Ways to Plan Ahead
General
. Gather personal information for your obituary.
. Choose a charity to direct donations to, if desired.
. Choose a funeral home.
. Make note of any instructions for your services and final disposition.
The Funeral Service
. Choose burial or cremation.
Select a casket or cremation container.
. Choose locations and types of services.
. Choose floral arrangements.
. Select which photographs and memorabilia you’d like to display.
. Consider any customs, traditions, or religious rites that are important to you and your family.
. Choose the clothing you’d like to be dressed in.
. Select music and hymns, if desired.
. Choose a theme for decorations and stationery at your services.
. Arrange transportation for your physical remains and your family.
Participants
. Choose a clergy member or officiator to preside over the service.
. Select any musicians whose talents you’d like to employ.
. Select pallbearers.
. Choose friends or family members to perform the eulogy, read scripture, or prepare a speech.
Final Disposition
. Choose a cemetery.
. Select a burial plot or mausoleum.
. Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription.
. Decide who will keep your urn.
. Decide who will scatter your ashes and where.
