Preplan checklist

Getting Started with Preplanning

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming to your surviving family and friends, but preplanning your funeral service can help them better deal with the stress of losing someone.

Choose the Type of Service You Want

Preplanning 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 about making those hard choices.


  • Choose the funeral home and director you would like to handle your service.
  • Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation, donation, etc.).
  • If you choose a traditional burial service, decide where you want to be buried.
  • Meet with the funeral director to explore your options for caskets and urns.
  • If you choose burial, select your clothing.
  • Consider options for where to hold the service (funeral home, religious facility, meaningful building, or graveside).
  • What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you rather donations be given to a particular charity or a charity of one’s choice?
  • Who will take part in your service? Choose your pallbearers and ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service.
  • Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
  • Write an obituary, or make notes about what you would like it to include.
Choose Who You Want to be in Charge

Preplanning 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 about making those hard choices.


  • Choose the funeral home and director you would like to handle your service.
  • Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation, donation, etc.).
  • If you choose a traditional burial service, decide where you want to be buried.
  • Meet with the funeral director to explore your options for caskets and urns.
  • If you choose burial, select your clothing.
  • Consider options for where to hold the service (funeral home, religious facility, meaningful building, or graveside).
  • What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you rather donations be given to a particular charity or a charity of one’s choice?
  • Who will take part in your service? Choose your pallbearers and ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service.
  • Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
  • Write an obituary, or make notes about what you would like it to include.
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:

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