Funeral Pre Planning Checklist
Thinking about your own funeral may not be easy, but planning ahead is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can leave behind for your loved ones. A clear, organized plan helps reduce emotional stress, avoids unexpected costs, and ensures your personal wishes are honored. This step-by-step pre-planning checklist is designed to guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.
✅ Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist
🗂️ 1. Personal Information
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Full legal name
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Date and place of birth
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Social Security number
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Military service details (if applicable)
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Parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name)
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Marital status and spouse’s name
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Names of children and immediate family members
⚰️ 2. Disposition Preferences
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Burial
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Cremation
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Green/Natural Burial
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Donation to science
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Organ donation (registered and documented)
📍 3. Cemetery Arrangements
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Choose a cemetery or columbarium
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Select plot, niche, or scattering garden
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Confirm ownership or purchase of burial rights
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Specify marker/monument preferences
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Discuss engraving or inscription details
🕊️ 4. Funeral or Memorial Service
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Type of service (religious, secular, military, etc.)
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Preferred location (funeral home, church, graveside, etc.)
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Desired officiant or speaker(s)
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Music selections or readings
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Photo or video displays
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Guest list or special invitations
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Request for flowers, donations, or specific attire
✍️ 5. Obituary Information
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Drafted obituary text
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List of achievements, career, community involvement
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Preferred photo
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Newspapers or websites for publication
🧾 6. Legal & Financial Planning
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Last will and testament
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Life insurance information
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Power of attorney or healthcare proxy
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Burial insurance (if applicable)
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Trust or pre-need funeral plan details
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Contact information for attorney or estate planner
💵 7. Pre-Payment & Funding
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Review cost estimates for services
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Discuss pre-payment options
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Confirm where funds are held (trust, insurance, etc.)
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Obtain receipts or contracts for all payments
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Share payment plan info with family or executor
📂 8. Document Storage
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Store all documents in a secure, accessible location
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Inform at least one trusted person of their location
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Provide copies to your executor or next of kin
🗣️ 9. Family Conversations
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Discuss your plans and wishes with loved ones
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Designate a point person to carry out your wishes
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Answer questions and clarify anything unclear
🔁 10. Review & Update Periodically
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Revisit your plans every 1–2 years or after major life events
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Update contact info, service preferences, or documents as needed