Planning Ahead

Pre-Planning Checklist

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming to your surviving family and friends, but pre-planning your funeral service can help them better deal with the stress of losing someone.

Choose the Type of Service You Want

Pre-planning your funeral service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it helps ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making those final decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry with making those hard choices.


  • Determine your method of disposition (burial or cremation).
  • If you choose a traditional service with burial, decide where you want to be buried.
  • Meet with the funeral director and look at your options for merchandise and services.
  • Look at options for a location to hold your service (church, events center, graveside).
  • What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you rather donations be given to a particular charity?
  • Who will be a part of your service? You should decide on pallbearers and even ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service.
  • Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
  • Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary.
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