", "Some say I like to be in control of everything and they're right! The terms if you wish to cancel your preneed contract. When someone dies, there are many decisions to make: where to hold the funeral or memorial service, whether to have a traditional funeral or a modern celebration of life, whether traditional burial or cremation is more fitting, which funeral home to choose and so much more. Planning ahead for how to pay for the cost of a funeral and burial can be challenging. Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist . State where the funds are held until the funeral service. The funeral is really about the living, not the dead. _______________________________________________20. Inflation impacts every industry and funeral homes are not exempt. By taking the time to pre-plan now, you can relieve your family of these decisions. 105 tasks. Please use our arrangement planner form above to get started. 1. The average funeral can cost $7,000-$10,000. Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist & FREE Guide - O'Brien Funeral Home Not only that, but the imminent financial concerns can add to the stress of everything. 1. We have created the following funeral pre-planning guide to help you with the process. Cremation or Burial: Which is Better for You and Your Family. By pre-paying for a funeral now, you can protect your family from having to pay a higher price when you pass away. Youre fully in control if you pre-plan your own funeral, and there are a lot of things you can add to make this a special experience. When no arrangements have been prearranged, your family may have to make up to 70 decisions in the 48 hours following your passing. _______________________________________________________3. The person you name as beneficiary would get the money you intended to pay funeral costs, medical bills, and any other debts and disperse the funds. ", "In pre-paying for my funeral arrangements, I've lessened the financial burden on those people I leave behind. 1. The following checklist will help you to make sure you've thought of everything when you begin creating . There are three general components: preparing the corpse, holding the ceremony and handling the interment. You can get very detailed with your instructions such as detailing where you would like your ashes scattered. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three major credit reporting agencies. All funeral arrangements including casket, urn, flowers, transportation and specialized . The funeral service is a ceremony that celebrates, honors, and remembers the life of the deceased. Pinterest. This link will open in a new window. So, youre ready to start funeral preplanning, but you have questions about what you receive when the arrangements are finished. We have lots of options here or you can customize and print out or your funeral home can do it for you. If youre going to be buried, purchasing a plot in a cemetery or securing space in a mausoleum in advance ensures you a place there when the time comes. Close all accounts and send a death certificate to credit reporting agencies to reduce the risk of identity theft. While some things cant be planned in advance (like the date of the service), you can prepay and pre-arrange the majority of your funeral service. These are just a few of the comments we've heard during funeral pre-arrangements. Choose which songs you would like played at your service. We know how difficult losing a family member or friend is and how overwhelmed you can feel. If you are having a reception after, there are special things you can do from food to music. ________________________________________________10. What is Pre-Planning? - Cemetery.com Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. Funeral pre-planning does not negate the need for a will, which may be one of the most important documents you will ever create. Read on to find additional resources for each topic. From making arrangements for the final resting place to organizing a service, its sometimes a surprise just how many decisions there are to make after a loss. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal You will be walked through the entire process step-by-step. Most of us dont like to think about dying and what comes after. If you prefer cremation, you may want to consider a scatter garden. Taking the time to complete each step is a weight lifted from your shoulders. You will be walked through the entire process step-by-step. Facebook. Finally, you may want to consider paying ahead of time for your funeral choices: Here's What We've Heard From Families Over the Years, "Pre-planning my funeral was my way of showing my family just how much I love them. Many families offer a luncheon or evening repast to those who attend the funeral. Everything will be arranged for them, ensuring they can focus on their grief and healing. Instead, when death occurs, your loved ones can focus their energy on comforting one another and mentally preparing for the service. These vary depending on religion, though youre free to choose any (or none) of the following: Youll also want to choose someone to carry out your wishes for the funeral. In many cases, only the Executor will be able to handle these matters. Learn why funeral pre-planning. While most people opt for the funeral home, this isnt your only choice. If you want to prepay your funeral, you can do so at a funeral home or through a third party to lock in the costs of included items. Death silences even the most vocal of people but pre-planning your own funeral allows you to make your final wishes known. The same principle applies to laying you to rest. Any life insurance policy can be used to pay for a funeral, although some people buy final expense insurance policies to cover their funeral and end-of-life expenses. Funeral Planning Checklist | Dignity Memorial If that is not an option, let the police know. Explain who is responsible for paying taxes on any income or interest generated by the preneed funds you invest. By pre-planning your funeral, you can help save your family thousands of dollars. Those who choose to preplan often have three choices when it comes to paying for the service. These are practical, essential steps to inform others and set a strong foundation. Give your executor (s) a copy of your will and the contact list. _______________________________________________________2. The emergency response team will help. Below is a general step-by-step funeral pre-planning guide overview to give you an idea of what decisions must be made: {"Alabama":"AL","Alaska":"AK","Arizona":"AZ","Arkansas":"AR","California":"CA","Colorado":"CO","Connecticut":"CT","Delaware":"DE","Florida":"FL","Georgia":"GA","Hawaii":"HI","Idaho":"ID","Illinois":"IL","Indiana":"IN","Iowa":"IA","Kansas":"KS","Kentucky":"KY","Louisiana":"LA","Maine":"ME","Maryland":"MD","Massachusetts":"MA","Michigan":"MI","Minnesota":"MN","Mississippi":"MS","Missouri":"MO","Montana":"MT","Nebraska":"NE","Nevada":"NV","New Hampshire":"NH","New Jersey":"NJ","New Mexico":"NM","New York":"NY","North Carolina":"NC","North Dakota":"ND","Ohio":"OH","Oklahoma":"OK","Oregon":"OR","Pennsylvania":"PA","Rhode Island":"RI","South Carolina":"SC","South Dakota":"SD","Tennessee":"TN","Texas":"TX","Utah":"UT","Vermont":"VT","Virginia":"VA","Washington":"WA","West Virginia":"WV","Wisconsin":"WI","Wyoming":"WY"}. Every platform has its own rules for maintaining or closing the accounts of deceased members. As always, our experienced and helpful staff will be by your side throughout the entire process. Pre-planning your funeral is one of the best gifts you can provide your loved ones after your passing. The deceaseds body is on display in a closed or open coffin, which is finally closed just before funeral services and burial. Trying to plan a funeral immediately after a loved ones passing is very difficult. Once youve pre-planned your funeral, its time to talk to your loved ones. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary. Still, planning the nitty-gritty details is understandably challenging. Excellent. You will need an official death certificate. _______________________________________________3. Mother's full name, including maiden name. There are many to pick from and they can be wood, metal or ceramic. Having a will in place will make it easier on your family as you provide direction for distributing your property, finding a home for your pets, closing your physical and digital accounts, and carrying out your funeral the way you want it to be. Though your plans might not be legally binding, you can hope that your family will respect your wishes. Before your funeral arrangement meeting, think about the following: At the funeral arrangement conference, we will begin the process of planning a funeral and discuss options for burial. What would you like read at your funeral? An obituary will be useful for funeral programs for the service, funeral home websites, small-town papers, and newsletters published by organizations you belonged to. When youve chosen your funeral home, talk to them about different pricing and packages. Although you might not want to think about preplanning your funeral, its something that everyone should at least give some thought to. There are some additional things you might add to your funeral service. Funeral homes understand that many wish to plan their funerals themselves, and they make it easy to do so. This link will open in a new window. All you have to do is fill in the blanks. If your funeral will have a procession, consider who you want to be included. advice. Prices can vary widely at funeral homes, so the best approach is to call and visit. Thank you! Personal Touches: This final category allows you to personalize your funeral and burial even further. Need to print or share this checklist with other family members or loved ones? While thinking about your funeral may feel morbid to some people, its an essential way to be there for your family when it matters most. If you choose cremation, do you want to be in a burial plot near your parents, spouse, or children? Lastly, a celebration of life is an upbeat, joyous event that honors someones life. This is a time when you need to feel supported, so this free checklist is here to help. This is a service held at the final resting place. They can help guide you where to go in your area. This complete funeral planning guide includes a checklist of the steps to take when a loved one dies. _______________________________________________13. In addition to planning your funeral, you should also have a will that specifies who will handle your estate, manage your final affairs, and receive your property after you pass. There's a lot that goes into planning a funeral, but making those arrangements beforehand gives you time to consider all of your options and make sure that you're covering all of the necessary details. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. Many things need to be tended to within the first 24 hours following an individual's passing. This link will open in a new window. The prominence of social media has raised a new issue as the accounts go on forever unless it is closed. Clearly communicating your wishes in your plans can quickly resolve disputes. There are several ways to donate a loved ones body. Preparations Collect personal information for obituary. Pre-planning your funeral service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it helps ensure your final wishes are . Choosing a Cemetery: Some already know the cemetery in which they wish to be buried, but if you're not sure, you can check out an online directory to find cemeteries in your area. This link will open in a new window. Funerals are emotionally complex, and knowing how to act can present a Its a difficult time, emotions are raw and theres a lot to organize. When using the form for a funeral that will take place right away, just complete the sections you need then print the form and take it with you. If you would like a copy of our funeral pre-planning checklist, please feel free to download it below. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. How Does Pre-Planning a Funeral Typically Work? Pre-Planning Checklist | Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service Pre-Planning Checklist. For example, local regulations might require you to be buried in a coffin, but a 24-carat gold-plated one is an upgrade you can live (or die) without if it exceeds your budget. A funeral planning checklist will ensure your wishes are followed and prevent many financial and emotional stressors. Whether youre experiencing a loss or helping someone else through this difficult time, its important to know what next steps to take. Choose the type of disposition you'd like: Burial Cremation Green burial (eco-friendly) Anatomical donation (ending in cremation) I would like the following people to serve as pallbearers: I would like the following people to deliver eulogies: I would like the following people to deliver prayers, poems, or other readings: The readings I would like them to deliver are: I would like the following songs, hymns, or pieces of music to be played: I would like people to honor my memory by making a donation to one of the charity organizations that has meant a lot to me: I want to be sure that the following groups, organizations, and clubs will be notified of and invited to my funeral or memorial service (such as veterans groups, alumni associations, sports or hobby clubs, etc. The responsibility of funeral planning can be challenging, but Dignity Memorial professionals have extensive experience working with people in the midst of grief. By pre-planning your funeral, you are able to decide on everything from the method of disposition to the flowers at the ceremony. These are things to consider. Its important to know who this is because only the Executor can handle certain matters such as cancelling accounts and forwarding mail. Before burial or cremation, family and friends may share their condolences with the family at a visitation, viewing, or wake. Having a copy for yourself is useful to ensure you do not miss any important details when pre-planning a funeral. We will ask questions about your loved one in order to help you plan the most fitting tribute. They can discuss the comparative costs with you so you can make your decision. Youre in charge of creating an event thats unique to your needs, so let this guide empower you to take that first step. Times have changed. The following checklist will help you to make sure you've thought of everything when you begin creating . Pick out clothing for your loved ones body. This way instead of them stressing over the arrangements, they can instead focus on comforting one another and grieving together. We know the general facts about what comes next, whether were buried or cremated, and how our families will honor us. Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist. of an actual attorney. Funeral Services / Events: This category includes the actual ceremony that precedes the burial or cremation. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. By pre-planning your funeral, you help relieve your family of the stress that is often associated with planning a funeral. _______________________________________________12. You can pay over time. The idea of Pre-Planning your funeral is getting more popular everyday. You should start to gather as many of your loved ones important documents as possible. Many funerals will have easy-to-follow funeral planning guides, but weve boiled hundreds of guides down to this thorough funeral planning checklist. There are two types of funeral plans, preneed and at-need (sometimes referred to as immediate need). _______________________________________________15. Prepare a list of people who should be contacted in case of a medical emergency or death. The checklist includes 3 of the most important funeral planning stages: While funerals are highly personal, its important to make sure you know what decisions need to be made. It starts with immediate actions to take following a death then covers the entire process through making funeral arrangements and what to do after the service. Choose To Pay In Advance Making decisions about your funeral service in advance can benefit you and your survivors financially. Table of Contents Before Your Funeral Plan Meeting - How to Find the Right Funeral Home - Main Contact - Pre-Made Arrangements & Final Expense Insurance Decide when the funeral will be held. You can browse the different elements needed for planning a funeral below, and you can also get a free funeral pre-planning information guide to learn more. Pre-planning Checklist | Cress Funeral and Cremation Services Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist | Take Care of All Details ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Also, we plan for unexpected life events by purchasing home, auto, and medical insurance. Loss is hard. Download the checklist using the form below. Whether you're planning a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning a funeral for yourself, there are many different options available, making it easy to overlook something. Discuss whether, the price of goods and services is guaranteed. Burial containers vary widely in price and materials. For example, if you had cancer, you might prefer donations to the American Cancer Society or a local hospice to flowers. This could be in the funeral venue, a family home, or even a family restaurant. Pinterest. Or you can visit the Social Security website for more information. You will need a copy of the death certificate in order to take care of many tasks such as closing accounts. , this is the best way to make sure theyre met after your death. There are two types of funeral plans, preneed and at-need (sometimes referred to as immediate need). Not all of these steps are necessary in every situation, but its helpful to understand them. Funeral Planning Checklist: Guide to Planning a Funeral That being said, you should designate someone in your family to be the most involved with these arrangements. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Your loved one may have created a will that outlines their specific wishes for their funeral arrangements and their possessions. We've put together this funeral pre-planning checklist to help you.