PRE-PLANNING CHECKLIST
If you’re preplanning your funeral, it means you’re invested in creating a memorable service that helps your loved ones remember you in a unique, authentic way.
It also means you’re proactive: You want your loved ones to be able to focus on their grieving process when you die. Taking care of the major tasks involved with planning your own services means they can dedicate their energies to adding their personal touches to your unique service.
Morris-Baker has helped many community members preplan their memorial services, and we’re here to help you, too. On this page, you’ll find a preplanning checklist with some of the choices you’ll need to make to complete your arrangements.
But remember: You don't need to make all of these decisions immediately — or make them alone. Morris-Baker’s funeral professionals are on hand to discuss any questions or ideas you may have about planning and personalizing your service.
Choose the Type of Service You Want
Pre-planning your funeral service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it helps ensure your final wishes are honored.
- Choose what funeral home and director you would like to use to handle your service.
- Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation, donation, etc…).
- If you choose a traditional service with burial, decide where you want to be buried.
- Meet with the funeral director and look at your options for caskets and urns.
- 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
Service Participants
- Designate pallbearers
- Select a clergy member or celebrant for the service
- Pick friends or family members to speak or recite a eulogy, scripture verses, or other readings
- Choose musicians, if applicable
- If you wish, choose any musicians.
When you’re ready to begin making arrangements, we invite you to start the process online, or meet with one of our funeral professionals for hands-on help.
