A Checklist for Working with a Funeral Home
When a family member or loved one passes away, there are many details that need to be arranged. A funeral home will help walk you through the normal sequence of events, but knowing what to expect and what your role is will help you get everything done in a timely manner. Below is a list of what you’ll need to do when you work with a funeral home.
Gather the Information You’ll Need
Before you even go in for the first meeting with the funeral director, you should gather some information about the deceased. Here’s what you’ll need:
__ Personal information, like birthdate, birthplace, Social Security number, and parents’ names.
__ Insurance information, including any burial insurance.
__ Decide, with input from family and close friends, what type of service is preferred (full-service funeral, memorial service only, cremation with no service, etc.).
__ List of people who will be serving as pallbearers—the number is traditionally six, and they need to be capable of some lifting.
__ Name and contact information for preferred clergy person to perform the service, if any.
__ Cemetery information and proof of ownership if a plot was already purchased.
Gather the Items You’ll Need
__ Photographs for website and to display at funeral/memorial.
__ Clothing, including underclothes and outer clothes.
__ Jewelry.
__ Personal items like glasses or a watch.
__ A copy of the deceased’s birth certificate, if available.
__ Military paperwork (active service papers, discharge papers).
Choose Services from the Funeral Home
In the first meeting with the funeral director, you’ll discuss what services you want. Make sure to discuss your preferences on the following services:
__ Embalming (local laws may require this if burial or cremation will not take place within a short period of time).
__ Cremation vs. traditional burial.
__ Visitation or viewing.
__ Graveside service.
__ Traditional funeral service and burial vs. alternatives (memorial service only, wake, etc.).
__ Transportation for family members.
Work Out the Details
Here are some of the details you should be sure to cover with the funeral director:
__ Date and time of the funeral.
__ Location of funeral services and burial.
__ Open or closed casket.
__ Special ceremonies that should be included (e.g. military or fraternal order ceremonies).
__ Who will deliver the eulogy and any songs or readings.
Choose Items
In addition to services, you’ll need to purchase some items as well. Some of these can be gotten directly from the funeral home, and they’ll have lists of trusted vendors for the other items if you don’t know where to get them yourself.
__ Casket or urn.
__ Burial plot (if not previously purchased).
__ Flowers.
__ Memorial (headstone, flat marker).