home, religious facility, sentimental location, graveside).
• If you choose a traditional service with burial, decide where you want to be buried.
• Ask to see options for caskets or urns.
• If you want to be buried, choose clothing options.
• What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you rather direct donations to your family, a particular charity, or a charity of the donor's choice?
• Who will be a part of your service? You should decide on pallbearers and even ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service.
• Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
• Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary.

Choose Who You Want to Be In Charge

Your family and friends will want to take part in the process of fulfilling your final wishes; they only need instructions on what to do.

• Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important accounts that will need to be contacted and handled following your death, such as utility services and subscriptions. Include login information and passwords when applicable. For a more complete list of important accounts and paperwork to have available to your family, CLICK HERE.
• Make sure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will.
• Make sure someone knows your wishes for your desired funeral service.
• Designate someone to be your power of attorney.

Choose To Pay In Advance

Making decisions about your funeral service in advance can benefit you and your survivors financially. If possible, pay for all expenses in advance, freeing your family from that financial burden. When possible, prepay for:

• Cemetery services and burial plot.
• All funeral arrangements including casket, urn, flowers, transportation and specialized services.