Family arrangement checklist

A clipboard with four check marks on it next to a pen.

We are committed to making sure that you receive the support you need during this difficult time. In preparation for your meeting with us, please review the following checklist of items to bring with you to the funeral home. Please plan to spend approximately two hours with your funeral director to allow us to best meet the needs of you and your family.

The first section is a simple checklist with the following section providing a more detailed explanation.

_____ Copy of any funeral or cremation pre-arrangements that have been made

_____ Military discharge papers and service record (if applicable)

_____ Cemetery property information (if applicable)

_____ Clothing including undergarments

_____ Photograph showing preferred hairstyle (for cosmetics and obituary)

_____ Photographs for LifeStory Video (up to 40 photos)

_____ Life Insurance paperwork

_____ Vital Statistics information – Social security number, place of birth, etc.

_____ Names and spellings of people to be included in the obituary

_____ Method of Payment

Clothing including undergarments – To ensure the dignity of your loved one, please bring in modest, high neck, long sleeve, clothing including appropriate undergarments for the purposes of any viewing that will occur. Shoes and socks are optional but typically are included.

Photograph showing preferred hairstyle – We use this photograph, typically a recent photo, to provide guidance to the Funeral Director, cosmetician, or hairdresser when preparing your loved one for services. In addition to hairstyle, there may be questions regarding how you would like facial hair or cosmetics handled.

Photographs for LifeStory Video (up to 40) – Many families choose to play a LifeStory Video during visitations and before and after services. To ensure timely completion of your video, please select up to 40 photographs. If you’re unable to have the photographs ready at the time of your appointment, you may bring them in shortly thereafter, or we can share a link which allows you to upload photos directly.

Life insurance paperwork – Many families prefer to use existing insurance policies to pay for the funeral services selected. If you believe that this is even a small possibility, please bring in all insurance policies so that we can confirm value and begin the paperwork. An insurance policy processing company will process your paperwork for a nominal 3.5% fee.

Vital Statistic information – To complete all necessary paperwork please have the following information available:

Date of birth of the deceased
Place of birth (city and state)
Social security number of the deceased
Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)
Highest level of education completed
Marital status
Usual Occupation and Industry

Names of people to mention in the obituary – It is helpful to think of all the family and friends you would like mentioned in the obituary online or in the newspaper. Double-checking spelling will reduce errors in the published documents.

Method of payment – We are committed to serving all families when they experience a loss. We will work with you to create the best service possible without creating a financial burden. We offer several options for payment:

A funded pre-arranged funeral
Payment may be made in cash, personal check, bank check, money order, or most major credit cards.
We accept life insurance policies that can be assigned to the funeral home. Any policies that are contestable are not accepted. Policies must be verified by the funeral home prior to the scheduling of services or placement of an obituary. A 3.5% fee applies for the processing of Insurance documents.

We are honored that you have allowed us to serve you during this difficult time. Please feel free to call us with any questions or concerns that you may have.

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Planning a funeral typically involves the following steps: Notify family and friends : Reach out to close family and friends and inform them of the passing. Choose a funeral home : Select a funeral home to help with arrangements, including embalming (if applicable), obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating transportation. Select the type of service : Decide on whether you want a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. You’ll also need to choose the location and any religious or cultural elements to incorporate. Choose a casket or urn : Select a casket for burial or an urn for cremation. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from. Plan the ceremony : Work with the funeral director to plan the service, including music, readings, eulogies, and floral arrangements. Arrange for transportation : The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body to the service and burial or cremation site. 6. Should I pre-plan a funeral? Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice. Many people choose to pre-plan to relieve their loved ones of the burden of making arrangements during a time of grief. Pre-planning allows you to specify your wishes for the service, casket, burial, and other aspects of the funeral, ensuring your desires are respected. Additionally, pre-paying for a funeral can help protect your family from rising costs in the future. However, it’s important to carefully consider pre-planning options, as funeral costs can vary, and you’ll want to ensure that the plan is flexible and fully understood by the family members who will carry out your wishes. 7. What are the options for scattering ashes? If you choose cremation, there are many options for what to do with the ashes: Scattering : Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a location that had significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature spot. Keepsake urns : Some families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a special urn or piece of jewelry. Interment : Ashes can be interred in a family plot or at a cemetery, either in a niche or within a memorial garden. Other creative options : There are many creative options for commemorating the deceased, including turning ashes into diamonds or using them to create a memorial reef. 8. What is a death certificate, and why is it important? A death certificate is an official document issued by a governmental authority that confirms the death of a person. It is essential for handling legal and financial matters, such as settling the deceased’s estate, claiming life insurance, and closing accounts. The funeral home typically assists in obtaining several copies of the death certificate. 9. Can I personalize a funeral service? Absolutely! Many families choose to personalize the funeral service to reflect the deceased's personality, passions, or hobbies. You can incorporate meaningful music, photos, special readings, or even display personal items that were important to the deceased. The funeral director can help guide you through creative options for personalization. 10. What should I do if I can’t attend the funeral? If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, consider sending flowers, a sympathy card, or making a charitable donation in the deceased’s honor. If the family holds a memorial service, they may also offer the option to participate virtually, such as through a livestream. It’s always thoughtful to express your condolences in any way possible. Funeral planning can be complex, but understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions can help make the process easier to navigate. Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning your own, it’s important to take the time to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can create a meaningful, respectful ceremony that honors the life and memory of the deceased, while providing comfort to those who are grieving.