Preplanning Checklist
General
- Gather personal information for your obituary
- Make note of any specific instructions for your services and final disposition
Choose the Type of Service You Want
Pre-planning your funeral service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it helps ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making those final decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry with making those hard choices.
- Choose a cremation container
- Explore urns and keepsake selections
- Think about any customs, cultural practices, or spiritual traditions meaningful to you and your family
- Decide on the clothing you'd like to be dressed in
- Pick any music or readings you'd like to include in the ceremony
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.
- Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important account information that will need to be contacted and handled following your death. Also make sure someone knows your final wishes for your desired service.
- Designate someone to be your power of attorney.
- Have someone prepared to cancel basic utility services and subscriptions.
Additional Information
- General: Advance Health Care Directive (if one was created)
- Have a payment plan: check, credit card or ACH withdrawal
- Military Service Information: DD-214 Form
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, pre pay for:
Final Disposition
- Scatter at Sea
- Retain at Residence
- Burial at a cemetery
