Planning a Funeral right after a death can be challenging both emotionally and logistically.

But it's made even more difficult if the deceased hadn't identified their end-of-life wishes.

Choosing how you'd like your Funeral to be handled in advance eases the organizational and financial burden on those who will manage its logistics.

Just as importantly, it allows them to focus on Grieving rather than challenging decision making.

There are a number of ways to plan these events, so review the planning details found in the Funeral section of the checklist.

Items that will need to be decided upon include, but are not limited to:

Payment Options

• Pre-Payment -- advance payment made to Funeral Home or other venue


• Payable-on-Death -- using designated transferrable financial accounts or insurance policies


• Estate / Trust -- setting aside money specifically for Funeral

Body Disposition

• Burial


• Cremation


• Donation


• "Green" burial options

Religious Affiliation

• Observant


• Secular / non-denominational

Service Location

• Funeral home


• Cemetery (graveside service)


• House of worship


• Event space / outdoor location


• Home (family / friend)

Service Type

• Reception / gathering


• Viewing


• Wake / shiva


• Visitation

Attendance Criteria

• Family only


• Close family and friends


• Extended family and friends


• Anyone


• No one

Officiant

• Funeral director


• Religious leader


• Family member


• Friend


• Other

Additional

• Eulogies / readings


• Songs / music


• Donations / charity


• Memorialization


• Photos / video