Funeral Pre Planning

So, you're thinking about pre-planning a funeral? This checklist will help you make sure every detail is handled properly.
  • Prepare a list of people who should be contacted in case of a medical emergency or death
  • Write an obituary or write down information needed for an obituary
  • Decide where the obituary should appear
  • Choose the type of disposition you would like (burial or cremation)
Below, you can find our pre planning funeral checklist for your convenience. 

Pre Planning Funeral Checklist

Selecting a Funeral Home

One of the very first steps to complete is selecting a location for the service to take place. As you are comparing funeral homes, make sure that you are picking a firm that has the space to accommodate your number of expected guest.
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Service

What kind of service would you like to have? Whether it’s a traditional funeral or a celebration of life, the choice is up to you. If you are making arrangements for a loved one, ask yourself what kind of service they would have wanted. It’s also important to make sure that whatever you pick will also help your family grieve and find closure.  

cemetery location

Choosing a cemetery is very important. This is where your loved one will be laid to rest. Make sure that you are happy with the plot you select and that it is somewhere you will be comfortable revisiting. For instance, if the plot is on the top of a hill and members of your family have mobility issues, visiting the grave may be difficult or impossible for them.

product

When it comes to selecting funeral merchandise, there are many quality products to consider. Make sure to select a product that meets your family’s needs and budget.

burial

If you are planning a burial service, many cemeteries now require that the casket is protected with a burial vault. If you are unsure, ask your funeral director or contact the cemetery directly.

flowers

Select which kind of flowers you would like displayed during the service. Some families do not like to have flowers at a funeral service. If this is the case, select a charity for donations in lieu of flowers.

readings

If your loved one was religious, there may be certain readings you want to include in the service. This presents an opportunity for family and friends to participate in the service and pay tribute to the deceased.

music

Music is an integral part of any event. Select the music you would like to be played during the visitation, service and reception.

pallbearers

Select who will serve as pallbearers for the service. If there is someone you would like to include that will be unable to complete the physical duties, consider naming them an honorary pallbearer.

donations

If guests would like to make donations in your loved one’s memory, select a charity or organization to receive donations.
Download Our Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist

Use Our Online Pre-Planning Tool

This website features Pre-Arrange Online, a step-by-step interactive form that can be used to record your end-of-life plan and send the completed form to our staff for safekeeping. You'll be asked to create an account with a username and password so you can login at any time to complete or change the plan.

All the information you provide will be held in strict confidence, because your privacy is as important to us as it is to you.

Have questions about funeral pre planning? Give us a call. We’ll help you take care of all the details – and there’s absolutely no cost or obligation for this service.

When it comes to selecting funeral merchandise, there are many quality products to consider. Make sure to select a product that meets your family’s needs and budget.

Turn to the Professionals

Many people are more comfortable making these decisions with funeral professionals. If you would like us to help, call us or send us an email using the Contact Us form. 
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