Pre-Planning Checklist

Why Preplanning Matters


Dealing with the loss of a loved one is overwhelming enough for surviving family and friends. Preplanning your funeral can help ease that stress before it ever arrives.


Preplanning doesn't just lighten the load on your loved ones, it makes sure your final wishes are actually honored. Some families struggle to make these decisions in the middle of grief. When you plan ahead, your family won't have to.


Decisions you can make now:


  • Choose the funeral home and director you'd like to handle your service
  • Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation, donation, or something else)
  • If you choose burial, decide where you want to be buried
  • Meet with the funeral director and look through casket and urn options
  • If you choose burial, decide on clothing options
  • Choose a location for your service (funeral home, religious facility, sentimental place, graveside)
  • Decide on flowers, or whether you'd rather donations go to a charity of your choice
  • Decide who will be part of your service: pallbearers, and anyone you'd like to officiate or participate
  • Choose the songs you'd like played
  • Write your obituary, or leave notes on what you'd like included


Choose Who You Want to be in Charge



Your family and friends want to be part of honoring your final wishes. They just need to know what you'd like them to do.

  • Make sure someone, ideally your executor, has a copy of your will.
  • Give a family member or trusted friend a list of important accounts that will need to be contacted after your death. Make sure someone also knows your final wishes for your service.
  • Designate someone to be your power of attorney.
  • Have someone ready to cancel basic utility services and subscriptions.



Choose To Pay In Advance



Making decisions about your funeral service in advance can benefit you and your family financially. If possible, pay for expenses ahead of time, freeing your loved ones from that burden later. When possible, consider prepaying for:

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