my planning lists logo
Header Image

Standard Funeral

< Back to Funerals
Print
Planning a funeral of a loved one is a special opportunity, although trying. If you can start with some of the planning while your loved one is still alive, you can included your loved one's wishes; and it will be easier for you when the time comes to plan.

  • Identify critical principal family members who should be involved in funeral planning (e.g., children, spouse, parents, siblings, clergy, etc.)
  • Discuss their desires for services and arrangements
  • Find out if the deceased left any instructions regarding the funeral. Identify religious involvement and preferences
  • Choose location of funeral (church, temple, funeral home)
  • Consult with funeral home to identify details you will need assistance in planning (burial, transportation, flowers, music, casket vs. cremation, etc.)
  • Find out how much money the family is willing to spend
  • Choose someone to conduct the service (clergy, family friend, funeral home personnel, etc.)
  • Place obituary in local newspaper (and possibly newspaper from their hometown) – including a brief description of their family, career, education, and also the date, time and place of funeral
  • Appoint Pallbearers (family, friends, and colleagues)
  • Ask someone to give the eulogy (family, friend, colleague, clergy leader, etc.) – give them plenty of time to prepare
  • Order flowers with a local florist or through the funeral home (after planning budget)
  • Coordinate music (or assign a family member or family friend to coordinate) – pianist, vocalist, strings, etc.
  • Plan the funeral program (who will speak, sing, give prayers, conduct, etc.)
  • Coordinate printed programs (either through funeral home or family member or friend) – might consider program at service, and a tribute page at viewing
  • Coordinate transportation of the deceased – typically through the funeral home (to burial site, out of town flights, etc.)
  • Choose a family member to coordinate what the deceased will wear – clothing, jewelry, etc (some religions participate in the dressing of the deceased with the funeral home, including up to 2-3 people)
  • Coordinate viewing (if you choose to hold one)
  • Read funeral contracts carefully before signing
  • Secure funeral funds
  • Purchase a gravestone
  • Purchase a cemetery plot
  • What to bring: Guest Book & Pen, Programs, Flowers, Video or Picture collage of deceased (if prepared)
  • Typical Funeral Budget – $5,000-15,000
  • Casket $2,000-5,000
  • Flowers $1,000
  • Transportation $3,000
  • Funeral Home Space $1,500