It is not always possible to be prepared for death. However, there are steps everyone can take, regardless of age and health, to make the task of funeral planning easier for their loved ones. Even if you are young and healthy, you can write down your funeral wishes. Rather than being morbid, this can be a very helpful tool for your loved ones in the event of your sudden death.

What Is a Funeral Planning Checklist?

A funeral planning checklist is a document that outlines the plan for a funeral or service. It can be very long and detailed or short. This depends on the wishes of the deceased and their family. These guides are a wonderful resource during what is usually a terrible time. Funeral planning checklists can also ensure the deceased wishes are met and help control funeral costs.

Why a Funeral Planning Checklist?

When a loved one dies, it is difficult to think clearly. If you have a document that outlines everything you need to do, a tough task is a little easier. A checklist, like the Lantern funeral planning checklist, will ensure everything gets done. It also can save you money on funeral costs because it allows you to research the costs ahead of time. You can then pick the best options for your family. 

What Should it Include?

Every situation is going to require different elements. However, there are a few things all funeral planning checklists should include. 

• Body disposition – Does your loved one wish to be cremated? Buried? Or did they wish for their body to be donated to science and created later? Any good funeral planning checklist will begin here. After establishing the means of disposition, the rest of the funeral can be planned.

• Legal elements – There are several pieces of information you will need to get a death certificate. Many you might know, but be prepared to provide the deceased’s social security number, place of birth, and full names of their parents. 

• Personal documents – Many legal tasks can be made easier for your loved ones in the event of your death by having up-to-date documents. A will, insurance policies, military service records, marriage and birth certificates, and other legal papers should be kept in a place where someone you trust has access to them.

• Service wishes – What kind of service did the person want? Did they want religious elements or just a celebration of their life? Having an idea of the service you will be planning will make it easier. There are many elements that go into the service itself to consider. These may include:
  • Date and time – When will the service be held? How much time will people need to make plans to attend?
  • Music – What kind of music will play?
  • Speakers – Who will speak? What will they say? How long should they plan to speak?
  • Food – Will there be food at the service? Will there be a reception elsewhere after the service?
  • Transportation – How will people traveling from out of town get to and from the service? 
  • Accommodations – If mourners are coming from afar, where will they sleep?
  • Flowers and decor – Will you have photos, a video montage, flowers, or some other decor at the service?

• Obituary – Did the deceased have any requests about the obituary? If so, whoever writes the obituary should be aware of these requests. There should also be a designated person who knows that they will be in charge of writing this important piece of news.

When a loved one dies, the number of tasks that need to be completed is overwhelming. There are emotional, financial, and physical stresses added to dealing with the loss. A simple step such as having a funeral planning checklist can help. It eases some of the planning burdens while also ensuring the wishes of the deceased are followed.