Comprehensive Funeral Planning Checklist

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Immediate Steps (Within 24 Hours)

  • Contact immediate family members and close friends
  • If death occurred at home, contact appropriate authorities (police, emergency services)
  • Notify the deceased’s doctor or medical facility
  • Contact the funeral home of choice
  • Arrange for organ donation if previously specified
  • Secure any pets or dependents
  • Secure the deceased’s home and vehicle
  • Begin gathering important documents (death certificate, insurance policies, will)

Within 72 Hours

  • Meet with funeral director to discuss arrangements
  • Choose burial or cremation
  • Select casket or urn
  • Decide on embalming
  • Choose funeral/memorial service location
  • Set date and time for service
  • Begin obituary preparation
  • Order death certificates (recommend 10-15 copies)
  • Contact deceased’s employer
  • Start list of people to notify
  • Contact religious/spiritual leader if applicable
  • Choose pallbearers if having traditional service
  • Begin gathering photos for memorial service
  • Select clothing for deceased

Service Planning

  • Plan order of service
  • Choose readings, music, and speakers
  • Arrange for flowers
  • Organize memorial displays or tribute video
  • Plan post-service gathering or reception
  • Arrange transportation for family
  • Reserve accommodations for out-of-town family
  • Coordinate with cemetery for burial arrangements
  • Order memorial cards or programs
  • Locate will and contact executor
  • Contact deceased’s attorney
  • Notify life insurance companies
  • Begin process for filing life insurance claims
  • Contact Social Security Administration
  • Notify banks and financial institutions
  • Cancel credit cards
  • Contact pension services if applicable
  • Begin probate process if necessary

Additional Notifications

  • Notify utility companies
  • Cancel subscriptions and memberships
  • Contact landlord if applicable
  • Notify post office for mail forwarding
  • Cancel driver’s license
  • Cancel voter registration
  • Notify tax authorities
  • Contact veterans’ organizations if applicable

Post-Funeral Tasks

  • Send thank you notes to:
  • Those who sent flowers or donations
  • Those who brought food or helped with arrangements
  • Pallbearers
  • Speakers and musicians
  • Those who traveled to attend
  • Order permanent headstone or marker
  • Handle deceased’s email and social media accounts
  • Begin process of distributing personal belongings
  • Update or close deceased’s accounts
  • Collect and organize important documents
  • File final tax return
  • Consider grief counseling or support groups

Important Documents to Gather

  • Death certificate (multiple copies)
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Insurance policies
  • Property deeds
  • Vehicle titles
  • Bank account information
  • Investment account information
  • Military discharge papers (DD-214)
  • Recent tax returns
  • Passwords and access codes

Notes

  • Keep detailed records of all expenses
  • Save receipts for estate purposes
  • Take photos of valuable items
  • Document all account changes
  • Keep a log of all important communications

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