A Practical Funeral Planning Checklist

When someone dies, you are asked to make decisions at the worst possible moment. This checklist breaks it into manageable pieces so you don't have to hold it all in your head.

In the first day or two

• Obtain a legal pronouncement of death and secure copies of the death certificate.
• Notify close family and a few key people who can help spread word.
• Contact a funeral home or cremation provider.
• Locate any written wishes, prepaid arrangements, or religious preferences.

Within the first week

Decide on the service

Burial or cremation; religious or secular; a full funeral or a smaller memorial. There is no wrong choice — only the one that fits your family and budget.

Assign the speaking roles

Decide who will give the eulogy and who will do any readings. Give them as much notice as you can.

Handle the notice

Write and publish an obituary or a simple announcement with the service details.

In the weeks after

• Send thank-you notes to those who helped or gave.
• Begin notifying banks, benefits offices, and insurers.
• Cancel or transfer subscriptions and accounts.
• Give yourself permission to do these slowly.

A gentle reminder

You do not have to do this alone, and you do not have to do it perfectly. Lean on the funeral director, on friends who offer, and on lists like this one — that's what they're for.