Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist
How To Pre-Plan Arrangements
The Advantages of Pre-Planning Funeral Services
There are many advantages to funeral pre-planning. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it takes the burden off of your loved ones when the time comes. Planning a funeral is a complex and emotional task, and it can be helpful to have everything taken care of in advance. Additionally, pre-planning allows you to make your own decisions about your funeral arrangements. You can choose the type of service you want, the music you want to be played, and even what you want to wear. This can be a great way to ensure that your final wishes are carried out exactly as you intended. Finally, pre-planning can also save you money. By making and paying for your funeral arrangements in advance, you can often avoid the impact of inflation or rising costs over time. In some cases, you may even be able to pre-pay for your funeral, which can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Taking Care Of Finances & Property
- Create a contact list of everyone who should be notified in a medical emergency or death including the name of your funeral home.
- Give your executor(s) a copy of your will and the contact list.
- Give your executor(s) a list of bank and investment accounts, creditors, mortgage or lien information, insurance policies, retirement plans, safe deposit boxes, real and personal properties of value, and all related telephone numbers.
- If you are receiving benefits from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or the Veterans' Administration, your executor needs that information to suspend benefit payments.
- Select someone you trust to deal with your online accounts: email, online memberships, and social media. Include all relevant information and whether or not they should delete, close, or keep any of the accounts.
Taking Care Of Funeral-Related Details
- Make note of all the details you want mentioned in your death notice (aka obituary). You could even take this one step further and write your own death notice.
- State, in writing, your preference for burial or cremation.
- If burial is preferred, make arrangements with a funeral service provider and select a casket. If you have not purchased a burial plot, this is the time to do so.
- If you have chosen burial, what type of casket would you like? Should it be made of wood, metal or composite materials?
- If you choose cremation, what do you want done with the cremated remains?
- Would you like a traditional funeral, memorial service or celebration of life?
- If you'd like a celebration-of-life, what location would you suggest for this event?
- What special activities would you prefer at a celebration of life?
- What music or special readings would you prefer?
- What type and colours of flowers would you prefer?
- Would you like to select a charitable organization to receive donations in your memory?
Taking Care Of Your Pets
If you share your life with animal companions, you should think about who you would like to take care of your pets. Consult with the person to see if this is something they are interested in doing for you and then write down your intentions and include all contact information. This should be signed and witnessed, and then given to your executor.