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Pre-Planning Checklist

Choose the Type of Service You Want

Don’t be overwhelmed by the large number of decisions when making arrangements for your service.  Each item on the list takes only a few moments to address and move on to the next.  Our funeral director and staff are well-experienced and move through this phase with ease. 

  • With or without viewing of body? If viewing, embalming is required.
  • Cemetery – choose a cemetery
  • Clothing – choose the clothing for burial
  • Photograph to depict current hair and/or make-up style
  • Service location, church, cemetery, our chapel, or other (specify)
  • Will you want a visitation with the family present or rosary service?
  • Burial prior to or after service?
  • Who will preside over service? 
  • Obituary – we can help write this if needed
  • Photograph for obituary
  • Music for service – will it be recorded music or performed live?
  • Flowers – do you want a casket spray? If yes, specify types and colors.
  • Would you rather have memorial donations than flowers? If yes, which organization(s)?
  • Pallbearers? Or, honorary pallbearers? If no, our staff can serve as pallbearers.
  • Video tribute to visually honor the life of your family member? 
  • Military rites? 
  • Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation.)
  • If you choose a traditional service with burial, decide where you want to be buried.
  • If you decide you want to be buried, choose clothing options.
  • Look at options for a location to hold your service (funeral home, religious facility, sentimental building, graveside).
  • What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you rather donations be given to a particular charity or a charity of one’s choice?
  • Who will be a part of your service? You should decide on pallbearers and even ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service.
  • Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
  • Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary.

Choose Who You Want to be in Charge

Your family and friends want to take part in the process of fulfilling your final wishes, they only need instructions on what they need to do.

  • Make sure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will.
  • Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important account information that will need to be contacted and handled following your death. Also make sure someone knows your final wishes for your desired service.
  • Designate someone to be your power of attorney.
  • Have someone prepared to cancel basic utility services and subscriptions.

Choose To Pay In Advance

Making decisions about your funeral service in advance can benefit you and your survivors financially. If possible, pay for all expenses in advance, freeing your family from that financial burden. When possible, pre pay for:

  • Cemetery services, burial plot
  • All funeral arrangements including casket, urn, flowers, transportation and specialized services
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