Funeral planning involves careful decision-making to create a memorable farewell. You need to start by verifying that the person has passed away and informing the closest family members immediately. Next, pick between burial and cremation options and find the right funeral home to handle the services. The process of arranging the funeral service and obtaining paperwork requires careful attention. 

You must also determine how the deceased will be transported. Complete burial or cremation preparations and prepare an obituary to honor their memory. You should create a reception space and personalize the service to keep everyone united in remembrance. Look for a funeral home that will take care of your requirements. 

Elements of Funeral Planning Checklist

This funeral planning guide provides all the necessary information you need:

Number 1: Immediate Steps After a Death

The first 24 to 72 hours are important after a person dies. 

• Confirm legal death pronouncement. A medical staff member must confirm death at the location of passing.
• First, notify the immediate family members and close friends by phone or visit them, keeping your words direct and comforting.
• Arrange necessary support for people and pets who depend on the deceased. Take responsibility for watching over dependents who lived with the deceased. 
• Secure personal property, keep the deceased’s house locked, and protect their possessions.
• Locate important documents, which include the will, insurance files, military discharge forms, and ID proofs.

Number 2: Choose the Service Type

Your choice of funeral service and body handling forms the base of your funeral arrangement plans. Consider:

• Burial (traditional cemetery burial or eco-friendly green burial)
• Cremation
• Donating the body to medical research

Look for information about what the deceased wanted.

Number 3: Choose the Service Provider

Look for a funeral provider who meets your needs and offers reasonable services.

• Research Local Funeral Homes: Look up customer feedback online and gather suggestions.
• Ask for a Price List: Get the general price list from the funeral service provider to pick one that suits your budget. 
• Ask about Packages: Funeral homes often offer packages that include casket selection, preparation, and transportation.. 
• Visit Facilities in Person: Facility visits enable clients to see high hygiene standards while experiencing positive staff interactions and environment analysis.

Number 4: Design the Memorial Events

When you plan a farewell service, you celebrate the departed person’s life and offer peace to their family members.

• Time and Day: Pick the event start time and the day. Select a venue that held significance in the departed person’s life, whether it is their house or a worship place.
• Select an Officiant: A person from the religious community or the family steps into this role.
• Choose Readings or Religious Texts: Select verses that show how the person lived according to their beliefs and what made them unique.
• Arrange Music: Select music the deceased enjoyed singing at home or church.
• Design a Plan: List who will speak at the service, include lyrics of chosen songs, and display photos.
• Organize Transportation: The transportation requirements for the service and cemetery may include a hearse, limousines, and other family vehicles.

Number 5: Manage Legal and Administrative Tasks

Taking care of the legal matters and administrative roles includes:

• Request five to ten certified copies of death certificates at the local vital records office or from the selected funeral home staff.
• Find the will and speak to the person named to handle the estate. The court system will select someone to manage the decedent’s property if there is no signed will.

Notify key institutions:

• Social Security Administration
• Veterans Affairs (if applicable)
• Banks and mortgage holders
• Insurance companies
• Credit card issuers

The legal procedure handles debt payoff while moving assets to their rightful recipients. You should end all services that require monthly payments, including utility services, membership access, and internet accounts.

Number 6: Write and Publish the Obituary

An obituary honors the departed soul and lets everyone know about their passing.

Gather key details:

• Name, age, and date of death
• Biographical highlights (education, career, military service)
• Names of the surviving family
• Details about the service
• Donation instructions (if applicable)

Send the notice to local print and internet news outlets with a picture attached. Add a photo to make the content stand out.

Number 7: Organize a Reception or Gathering

Following memorial services, families often decide to meet for an event.

• Choose a location
• Decide on food and drink
• Provide seating and decor
• Set up a memory table

Conclusion

A funeral planning process covers all important aspects to help manage the challenging period. Your funeral preparation starts with taking care of urgent needs and then proceeds to select a burial method and service style. To complete necessary procedures and legally handle paperwork. Decide about where to bury or cremate your loved one and set up their memorial announcement. 

Special personal elements at the reception and service help everyone feel more involved in the farewell. Follow this list when paying the final tribute to your deceased loved one. Or leave this to professionals and let Shawnee, Oklahoma funeral homes, help you through this grief period.