Planning Ahead

Pre-Planning Checklist

The following checklist will help you create your personalized plan.

Ways to Plan Ahead:

General

  • Gather personal information for your obituary.
  • Choose a charity to direct donations to, if desired.
  • Choose a funeral home.
  • Make note of any special instructions you desire for your services and final disposition.

Funeral Service

  • Choose burial or cremation.
  • Select a casket or cremation container.
  • Choose the location and type of service.
  • Decide whether you’d like to have a viewing or visitation.
  • Choose floral arrangements.
  • Select which photographs and memorabilia you’d like to display.
  • Consider any customs, traditions, or religious rites that are important to you and your family.
  • Choose the clothing you’d like to be dressed in.
  • Select music and hymns, if desired.
  • Select a style for your stationery and memorial register book.
  • Arrange transportation for your physical remains and your family.
  • Brainstorm any additional ways you’d like to personalize the services or pay tribute to your accomplishments, hobbies, personality, and life story.

Participants

  • Choose a clergy member or officiator to preside over the service.
  • Select any musicians whose talents you’d like to employ.
  • Select pallbearers.
  • Choose friends or family members to perform the eulogy, read scripture, or prepare a speech.

Cemetery

  • Choose a cemetery.
  • Select a burial or cremation plot, or a mausoleum, if appropriate.
  • Decide between above- and below-ground burial.
  • Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription.
Information You'll Need:

Vital Statistics

  • Your father’s name
  • Your mother’s maiden name
  • Your level of education
  • Your social security number

Affiliations

  • Fraternal organizations
  • Service organizations
  • Union memberships
  • Any special recognitions you have

If you’re a veteran, you’ll also need to include:

  • Military service
  • Branch rank
  • Date of enlistment
  • Date of discharge
  • Name(s) of war/conflict(s) toured
  • Serial number

Remember...

There’s no need to make all the decisions right away. For personalized assistance in creating your plan, contact one of our experts to schedule a one-on-one meeting.

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