Funeral planning can often be daunting. Many of us aren’t in the best state of mind when planning a funeral for a loved one, and it can seem like there is so much to prepare. But funeral planning doesn’t have to be complicated. To help with the process, here is a checklist of some of the tasks involved.

Decide how to fund it

Funerals can be costly, so deciding how you will fund the service is important. 

First, you should consider whether your loved one has left behind any money to help with the funeral. This could include a trust fund or savings that you can access. Alternatively, they may have had a life insurance policy in place. For example, some people, like my mom, even plan and pay for their funeral in advance.

Sometimes, you may only be able to access the money once probate has come through. Alternatively, a loved one may not have money, assets, or a life insurance policy. In these situations, you will need to fund the funeral out of your own pocket. You could consider raising funds with the help of other friends and relatives, or you could look into low-interest funeral loans.

Work out your budget

Next, you will need to set a budget. Work out exactly how much funding you can access and how much you are willing to spend. 

The average funeral costs $9000. Funerals rarely cost less than $5000., unless you choose a direct burial and cremation with no service.

Hire a funeral director

A funeral director will take care of most of the funeral planning for you. After determining your means of funding and setting a budget, hiring a funeral director should therefore be the first task.

To help you choose a funeral director, look into reviews online or consider asking friends and family members for recommendations. Some funeral directors will cater more to those on a budget, while others may offer a more premium service – make sure you choose a funeral company that is right for your budget.

Book the date and venue

Unless there are strict religious requirements, funerals are typically held 3 to 7 days after a loved one’s death. You can wait longer to have a funeral; however, preserving the body longer than three weeks could be difficult (although the body does not have to be present at the funeral service) and potentially costly.

The venue for the service could be a place of worship, a crematorium, a town hall, or even the loved one’s home (depending on state laws). It is up to you which venue you think would be most appropriate.

Decide between burial and cremation

Will you choose a burial or cremation? This is something that your loved one may have already specified, or their faith may already determine it. 

Cremations are very popular and tend to be much cheaper than burials. If you are planning a funeral on a tight budget and your loved one did not specify cremation or burial, a cremation may likely be the best choice. 

Decide the type of service

Funeral services can take many different forms. If your loved one was religious, you might choose a religious ceremony. If not, it is possible to opt for a non-religious ceremony instead.

It is a common tradition for mourners to dress in black or white at a funeral service; however, a growing number of people choose funerals in which mourners dress in brighter colors. 

Determine how to present the body

Embalming is an optional service that can be used to dress up and preserve the body of your loved one and make them presentable to attendees. You’ll likely want to pay for embalming if you choose an open casket service. 

Skipping embalming could save you money and could be preferable when holding a closed casket ceremony shortly after death.

Choose a casket

Caskets can come in various materials and styles. Some people like to pay a little more for a custom coffin or premium casket. However, choosing a simple cardboard casket with a wood finish is possible for as little as $100 in many places.  

When it comes to cremations, you may want to look into urns. As with caskets, these can vary in style and price. 

Plan other service details

Many other service details could be worth planning at this point, which include:

• Deciding what music to play at the funeral
• Determining the content of the eulogy and appointing speakers
• Determining who will carry the casket
• Arranging flowers for the ceremony
• Putting together a tribute video or photo slideshow
• Putting together an order of service booklet
• Setting up a live stream for those who cannot attend the funeral in person

Decide how to memorialize your loved one

If your loved one is going to be buried or if their ashes are going to be put in the ground, you will likely want to look into grave markers. There are many different grave markers to choose from, ranging from traditional headstones to these slanted grave markers by Memorials.com.

Beyond grave markers, you can also look into other ways of memorializing your loved one, such as planting a tree or erecting a bench; however, these may be some things you can arrange after the funeral.

Plan the wake

The wake is typically an informal gathering for all the mourners to get together and celebrate a person’s life. You could rent out a venue or arrange to meet at a local bar or someone’s house. It could be important to look into catering if people are likely to need food.

Invite people to attend

Once the funeral is arranged, you can begin informing mourners of the details. You can start letting people know when you have a date and venue; however, you may only be able to confirm other information later. Ask friends and relatives of your loved one to help invite any other people you may not have contact details for.

Arrange transport

Finally, in funeral planning, you will need to arrange transport to the funeral, which is easier to do when you know exactly who will be attending. You can choose a hearse or a carriage to transport the casket. Most people opt for a hearse as it is faster and more affordable.

Funeral planning undoubtedly requires patience and support. My condolences to you if you are currently in need of this checklist.