Until you go through the funeral planning process, it’s hard to imagine how many decisions are required. To make matters worse, all these crucial decisions must be made during a time of loss and grief. When you preplan, your family avoids the stress of guessing what you would have wanted. A well-thought-out funeral planning checklist captures and records your final wishes. When the time comes, your loved ones can focus on commemorating your life rather than worrying about logistics.

Preplanning your funeral gives your family the ultimate gift–the gift of having time to celebrate your life without the stress and worry that comes along with making funeral preparations while trying to navigate through the grief.

There are many ways to record what you want. We recommend you consider using our Wise Planning System to keep track of your final wishes. But we know that online funeral planning isn’t for everybody. That’s why we also have a comprehensive hardcopy funeral planning form you can download.

Regardless of the tool you use to record your wishes, we strongly suggest that you plan your funeral before you need it.

The list below details the elements we consider must-haves for any funeral planning document.

1. Personal Information

Details about the deceased are very important and will be needed early on. The funeral director will ask for this information; in some cases, the authorities will also need it.

• Full Name and Preferred Nickname(s)
• Date and Place of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Contact Information (address, phone number, email address)
• Next of Kin (include relationship)
• Beneficiaries for insurance benefits or other assets

2. Disposition (Burial or Cremation)

How you want your remains handled is a critical decision. It helps guide many choices relating to ceremonies, funeral products, and final resting place. Among the choices for final disposition are:

• Burial, cremation, or donation to science
• Funeral home or crematory
• Final resting place (cemetery, mausoleum, other)

3. Funeral Home and Cemetery Property

If you have chosen a funeral home and cemetery, be sure to store the information about your selections in a place where your loved ones can find it.

• Contact information for the funeral director.
• Detailed information on the cemetery property you purchased.

4. Ceremony Preferences

The sky is the limit when designing the type of ceremony you want. This is your chance to personalize your send-off. The only limitations are your imagination and how much you’d like to spend. Your funeral planning checklist is the perfect place to define:

• Type of Service (traditional funeral, memorial service, or something else)
• Location (church, funeral home, some other venue)
• Officiant (who would you like to conduct the service?)
• Music
• Readings
• Eulogies
• Pallbearers and special participants

5. Funeral Products

You may be surprised at how many options you have for purchasing funeral products, such as caskets, urns, and grave markers. You can buy from the funeral home or shop online from various specialized stores and big box retailers. To learn more about your buying options, we recommend you visit our pages on funeral products.

6. Legal Documents

Your loved ones must be able to locate the legal documents they will need to handle your affairs. Among the documents they will need access to are:

• Last Will and Testament
• Living Will
• Power of Attorney (General and Health Care)
• Advance Directives

7. Digital Accounts Information

These days, most of our business is conducted online. That means that when we are gone, our loved ones will need access to our accounts. In most cases, the only way for your heirs to get into your accounts is if they have your user name and password. If the accounts require double opt-in, they will also need your phone. For more information on managing your online accounts, we recommend visiting our page on managing your digital assets.

We recommend that you download our Guide to Protecting Your Digital Legacy and our Digital Legacy Checklist. You can request both by visiting our Digital Legacy Guide page.

8. Financial Considerations

An often overlooked detail is deciding how you will pay for the funeral. There are a variety of options for financing end-of-life expenses. If you need help understanding your choices or don’t know where to start, we can help. Among the most popular tools for funding funeral expenses are:

• Life Insurance
• Prepaid Funeral Arrangements
• Funeral Trusts
• A Funeral Fund

The above are essential in providing your loved ones with clear instructions so they can respect your final wishes. It’s safe to say that this information is the minimum. Remember to review and update your checklist regularly to reflect any changes in your preferences or circumstances. Last but certainly not least, make sure that your family knows what you want. That means you need to share the information with them. Starting the conversation may be challenging, but it will be worth it.

After the Funeral

We tend to focus on what must be done before and during the funeral. Often, there is also lots to do after the funeral. This is especially true if there is an estate to be managed. If you want more information on handling what comes next, please visit our Managing Estate Matters page.

Using a Funeral Planning Checklist: Frequently Asked Questions

Losing a loved one, whether human or animal, is a deeply emotional experience. As we navigate through the grieving process, finding meaningful ways to honor and remember them becomes paramount. This holds true whether you buy memorial items for loved ones as a gift for someone close to the deceased.

Memorial gifts serve as tangible reminders of the cherished moments we shared and the love that will forever remain in our hearts. Let’s explore some popular memorial items to honor beloved family members and cherished pets.

MEMORIAL ITEMS FOR LOVED ONES

1. Personalized Jewelry:

Pieces of jewelry imbued with personal meaning offer a constant connection to the departed. Names, initials, birthstones, or even ashes incorporated into necklaces, bracelets, or rings bring comfort and keep the memory of the person who has died close to our hearts. Engraving your loved one’s initials, name, or special date can create a timeless keepsake.

2. Personalized Keepsakes:

Photo albums filled with cherished memories, scrapbooks showcasing their journey, or custom-made portraits capturing their essence become treasured possessions. Engraved items like lockets, plaques, or even wind chimes adorned with their favorite sayings personalize the remembrance.

3. Keepsake Urns:

For those who choose cremation, keepsake urns offer a beautiful way to honor your loved one’s remains. These smaller urns can hold a portion of ashes and come in a variety of designs to suit personal preferences. Keepsake urns come in various styles and can be found to match the larger primary urn chosen for the main portion of remains.

4. Memory Boxes:

Remembrance boxes come in a variety of styles and sizes. Curate a collection of cherished items like letters, cards, trinkets, or even their favorite scarf to create a dedicated space for memories. Photographs, handwritten notes, and small mementos evoke their presence and spark conversation about their life. Preserving handwritten notes, letters, or cards from your loved one allows you to hold onto their words and expressions of love. These intimate mementos can provide solace during difficult times.

5. Living Memorials:

Planting a tree, creating a memorial garden, or installing a park bench in their honor offers a beautiful and enduring tribute. Witnessing nature’s growth and renewal symbolizes their memory flourishing alongside life’s cycle. Watching the tree or plant blossom and flourish can be a source of solace and connection. Spending time in a special outdoor space you have created can strengthen your connection to the memory of a loved one.

6. Donations in The Name of the Deceased:

Honor the values and passions of a loved one through charitable contributions to causes they championed allows their legacy to live on. Whether it’s supporting an animal shelter, a medical research foundation, or an arts organization, these donations keep their spirit alive and create a lasting impact.

Other Memory Items for Lost Loved Ones

The above are just a few ideas for how you can create memorial items to pay tribute to your loved one. Below are a few other ideas for memorial items that can keep their spirit alive and help you navigate grief.

• Lighting a memory candle can be a comforting ritual. You can choose a candle with a personalized message or a scented candle that evokes fond memories.
• Memory quilts can be crafted from pieces of clothing or fabric that belonged to your loved one. Each patch can tell a story, creating a warm, tangible tribute that wraps you in comforting memories. If you don’t have the skills to create the quilt yourself, there are services available that can help you. Clothing can also be used to create pillows, dolls, and teddy bears.
• Memorial stones engraved with a meaningful quote or the name of your loved one can be placed in a garden or outdoor space they enjoyed. These stones serve as a lasting tribute and a place for quiet reflection.
• Displaying a favorite photograph in a beautifully crafted custom frame allows you to preserve precious memories. Choose a frame that reflects the personality or interests of your loved one for a truly personal touch.

>>Visit our Memorial Store to see many beautiful memorial items for loved ones and pets.

What is the best gift for remembrance?

There’s no single “best” gift for remembrance since it depends on the individual and their relationship to the deceased. Some helpful things to keep in mind when selecting a remembrance gift are the personality and interests of the deceased and the person you are buying the gift for, as well as their cultural and religious beliefs.

The most important aspect is to choose a gift that comes from the heart and reflects the unique character of the deceased. Your aim is to choose something that offers comfort and solace rather than pain or sadness. If you are unsure, consult with close friends, family members, or even the recipient for guidance.

Memorial Items for Pets

1. Urns and Keepsake Urns:

Selecting a beautiful urn to house your beloved pet’s ashes allows for dignified storage and a place of rest. Keepsake urns, smaller in size, offer a portion of their ashes to keep close and can be adorned with their name or paw prints.

2. Pet Memorial Jewelry:

There is a wide variety of pet memorial jewelry available. Often, the jewelry can be personalized or even contain a secret compartment for a pinch of remains. Pendants, charms, and bracelets all allow you to carry a reminder of your furry friend wherever you go.

3. Memorial Photo Frames:

Displaying a cherished photo of your pet in a customized frame honors their memory and the special bond you shared. Choose a frame that captures their unique personality and brings a smile to your face.

4. Memorial Gardens or Pet Cemeteries:

Providing a designated space for their final resting place, adorned with flowers, personalized headstones, or wind chimes, offers a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. Even if you do not include your pet’s remains, a lovely garden or outdoor space can serve as a tribute to your faithful companion. You can include a customized pet memorial stone engraved with their name, special message, or pawprint for a personalized touch. Customized Garden Markers and plaques with your pet’s name and breed are also available.

5. Paw Print Keepsakes:

Capturing a pet’s unique paw print in clay, jewelry, or even a framed display immortalizes their physical presence and evokes fond memories of walks and playful moments.

6. Custom Pet Portraits:

Talented artists can create stunning portraits that capture the personality and spirit of your companion, turning a photograph into a timeless work of art that adorns your home.

What should I get as a keepsake after my pet dies?

There’s no single “right” answer when it comes to choosing a keepsake. It depends on your personal preferences and what resonates with you most about your pet. Choose something that brings you comfort and reflects your unique bond with your pet. Don’t feel pressured to rush into choosing a keepsake. Take time to grieve and process your emotions before deciding. There’s no right or wrong way to remember your pet. The most important thing is finding something meaningful and personal to you.

Memorial Items: Beyond the Tangible:

Memorial items offer comfort and keep memories alive, but true remembrance transcends the physical. Sharing stories, organizing gatherings to celebrate their life, and engaging in activities your loved one enjoyed are powerful ways to keep their spirit alive. Whether it’s volunteering at a cause they cared about, planting flowers they loved, or simply reminiscing with loved ones, these actions ensure their memory continues to touch hearts and inspire lives.

Remember, grief is a personal journey, and what brings comfort varies for everyone. Whether you choose traditional memorial items, personalized keepsakes, or intangible acts of remembrance, the most important thing is to find ways to honor their life and keep their memory cherished in your heart.

Additional Tips:

• Involve family and friends in selecting memorial items, as their shared memories and perspectives can enrich the process.
• When choosing items, consider their personality and preferences, ensuring they reflect their unique essence.
• Don’t be afraid to be creative and explore unique options that resonate with you.
• Seek support from grief counselors or support groups to navigate the emotional journey of loss.

By embracing meaningful ways to remember and celebrate their life, we can find solace in grief, honor their memory, and ensure their spirit continues to touch the lives of those they love. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and finding what brings you comfort and peace is the most important thing you can do.

>>Visit our pages on Coping with Grief.

>>Visit our Memorial Store.

>>See our Guide to Buying Memorial Products

>>Learn more about memorializing your pet.

Losing a loved one, whether human or animal, is a deeply emotional experience. As we navigate through the grieving process, finding meaningful ways to honor and remember them becomes paramount. This holds true whether you buy memorial items for loved ones as a gift for someone close to the deceased.

Memorial gifts serve as tangible reminders of the cherished moments we shared and the love that will forever remain in our hearts. Let’s explore some popular memorial items to honor beloved family members and cherished pets.

MEMORIAL ITEMS FOR LOVED ONES

1. Personalized Jewelry:

Pieces of jewelry imbued with personal meaning offer a constant connection to the departed. Names, initials, birthstones, or even ashes incorporated into necklaces, bracelets, or rings bring comfort and keep the memory of the person who has died close to our hearts. Engraving your loved one’s initials, name, or special date can create a timeless keepsake.

2. Personalized Keepsakes:

Photo albums filled with cherished memories, scrapbooks showcasing their journey, or custom-made portraits capturing their essence become treasured possessions. Engraved items like lockets, plaques, or even wind chimes adorned with their favorite sayings personalize the remembrance.

3. Keepsake Urns:

For those who choose cremation, keepsake urns offer a beautiful way to honor your loved one’s remains. These smaller urns can hold a portion of ashes and come in a variety of designs to suit personal preferences. Keepsake urns come in various styles and can be found to match the larger primary urn chosen for the main portion of remains.

4. Memory Boxes:

Remembrance boxes come in a variety of styles and sizes. Curate a collection of cherished items like letters, cards, trinkets, or even their favorite scarf to create a dedicated space for memories. Photographs, handwritten notes, and small mementos evoke their presence and spark conversation about their life. Preserving handwritten notes, letters, or cards from your loved one allows you to hold onto their words and expressions of love. These intimate mementos can provide solace during difficult times.

5. Living Memorials:

Planting a tree, creating a memorial garden, or installing a park bench in their honor offers a beautiful and enduring tribute. Witnessing nature’s growth and renewal symbolizes their memory flourishing alongside life’s cycle. Watching the tree or plant blossom and flourish can be a source of solace and connection. Spending time in a special outdoor space you have created can strengthen your connection to the memory of a loved one.

6. Donations in The Name of the Deceased:

Honor the values and passions of a loved one through charitable contributions to causes they championed allows their legacy to live on. Whether it’s supporting an animal shelter, a medical research foundation, or an arts organization, these donations keep their spirit alive and create a lasting impact.

Other Memory Items for Lost Loved Ones

The above are just a few ideas for how you can create memorial items to pay tribute to your loved one. Below are a few other ideas for memorial items that can keep their spirit alive and help you navigate grief.

• Lighting a memory candle can be a comforting ritual. You can choose a candle with a personalized message or a scented candle that evokes fond memories.
• Memory quilts can be crafted from pieces of clothing or fabric that belonged to your loved one. Each patch can tell a story, creating a warm, tangible tribute that wraps you in comforting memories. If you don’t have the skills to create the quilt yourself, there are services available that can help you. Clothing can also be used to create pillows, dolls, and teddy bears.
• Memorial stones engraved with a meaningful quote or the name of your loved one can be placed in a garden or outdoor space they enjoyed. These stones serve as a lasting tribute and a place for quiet reflection.
• Displaying a favorite photograph in a beautifully crafted custom frame allows you to preserve precious memories. Choose a frame that reflects the personality or interests of your loved one for a truly personal touch.

>>Visit our Memorial Store to see many beautiful memorial items for loved ones and pets.

What is the best gift for remembrance?

There’s no single “best” gift for remembrance since it depends on the individual and their relationship to the deceased. Some helpful things to keep in mind when selecting a remembrance gift are the personality and interests of the deceased and the person you are buying the gift for, as well as their cultural and religious beliefs.

The most important aspect is to choose a gift that comes from the heart and reflects the unique character of the deceased. Your aim is to choose something that offers comfort and solace rather than pain or sadness. If you are unsure, consult with close friends, family members, or even the recipient for guidance.

Memorial Items for Pets

1. Urns and Keepsake Urns:

Selecting a beautiful urn to house your beloved pet’s ashes allows for dignified storage and a place of rest. Keepsake urns, smaller in size, offer a portion of their ashes to keep close and can be adorned with their name or paw prints.

2. Pet Memorial Jewelry:

There is a wide variety of pet memorial jewelry available. Often, the jewelry can be personalized or even contain a secret compartment for a pinch of remains. Pendants, charms, and bracelets all allow you to carry a reminder of your furry friend wherever you go.

3. Memorial Photo Frames:

Displaying a cherished photo of your pet in a customized frame honors their memory and the special bond you shared. Choose a frame that captures their unique personality and brings a smile to your face.

4. Memorial Gardens or Pet Cemeteries:

Providing a designated space for their final resting place, adorned with flowers, personalized headstones, or wind chimes, offers a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. Even if you do not include your pet’s remains, a lovely garden or outdoor space can serve as a tribute to your faithful companion. You can include a customized pet memorial stone engraved with their name, special message, or pawprint for a personalized touch. Customized Garden Markers and plaques with your pet’s name and breed are also available.

5. Paw Print Keepsakes:

Capturing a pet’s unique paw print in clay, jewelry, or even a framed display immortalizes their physical presence and evokes fond memories of walks and playful moments.

6. Custom Pet Portraits:

Talented artists can create stunning portraits that capture the personality and spirit of your companion, turning a photograph into a timeless work of art that adorns your home.

What should I get as a keepsake after my pet dies?

There’s no single “right” answer when it comes to choosing a keepsake. It depends on your personal preferences and what resonates with you most about your pet. Choose something that brings you comfort and reflects your unique bond with your pet. Don’t feel pressured to rush into choosing a keepsake. Take time to grieve and process your emotions before deciding. There’s no right or wrong way to remember your pet. The most important thing is finding something meaningful and personal to you.

Memorial Items: Beyond the Tangible:

Memorial items offer comfort and keep memories alive, but true remembrance transcends the physical. Sharing stories, organizing gatherings to celebrate their life, and engaging in activities your loved one enjoyed are powerful ways to keep their spirit alive. Whether it’s volunteering at a cause they cared about, planting flowers they loved, or simply reminiscing with loved ones, these actions ensure their memory continues to touch hearts and inspire lives.

Remember, grief is a personal journey, and what brings comfort varies for everyone. Whether you choose traditional memorial items, personalized keepsakes, or intangible acts of remembrance, the most important thing is to find ways to honor their life and keep their memory cherished in your heart.

Additional Tips:

• Involve family and friends in selecting memorial items, as their shared memories and perspectives can enrich the process.
• When choosing items, consider their personality and preferences, ensuring they reflect their unique essence.
• Don’t be afraid to be creative and explore unique options that resonate with you.
• Seek support from grief counselors or support groups to navigate the emotional journey of loss.

By embracing meaningful ways to remember and celebrate their life, we can find solace in grief, honor their memory, and ensure their spirit continues to touch the lives of those they love. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and finding what brings you comfort and peace is the most important thing you can do.

>>Visit our pages on Coping with Grief.

>>Visit our Memorial Store.

>>See our Guide to Buying Memorial Products

>>Learn more about memorializing your pet.