Many details go into planning a meaningful and personalized funeral or memorial service, but you don’t have to decide them all right now. This list is a helpful guide to begin thinking about your own final wishes. When you’re ready, a dedicated Advanced Planner will guide you through each step and make sure everything is taken care of exactly as you want. Call us if you have any questions or to begin preplanning.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE PLANNING CHECKLIST
Important Information
Personal Information
- Your father’s name
- Your mother’s maiden name
- Your social security number
- Your level of education
Affiliations
- Fraternal organizations
- Union memberships
- Service organizations
- Any special recognitions
Military Service Information
- Name(s) of war/conflict(s) toured
- Serial number
- Military service
- Branch rank
- Date of enlistment
- Date of discharge
Getting Started
- Select a funeral home
- Organize personal information for your obituary
- If you wish, choose a charity for any donations
The Funeral Service
- Select burial or cremation
- Choose a casket or cremation container
- Pick funeral locations and service types
- Make a note of any desired traditions or religious rituals
- Select the attire you want to be dressed in
- Arrange transportation for your physical remains and family members
- Select an overall theme for funeral stationery and any décor
- Choose floral arrangements
- Choose any specific hymns and songs you’d like included
- Pick photos and mementos for a memorial display
Service Participants
- Designate pallbearers
- Select a clergy member or officiator for the service
- Choose friends or family members to say the eulogy, read scripture, do a speech, or other readings
- If you wish, choose any musicians
Final Disposition
- Choose a cemetery
- Select a burial plot. mausoleum, or niche
- Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription
- Decide who will keep your urn
- Decide who will scatter your ashes and where