Pre-planning Checklist

Preplanning your funeral makes sense and protects your loved ones. The following checklist provides a list of the main things you should consider when pre-planning.  Print it out and use it as a guide to help you document your wishes for your funeral.

Written Declaration

Some people will choose to include information relating to their funeral service in a will but you can choose to prepare a written declaration yourself even though it is not considered a legal document. If you choose to do so, ask to have a family member or  representative of your choice (doctor, JP, clergy) witness the document. Your next of kin or executor will decide what takes place but a written record  means that your wishes are more likely to be fulfilled.

Include:

• signature
• date
• printed name
• address
• contact numbers
• witness name
• witness signature
• date
• wording thats states you have made the decisions in sound mind and wish for them to be followed wherever possible

General Information

• Will - prepare a written will and record where it can be found
• Next of kin - contact details of the person you would like notified on your death
• Your body. Do you want to donate your body organs? If so, which organs?
• Do you want your body embalmed?

Funeral Arrangements

• How would you like for the funeral to be paid?
• Do you have a pre-paid fund? If so, list the details?
• Are you entitled to a funeral benefit from a club, association or government source?
• Who would you like to be responsible for arranging the funeral?
• Which funeral director would you like to be used?
• Would you like announcements to be made in any special newspapers?
• Obituary information you would like included
• Coffin, casket and urn selection

The Funeral

• Where would you like the funeral to take place? You can choose to have a service in one location followed by a committal at the crematorium or graveside.
• Do you want a private family service or a public service?
• Do you want a religious service?
• Who would you like to lead the service?
• Who would you like to take part in the service?
• What would you like to happen in the service?
• What music would you like played?
• Do you have any readings/poems or bible passages you want read?
• Do you want pallbearers? Who would you like as a pallbearer?
• Do you want other family members to be involved? If so, what do you want them to do?
• Clothing and jewelry selection
• Do you have specific personal items or mementos you want to be buried with or have displayed at your service?
• Where would you like a wake held?
• Who would you like to arrange the wake? Are there any special instructions for the wake?
• Who do you want to attend the wake?
• Do you want flowers?
• Would you like donations made on your behalf? If so, what charities or causes would you like donations to be given?

Burial, Cremation and last place of rest

• Do you want to be buried or cremated?
• Have you pre-purchased or reserved a burial plot or niche?
• Where would you like to be buried or your remains scattered?
• Do you want a lasting memorial? Plaque, gravestone or living memorial such as a tree or shrub?