Funeral Planning Checklist: What to Do When a Loved One Passes
Losing someone you love is never easy. In the midst of grief, navigating what to do next can feel overwhelming. Whether the passing was expected or sudden, the days that follow are often filled with emotional and logistical decisions that no one is ever quite prepared for.
This gentle guide offers a step-by-step funeral planning checklist to help you through those first crucial moments. It’s designed to ease the burden while honoring your loved one’s life with care, dignity, and grace.
1. Take a Breath — And Ask for Help
Before anything else, pause. It’s okay to not have all the answers. Lean on family, friends, or a funeral professional to help share the load. If your loved one had made pre-arrangements or left behind written wishes, locate those as soon as possible—they can be a valuable guide during a difficult time.
2. Notify the Necessary People
Start by contacting immediate family members and close friends. You’ll also need to inform your loved one’s doctor or hospice provider (if applicable), who can assist with legal documentation, such as the death certificate.
Once a legal pronouncement of death is made, reach out to a funeral home or cremation service. If you’re unsure who to call, local hospitals, hospices, or clergy can offer recommendations.
3. Secure Important Documents
Gather key paperwork, including:
- Legal ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security number
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Insurance policies
- Prepaid funeral plans (if any)
- Military discharge papers (for veteran honors)
These documents will help you with next steps like filing for death benefits, arranging services, and closing accounts.
4. Choose a Funeral or Memorial Service Style
There are many ways to honor a life well-lived. Some families choose traditional funerals, while others opt for a celebration of life gathering, held in a garden, park, or home. Whichever format you choose, let it reflect the spirit and wishes of the person you’re remembering.
You’ll need to decide on:
- Burial vs. cremation
- A service date and location
- Clergy or officiant (if any)
- Music, readings, and speakers
- Guest list and invitations
- Whether to livestream or record the event
5. Select Personal Touches and Memorial Favors
Meaningful touches can bring beauty and comfort to the service. You might consider:
- A memory table with photos and personal items
- A guestbook for attendees to leave messages
- A slideshow or video tribute
- Memorial favors such as Forget Me Not Seed Packets, Plantable Seed paper or Personalized Engraved Photos
- These small gestures offer connection and comfort, turning sorrow into remembrance.
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6. Write the Obituary and Share Service Details
An obituary doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be sincere. Focus on your loved one’s life, passions, and legacy. Include information about the upcoming service and any memorial donations in lieu of flowers.
Post the obituary on:
- The funeral home’s website
- Local newspapers
- Your loved one’s social media accounts
7. Arrange Care for Pets, Property, and Mail
In the days following a death, it’s easy to overlook practical matters. Be sure someone is caring for any pets, collecting mail, and securing your loved one’s home and belongings.
Consider a fireproof document organizer to store key papers or a temporary pet sitter notebook for care coordination.
8. Begin the Process of Handling the Estate
This step can take time. You’ll likely need:
- A death certificate (multiple copies)
- A will, if one exists
- An executor or estate attorney
Notify banks, creditors, insurance companies, and government agencies to begin the legal and financial process of closing the estate.
9. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Take moments to rest, cry, reflect, and lean on others. You are not alone. Consider joining a local support group or finding small ways to support your healing process—like journaling, walking, or lighting a flameless LED memorial candle at home.
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Closing Thoughts: A Life Remembered
Planning a funeral or celebration of life is never easy—but it is a sacred act of love. Each decision you make is a reflection of your care, your memories, and your desire to honor a life that mattered.
Whether you choose to include thoughtful funeral favors, plant a memorial garden, or simply gather with loved ones to share stories, know that there is no “right” way to say goodbye. There is only what feels right to you.
In the end, it’s not just about what we do in the days after someone passes—it’s about how we keep their light alive in the days to come.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we truly believe can help you honor your loved ones with meaning and care.
