Preplanning Checklist
Ready to plan ahead? Give us a call today to set up a preplanning meeting. Below are a few things you can do on your own to get started right away.
Choose What You Want for a Service
Preplanning your funeral service eases the burden on your loved ones, but it also helps ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making so many decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry about making those hard choices at such a difficult time.
- Decide what type of service you want.
- Determine where you will be buried.
- If you choose to have a viewing, note clothing preferences.
- Consider options for a location to hold your service (funeral home, religious facility, sentimental building, graveside, etc.).
- Decide what you want for flowers.
- If you would rather not have flowers, decide what charity donations can be made to.
- Determine who will be a part of your service, including pallbearers, an officiant, musicians, etc.
- Determine who will be a part of your service, including pallbearers, an officiant, musicians, etc.
- Choose which songs you would like played or performed at your service and consider other service elements such as special readings or scripture.
- Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like included in your obituary.
Choose Who You Want to be in Charge
Your family and friends want to take part in the process of fulfilling your final wishes; they only need instructions on what they need to do.
- Make sure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will.
- Designate someone to be your power of attorney.
- Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important account information that will need to be contacted and handled following your death.
- Have someone prepared to cancel basic utility services, subscriptions, and digital accounts.
- Make sure someone knows where you have preplanned and has an understanding of your final wishes for your desired service.
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, pay in advance for cemetery services, a burial plot, and all funeral arrangements including a casket and/or urn, flowers, transportation, and other specialized services.
