How to Create a Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist

Most people don’t give much thought to pre-planning a funeral.

Although you might think that funeral pre-planning usually revolves around choosing between a cremation and burial which is followed by a memorial service, there’s much more to it.

Pre-planning a funeral usually involves addressing certain aspects to reduce the financial and emotional burden that your family might have to go through during such a tough time.

Preparing a funeral pre-planning checklist, therefore, can help you organize all your thoughts and will make the whole planning process easier. Consider creating a comprehensive checklist to simplify the process by following the steps provided below.

1. Choose your funeral planner

The first step to pre-planning a funeral is to choose a funeral home that meets all of your requirements. When picking a funeral home, make sure that it’s close to where you reside.

Once you’ve picked a funeral service provider, make sure to inquire about the prices and packages they offer that suit your budget and whether or not they’re willing to prioritize your wishes.

2. Pick the type of service

Once you’ve decided on a funeral home, you can proceed to choose one or multiple services that you require.

You can choose to have a traditional funeral with a graveside service and a celebration of life with those whom you’re closest to, as well. Service options also include:

  • Graveside services which are usually held at the final resting place
  • Memorial services which usually happen after the burial or cremation
  • Celebration-of-life ceremonies which honor and cherish someone’s life

3. Decide on a reception

After a funeral ceremony, you might want to choose some additions to complete the whole service, such as;

  • A visitation or a wake to let the guests pay their final respects to the body
  • A reception which is an informal gathering that can be held at the family home
  • A mourning event that can be carried out to fulfill cultural practices

4. Designate a person-in-charge

Enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to make sure that everything goes smoothly on the day of the funeral service.

While a funeral director will take care of all the planning activities, it’s advisable to have a known contact as well.

5. Find a place to hold the service

Funeral homes are a convenient choice, but depending on your wishes, you can choose to host the funeral at any of the following locations:

  • A preferred place of worship
  • A cemetery
  • Your family home
  • Your local community center

6. Personalize the service

Adding certain personal touches to the service can help guests cherish all the memories they shared with you. Since you’re pre-planning your funeral you can choose to add the following:

  • Pall-bearers or a procession
  • Eulogies by close family or friends
  • Prayers or readings
  • An arrangement of funeral music

If there’s anything that you think will make the ceremony more meaningful, you’re at full liberty to make it a part of the service.

7. Make the final arrangements

Whether you choose to opt for a burial, a green burial, or a prepaid cremation, it’s important to figure out the final resting place.

The final arrangements can either be in a burial plot near family or what you’d want to do with the ashes if you’re following through with cremation—it’s completely your decision.

Funeral pre-planning checklists are a helpful planning tool

Pre-planning a funeral doesn’t have to be a negative experience. Enlisting help from close family and friends along with a reputable funeral service provider can help ease the process.

Creating a funeral pre-planning checklist can guarantee a memorable end-of-life service that’s meaningful to you and your loved ones.

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