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Printable Funeral Planning Checklist (2026)

Reviewed: February 2026 Sources: NFDA, FCA, FTC, State Boards Editorial: Our Standards

This comprehensive checklist guides you through every step of funeral planning, from the first hours after a death through long-term follow-up tasks. Check off each item as you complete it. Cost awareness tips are included throughout to help you make informed decisions.

1 Immediate Steps (First 24–48 Hours)

These are the most time-sensitive tasks. Take them one at a time and ask a trusted friend or family member to help if possible.

  • Call 911 or the appropriate authority. If the death was unexpected and occurred at home, call 911. If the person was under hospice care, call the hospice nurse first.
  • Do not move the body until a medical professional, coroner, or hospice nurse has arrived and the death has been officially pronounced.
  • Locate advance directives and pre-arranged plans. Check for a will, living will, pre-need funeral contract, organ/tissue donation documents, and any written wishes about burial or cremation.
  • Contact immediate family members. Notify spouse, children, parents, and siblings. Designate one person as the primary point of contact to avoid conflicting information.
  • Contact a funeral home. If no pre-arrangement exists, do not rush this decision. You generally have 24–48 hours. Call at least two funeral homes to compare prices using their General Price Lists.
  • Secure the deceased’s home and belongings. Lock doors, secure valuables, and arrange for pet care if needed. Remove perishable food if the person lived alone.
  • Gather essential documents: Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, military discharge papers (DD-214), insurance policies, and any pre-paid funeral contracts.
  • Notify the deceased’s employer (if applicable) to inquire about life insurance benefits, final paycheck, pension, and any death benefits.
  • Begin an obituary draft. Collect key biographical details: full legal name, date and place of birth, survivors, and any special accomplishments or affiliations.
  • Designate a family spokesperson to manage incoming calls, coordinate meals, and handle logistics so the primary decision-maker can focus on arrangements.
  • Request a preliminary death certificate if needed immediately for any time-sensitive matters. The funeral home typically handles the official certificates.
You are not required to choose the first funeral home you contact. Taking even a few hours to compare General Price Lists can save $2,000–$4,000. See our Cost Comparison Worksheet to organize your research.

2 Funeral Home Selection

Choosing a funeral home is one of the most important financial decisions in this process. The FTC Funeral Rule protects your right to transparent pricing.

  • Request General Price Lists (GPLs) from at least two or three funeral homes. They are required by federal law to provide one, in person or over the phone.
  • Compare the basic services fee (non-declinable) across funeral homes. This single charge can vary by $1,000 or more between providers in the same area.
  • Ask about package pricing vs. itemized pricing. Always request the itemized list so you can see exactly what you are paying for. You have the right to decline any service you do not want.
  • Verify whether embalming is required. It is not required by law in most states. If choosing cremation or an immediate burial, embalming is usually unnecessary. Ask about refrigeration as an alternative.
  • Ask about third-party casket and urn policies. Federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets and urns purchased elsewhere without a handling fee.
  • Inquire about cremation options if considering cremation: direct cremation, cremation with memorial service, and whether they operate their own crematory or outsource.
  • Check online reviews and state licensing. Verify the funeral home is licensed with your state funeral board. Look for complaints with the state attorney general and Better Business Bureau.
  • Ask about payment plans and timing. Some funeral homes require full payment before services; others offer payment plans. Clarify the terms before committing.
  • Visit the facility in person if possible to assess cleanliness, staff professionalism, and whether the atmosphere feels respectful and comfortable for your family.
The national average basic services fee is $2,300, but it ranges from $1,200 to $3,500+ depending on your area. Use our Cost Breakdown Guide to understand every line item.

3 Service Planning

These decisions shape the ceremony and final disposition. Consider the wishes of the deceased, family preferences, religious or cultural traditions, and your budget.

  • Decide on disposition: traditional burial, cremation, green/natural burial, body donation, or alkaline hydrolysis (where available). This is the single biggest cost factor.
  • Choose the type of service: traditional funeral with viewing, memorial service (no body present), graveside service, celebration of life, or private family gathering.
  • Select a date, time, and location for the service. Coordinate with the funeral home, place of worship, cemetery, or other venue.
  • Choose a casket, urn, or alternative container. Options range from a basic cremation container ($150) to a premium hardwood or metal casket ($5,000+). Consider online retailers for significant savings.
  • Arrange for an officiant — clergy, celebrant, family member, or funeral director. Confirm whether an honorarium is expected (typically $150–$300).
  • Select music, readings, and speakers. Discuss with family members who may want to participate. Confirm AV capabilities at the venue if using video or photo slideshows.
  • Order flowers and decorations. Compare prices from local florists vs. grocery store floral departments vs. online delivery. A simple arrangement can cost $75–$200 vs. $500+ for elaborate displays.
  • Prepare the obituary and submit it to local newspapers and online memorial sites. Newspaper obituaries can cost $200–$1,500 depending on length and publication; online-only options are usually free.
  • Order printed programs, memorial cards, and guest books. Ask whether the funeral home includes these or charges separately. DIY options using templates can save $100–$300.
  • Arrange transportation: hearse, family limousine or service vehicle, and parking logistics. Limousine service adds $300–$600; many families use personal vehicles instead.
  • Plan a reception or gathering after the service. Options include the funeral home, a family home, a restaurant, or a place of worship. Ask community members if they can help with food to reduce catering costs.
  • Confirm cemetery or crematory arrangements. If burial, confirm the plot, vault requirement, and opening/closing fee. If cremation, confirm the timeline for return of cremated remains.
Cremation without a ceremony (direct cremation) averages $2,398 nationally; a full traditional burial averages $7,848 before cemetery costs. See our Cremation vs. Burial Cost Guide for a detailed comparison.

4 Financial & Legal

Managing the financial and legal aspects promptly helps prevent complications later. Keep copies of every document and receipt.

  • Order 10–15 certified copies of the death certificate through the funeral home or your state’s vital records office. Each copy costs $5–$25 depending on the state.
  • File for the Social Security death benefit ($255 lump-sum payment for eligible surviving spouses or dependent children). Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
  • Contact life insurance companies with the policy number and a certified death certificate. Most claims are processed within 30–60 days.
  • Notify banks, investment firms, and retirement accounts. Provide a death certificate and inquire about beneficiary designations, joint account access, and any required forms.
  • File a claim for veteran burial benefits if the deceased was a veteran. The VA provides a burial allowance of $2,000+ for service-connected deaths and a free headstone or marker. See our Veteran Benefits Guide.
  • Check for employer death benefits: final paycheck, unused PTO payout, 401(k) beneficiary distribution, and employer-paid life insurance.
  • Explore financial assistance programs if needed: FEMA funeral assistance, state programs, charitable organizations, and crowdfunding. See our Payment Assistance Guide.
  • Consult with an estate attorney or probate court about the will, trust, or intestate succession process. Many offer a free initial consultation.
  • Cancel or transfer recurring payments such as rent/mortgage, utilities, subscriptions, and memberships. Keep utilities active if the property needs to be maintained for estate settlement.
  • Keep a detailed record of all funeral expenses for estate accounting and potential tax deductions. Estate executors may be able to deduct funeral costs from the estate’s gross value.
Many families are unaware of available assistance. FEMA has provided funeral assistance for COVID-related deaths, and state programs may cover costs for families below certain income thresholds. See our full guide to funeral payment assistance.

5 Notifications

Notifying the right organizations promptly prevents identity theft, stops unnecessary billing, and ensures benefits are properly transferred.

  • Social Security Administration — Report the death and inquire about survivor benefits. The funeral home may do this on your behalf.
  • Medicare / Medicaid — Cancel coverage to prevent fraud. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE.
  • Health, auto, home, and other insurance providers — Cancel or transfer policies. Ask about refunds on pre-paid premiums.
  • Employer and pension administrator — Notify HR for final pay, benefits, and any survivor pension benefits.
  • U.S. Postal Service — File a change of address or hold mail to prevent mail theft and monitor for important correspondence.
  • DMV / motor vehicle agency — Cancel the driver’s license to prevent identity theft. Transfer vehicle titles as needed.
  • Credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) — Place a deceased alert on the credit file to prevent identity theft.
  • Email and social media accounts — Memorialize or deactivate accounts on Facebook, Google, and other platforms. Each has a legacy contact or memorialization process.
  • Professional organizations, clubs, and religious institutions — Notify any groups the deceased belonged to. Some may offer memorial tributes or financial assistance.
  • Attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors — Inform them of the death so they can assist with estate matters and tax filings.
Placing a deceased alert with all three credit bureaus is free and helps prevent identity theft, which costs bereaved families an average of $1,100 and significant time to resolve when it occurs.

6 Long-term Tasks (Weeks to Months After)

These tasks can be addressed gradually over the coming weeks and months. There is no rush — attend to them at your own pace.

  • Send thank-you notes to those who sent flowers, food, donations, or other expressions of sympathy. Many families find this helpful as part of the grieving process.
  • Order and install a headstone or grave marker if not done at the time of burial. You have the right to purchase a marker from any vendor; the cemetery must accept it (though an installation fee may apply).
  • File the deceased’s final tax return. The estate may also need to file a separate estate income tax return (Form 1041) if it generates income during probate.
  • Settle the estate: distribute assets according to the will or state intestacy laws, pay outstanding debts, and close the estate through probate court.
  • Update your own estate plan. If the deceased was a beneficiary on your insurance, retirement accounts, or estate documents, update those designations.
  • Consider grief counseling or support groups. Many hospice organizations, religious institutions, and community centers offer free grief support programs.
  • Create a memorial: plant a tree, establish a scholarship, donate to a meaningful charity, or create a memorial page online.
  • Review and cancel remaining subscriptions: streaming services, magazines, gym memberships, software licenses, and any other recurring charges you may have missed initially.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first when someone dies?

If the death occurs at home, call 911 or the local non-emergency number (if expected and under hospice care, call the hospice nurse first). Do not move the body. Locate any advance directives, pre-arranged funeral plans, or organ donation documents. Then contact close family members and a funeral home. You typically have 24 to 48 hours before arrangements need to be finalized.

Do I need to use the funeral home the hospital recommends?

No. You have the legal right to choose any licensed funeral home. Hospitals and nursing facilities may suggest a funeral home for convenience, but you are not obligated to use their recommendation. Take time to compare at least two or three funeral homes using their General Price Lists, which they are required to provide under the FTC Funeral Rule.

How many death certificates should I order?

Most families need between 10 and 15 certified copies of the death certificate. You will need them for insurance claims, bank accounts, investment accounts, real estate transfers, vehicle title transfers, Social Security notification, pension and retirement benefits, and credit card companies. Ordering extra copies upfront (typically $5–$25 each through the funeral home or vital records office) is cheaper than ordering additional copies later.