Funeral Planning Checklist: What to Do, Step by Step
When someone you love dies, you’re asked to make dozens of decisions while you can barely think. A funeral planning checklist turns an overwhelming blur into a short list of next steps — and lets you hand pieces to the people offering to help. Here’s a gentle, ordered guide to what needs doing.
First (the first day or two)
- Get a legal pronouncement of death. In hospice or a hospital this is handled for you; at home, call the appropriate authority so a death certificate can be issued.
- Notify the closest family and a few key people. You don’t have to tell everyone yourself — ask one or two people to help spread the word.
- Arrange transport of your loved one to a funeral home or cremation provider.
- Look for any final wishes — a will, a prepaid plan, or written preferences about burial vs. cremation.
Soon (the first several days)
- Choose a funeral home or cremation provider. It’s okay to compare prices; providers must give you an itemized list.
- Decide burial or cremation, and the type of service (traditional, memorial, or celebration of life).
- Set the date, time, and place for the service and any reception.
- Request death certificates — order several certified copies; banks, insurers and government offices each need one.
- Choose who will speak, read, and perform music.
The service itself
- Write the obituary and send it where you’d like it published.
- Create the program (order of service, cover, photo).
- Gather photos and mementos for a display or slideshow.
- Arrange flowers, or name a charity for donations in lieu of flowers.
- Plan the reception / repast — location and food.
Afterward (the weeks that follow)
- Notify Social Security, banks, insurers, pension/employer, and subscriptions.
- Send thank-you notes to those who helped, sent flowers, or gave donations.
- Keep a folder of certificates, receipts and account details in one place.
Let the list carry the weight
You will not remember all of this in the moment — and you shouldn’t have to. A printed checklist means you can do the next thing, hand off the rest, and give yourself permission to grieve in between.
When it’s time to make the program, the Celebration of Life Program Kit gives you editable templates and an order of service ready to personalize and print — one less blank page to face.
Keep reading: Funeral Program Wording Examples (+ Free Editable Template).
This is general guidance, not legal advice — requirements vary by location.
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