Casket Emporium

Complete Funeral Planning Checklist: Everything Families Need to Do Step by Step

Posted by

Joe

September 13, 2026

On September 13, 2026

BY JOE

Complete Funeral Planning Checklist | Step-by-Step Funeral Guide

Use this complete funeral planning checklist to understand what to do after a death, compare funeral costs, choose a casket, plan burial or cremation, review veteran benefits, and understand your consumer rights.

Complete Funeral Planning Checklist

Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming.

Families may suddenly have to make dozens of decisions involving:

Funeral homes
Caskets
Burial or cremation
Cemetery arrangements
Death certificates
Transportation
Flowers
Obituaries
Religious services
Veteran benefits
Memorial services
Funeral costs

And many of these decisions must be made quickly.

This complete funeral planning checklist is designed to help families understand what needs to be done, what questions to ask, which costs to compare, and which funeral expenses may be optional.

At Casket Emporium, we believe families deserve clear information and the freedom to make informed decisions.

Funeral Planning Checklist: Quick Overview

Use this checklist as a starting point:

Notify close family members
Contact the appropriate medical professional or authorities
Choose a funeral home or funeral provider
Request the funeral home’s General Price List
Decide between burial and cremation
Select a cemetery or final resting place
Choose a casket or cremation container
Compare casket prices
Decide whether embalming is needed
Choose viewing or visitation arrangements
Plan the funeral or memorial service
Select clothing
Choose flowers
Prepare an obituary
Order death certificates
Arrange transportation
Review veteran benefits if applicable
Choose pallbearers
Select music and readings
Arrange clergy or an officiant
Plan the burial or cremation
Arrange a reception or gathering
Review all funeral costs
Get the final itemized statement in writing
Notify government agencies and financial institutions afterward

Step 1: Notify Immediate Family

One of the first things to do after a death is notify immediate family members and other close loved ones.

Consider contacting:

Children
Parents
Siblings
Close relatives
Close friends
Clergy
Employer
Attorney

You may want one trusted family member to help communicate information so the responsibility doesn’t fall on one person.

Step 2: Contact the Appropriate Medical Professional

What happens immediately after a death depends on where the death occurred.

For example:

Death in a Hospital

Hospital staff generally handle the initial paperwork and coordinate the release of the deceased.

Death in Hospice

The hospice provider can guide the family through the next steps.

Death at Home

Procedures vary depending on whether the death was expected and whether hospice or medical care was involved.

Unexpected Death

Emergency services, law enforcement, or a medical examiner may need to become involved.

Follow the instructions of the appropriate local authorities.

Step 3: Choose a Funeral Home

Families often select a funeral home based on:

Location
Family history
Recommendation
Religious affiliation
Reputation
Price
Services offered

However, don’t assume you have to choose the first funeral home you contact.

The FTC recommends comparison shopping and notes that families may be able to find comparable services for less by contacting more than one provider. (consumer.ftc.gov)

FTC Guide to Choosing a Funeral Provider:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/choosing-funeral-provider

Step 4: Ask for the General Price List

One of the most important things a family can do is request the funeral home’s General Price List, commonly called a GPL.

The FTC Funeral Rule gives consumers the right to receive a written GPL when visiting a funeral home.

The GPL lists the prices for goods and services offered by the funeral provider. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Review costs for:

Basic services
Transportation
Embalming
Other preparation
Viewing
Funeral ceremony
Graveside service
Hearse
Direct burial
Direct cremation

FTC Funeral Rule:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ftc-funeral-rule

Step 5: Compare Funeral Home Prices

Funeral prices can vary considerably.

The FTC advises families to compare multiple providers when possible. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Ask each funeral home:

What is your basic services fee?
How much is embalming?
How much is a viewing?
How much is the funeral ceremony?
What is the transportation charge?
How much is immediate burial?
How much is direct cremation?
What third-party charges should I expect?

The Funeral Rule also gives consumers the right to receive funeral price information over the phone. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Step 6: Decide Between Burial and Cremation

One of the biggest decisions is the final disposition.

Common options include:

Traditional Burial

May involve:

Casket
Cemetery plot
Burial vault or grave liner
Graveside service
Headstone

Immediate Burial

Generally involves fewer funeral services before burial.

Cremation

May include a viewing, funeral ceremony, memorial service, or direct cremation.

Direct Cremation

Typically takes place without a formal viewing or funeral ceremony beforehand.

There is no universally correct choice.

Consider:

Religious beliefs
Family preferences
Personal wishes
Budget
Cemetery arrangements

Step 7: Choose the Casket

For families selecting traditional burial, the casket can be one of the largest funeral merchandise purchases.

The FTC notes that a casket is often the single most expensive item associated with a traditional funeral. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Families may choose from:

18 gauge steel caskets
20 gauge steel caskets
Wood caskets
Copper caskets
Bronze caskets
Oversized caskets
Full couch caskets
Veteran caskets
Religious caskets

Shop Casket Emporium:
https://www.CasketEmporium.com

Step 8: Compare Casket Prices Before Purchasing

You are not required to buy your casket from the funeral home.

The FTC confirms that families can purchase a casket from a third-party retailer and have it shipped directly to the funeral home.

Covered funeral homes must agree to use the outside casket and cannot charge an additional fee simply because you purchased it elsewhere. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Buying a Casket Online vs. Funeral Home:
https://www.casketemporium.com/buying-casket-online-vs-funeral-home

2026 Funeral Casket Cost Guide:
https://www.casketemporium.com/funeral-casket-cost-guide-2026

FTC Funeral Rule & Outside Caskets:
https://www.casketemporium.com/ftc-funeral-rule-outside-caskets

Step 9: Choose the Right Casket Material

Families should compare casket construction rather than selecting based only on appearance.

Steel Caskets

Common options include:

18 gauge
20 gauge
Stainless steel

18 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge Caskets:
https://www.casketemporium.com/18-gauge-vs-20-gauge-caskets

Wood Caskets

Popular woods include:

Oak
Cherry
Mahogany
Walnut
Poplar
Pine

Steel vs. Wood Caskets:
https://www.casketemporium.com/steel-vs-wood-caskets

Copper and Bronze Caskets

Premium metal options may appeal to families seeking different construction and finishes.

Steel vs. Copper vs. Bronze Caskets:
https://www.casketemporium.com/steel-vs-copper-vs-bronze-caskets

Step 10: Choose the Casket Color

A casket’s color can be a meaningful way to personalize the service.

Popular colors include:

White
Black
Silver
Gold
Blue
Navy
Purple
Pink
Red
Green
Copper
Bronze
Natural wood

Choose a color that reminds the family of the person being honored.

Best Casket Colors and Their Meanings:
https://casketemporium.com/best-casket-colors-and-their-meanings-complete-guide-to-choosing-the-right-casket-color/

Step 11: Determine Whether an Oversized Casket Is Needed

A standard-size casket isn’t appropriate for every individual.

Oversized caskets provide additional interior width and may have greater weight capacities.

Do not choose an oversized casket based solely on body weight.

Ask the funeral director to confirm:

Interior width required
Exterior dimensions
Body measurements
Weight capacity

Oversized Caskets Guide:
https://www.casketemporium.com/oversized-caskets-guide

Step 12: Decide Between Full Couch and Half Couch

A full couch casket opens to display the entire interior.

A half couch casket typically has a divided lid so the lower portion remains closed.

The choice may depend on:

Family tradition
Religious customs
Regional practices
Viewing preferences

Step 13: Confirm Casket Delivery

Casket delivery timing is extremely important.

Before ordering, confirm:

Exact model
Inventory
Funeral home address
Delivery timeline
Service date
Contact information

When the funeral is approaching quickly, don’t assume a product shown online is automatically available for your required date.

How Fast Can You Get a Casket Delivered?
https://www.casketemporium.com/how-fast-can-you-get-a-casket-delivered

What Happens After You Buy a Casket Online?
https://www.casketemporium.com/what-happens-after-buying-casket-online

Step 14: Decide Whether Embalming Is Necessary

Embalming is not automatically required for every funeral.

The FTC states that routine embalming is not required by law in every case and that families may have alternatives depending on the circumstances and state rules. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Ask:

Is embalming legally required?
Is embalming required by the funeral home’s policy for viewing?
Is refrigeration available?
Could we choose immediate burial or direct cremation?

The funeral provider cannot falsely tell you that embalming is legally required when it is not.

Step 15: Plan the Viewing or Visitation

Decide whether your family wants:

Public viewing
Private family viewing
One-day visitation
Multiple-day visitation
Viewing immediately before the funeral
No viewing

Reducing viewing time may also reduce funeral costs.

The FTC specifically suggests considering shorter viewing periods as one way to manage expenses. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Step 16: Choose Clothing for Your Loved One

Families may choose:

Favorite suit
Dress
Religious clothing
Military uniform
Casual clothing
Clothing representing a hobby or profession

There is no requirement that funeral clothing be purchased from the funeral home.

A favorite outfit can be both personal and cost-effective.

Step 17: Plan the Funeral or Memorial Service

Decide:

Location
Date
Time
Religious or secular service
Clergy or officiant
Music
Readings
Speakers
Eulogies
Video tribute
Photographs

The service can take place at:

Funeral home
Church
Cemetery
Community location
Family home
Other meaningful location

Step 18: Select an Officiant or Clergy Member

Depending on the family’s preferences, the service may be led by:

Priest
Pastor
Rabbi
Imam
Chaplain
Celebrant
Funeral director
Family member
Friend

Contact the officiant early enough to coordinate scheduling.

Step 19: Choose Pallbearers

If pallbearers are needed, choose relatives or friends who are physically able and comfortable serving.

Some families also select honorary pallbearers.

Provide names to the funeral director before the service.

Step 20: Select Music and Readings

Common choices include:

Favorite songs
Hymns
Scripture
Poems
Personal letters
Meaningful quotations

Choose pieces that reflect the person’s life rather than feeling obligated to use traditional selections.

Step 21: Write the Obituary

An obituary commonly includes:

Full name
Age
Date of death
Hometown
Immediate family
Education
Career
Military service
Hobbies
Community involvement
Funeral information
Memorial donation information

Publishing options may include:

Newspaper
Funeral home website
Social media
Memorial website
Church bulletin

Step 22: Order Death Certificates

Certified death certificates are often needed for:

Life insurance
Banks
Investment accounts
Property
Retirement accounts
Government benefits
Estate administration

Ask the funeral director or appropriate local authority how many copies you may need.

The number varies depending on the deceased’s financial affairs.

Step 23: Choose a Cemetery

If burial is planned, confirm:

Cemetery location
Plot ownership
Plot availability
Opening and closing charges
Perpetual care
Monument restrictions
Outer burial container requirements

Never assume all cemetery charges are included in the funeral home’s bill.

Step 24: Ask Whether a Burial Vault or Grave Liner Is Required

The FTC states that state laws do not require burial vaults or grave liners, although many individual cemeteries do require some type of outer burial container to reduce ground settling. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Ask the cemetery:

Is an outer burial container required?
Is a basic grave liner acceptable?
Do I need a full burial vault?
Can I purchase it somewhere else?

Compare prices before buying.

Step 25: Plan Veteran Burial Benefits

If your loved one served in the U.S. military, check potential VA burial and memorial benefits before finalizing arrangements.

Depending on eligibility, benefits may include:

Burial in a VA national cemetery
Government burial liner
Headstone or marker
Perpetual care
Burial flag
Certain burial allowances

The VA also allows eligible Veterans and qualifying family members to apply for pre-need eligibility determination in advance. (va.gov)

VA Burial & Memorial Benefits:
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/

VA Pre-Need Eligibility:
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility/

Veteran Caskets:
https://www.casketemporium.com/veteran-caskets-guide

Step 26: Consider Religious Funeral Traditions

Faith may influence:

Casket design
Funeral timing
Viewing
Burial practices
Prayers
Clothing
Music
Cemetery choice

Speak with clergy early if religious traditions are important to the family.

Religious Caskets:
https://www.casketemporium.com/religious-caskets-guide

Step 27: Choose Funeral Flowers

Families may select:

Casket spray
Standing arrangements
Wreaths
Family flowers
Church flowers
Memorial plants

You don’t necessarily need elaborate floral arrangements.

Select what is meaningful and appropriate for the family’s budget.

Step 28: Plan Transportation

Possible transportation expenses include:

Removal or transfer of remains
Hearse
Limousines
Vehicles between funeral home and cemetery
Airport transportation

Ask for each cost separately.

Families may decide to use personal vehicles rather than multiple limousines.

Step 29: Plan the Funeral Reception

A reception may be held at:

Family home
Restaurant
Church hall
Community center
Funeral home
Social club

The reception does not need to be elaborate.

The purpose is to give family and friends a place to gather and remember the deceased.

Step 30: Review the Final Funeral Bill Before Paying

Before agreeing to the final arrangements, carefully review the itemized statement.

The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral providers to provide a written statement showing the goods and services selected and their costs before payment. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Check:

Basic service fee
Embalming
Transportation
Viewing
Funeral service
Casket
Burial container
Hearse
Cash advance items
Cemetery charges
Other fees

Ask about anything you don’t understand.

Funeral Planning Budget Checklist

Track these costs:

Funeral Home

Basic services fee
Transfer/removal
Embalming
Other preparation
Viewing
Funeral ceremony
Graveside service
Hearse
Limousine

Casket

Funeral home price
Online casket price
Delivery
Correct size
Correct material

Cemetery

Plot
Opening and closing
Burial liner or vault
Headstone
Perpetual care

Other

Flowers
Obituary
Clergy
Reception
Death certificates
Memorial printing

The FTC provides an official funeral pricing checklist families can use when comparing funeral providers. (consumer.ftc.gov)

FTC Funeral Pricing Checklist:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/funeral-costs-pricing-checklist

What to Do After the Funeral

Funeral planning responsibilities don’t always end after the service.

Families may still need to:

Notify Social Security
Contact life insurance companies
Notify banks
Notify credit card companies
Contact pension providers
Handle estate matters
Cancel subscriptions
Transfer property
Notify government agencies

Social Security survivor benefits may be available to qualifying spouses, children, and certain other survivors. SSA also advises families to contact Social Security promptly regarding survivor benefits and the potential lump-sum death payment. (ssa.gov)

Social Security:
https://www.ssa.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Planning

What should you do first when someone dies?

The first steps depend on where and how the death occurred. Contact the appropriate medical professional, hospice provider, emergency authority, or funeral provider, then notify close family members.

How do I choose a funeral home?

Compare reputation, location, services, and prices. The FTC recommends contacting more than one funeral provider when possible.

Do I have to buy the funeral home’s casket?

No. Covered funeral homes must allow you to use a casket purchased elsewhere.

Can a funeral home charge an outside casket fee?

No. A covered funeral home cannot charge you an additional fee simply because you purchased the casket from another retailer.

Do I have to buy a funeral package?

No. The FTC Funeral Rule gives consumers the right to purchase individual goods and services rather than unwanted packages. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Is embalming always required?

No. Routine embalming is not legally required in every situation. State rules and selected funeral arrangements can affect whether preservation is needed.

Is a burial vault required by law?

No state law generally requires a burial vault or grave liner, although a cemetery may require an outer burial container.

How much does a funeral casket cost?

Prices vary widely based on construction, material, size, interior, and seller.

Read:
https://www.casketemporium.com/funeral-casket-cost-guide-2026

How fast can an online casket arrive?

Delivery depends on inventory, model, destination, and service date.

Read:
https://www.casketemporium.com/how-fast-can-you-get-a-casket-delivered

Can Veterans receive burial benefits?

Eligible Veterans and certain family members may qualify for VA burial and memorial benefits.

VA Benefits:
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/

Printable Funeral Planning Checklist

Immediate Arrangements

Notify family
Contact medical authority if needed
Contact funeral provider
Locate identification and important documents
Locate advance funeral instructions
Verify veteran status

Funeral Provider

Compare funeral homes
Request General Price List
Ask for casket price list
Ask for outer burial container price list
Review itemized services

Disposition

Burial
Cremation
Immediate burial
Direct cremation
Other arrangements

Casket

Compare funeral home prices
Compare online prices
Select material
Select gauge
Select size
Select color
Confirm full or half couch
Confirm delivery

Service

Viewing
Funeral ceremony
Clergy/officiant
Pallbearers
Music
Readings
Flowers
Clothing
Photographs
Video tribute

Cemetery

Confirm plot
Opening/closing fee
Burial container
Headstone
Cemetery restrictions

Administrative

Death certificates
Obituary
Social Security
Life insurance
Banks
Pension
Estate attorney
Property
Utilities/subscriptions

Why Families Choose Casket Emporium During Funeral Planning

Selecting a casket shouldn’t be more complicated than it needs to be.

At Casket Emporium, we specialize specifically in funeral caskets.

Families can compare:

18 gauge steel caskets
20 gauge steel caskets
Wood caskets
Copper caskets
Bronze caskets
Oversized caskets
Full couch caskets
Veteran caskets
Religious caskets
Specialty funeral caskets

Our philosophy remains simple:

NO MASCOT. NO GIMMICKS. JUST CASKETS.

Shop Casket Emporium:
https://www.CasketEmporium.com

Final Thoughts: Complete Funeral Planning Checklist

Planning a funeral requires dozens of decisions, but having a checklist can make the process much easier to manage.

Remember the most important steps:

Compare funeral homes.

Ask for written prices.

Understand your consumer rights.

Don’t assume every service is required.

Compare casket prices.

Confirm cemetery requirements.

Review veteran benefits.

Get all costs in writing before paying.

And most importantly, build the funeral around the person you’re honoring—not around pressure to purchase the most expensive products or services.

At Casket Emporium, we’re here to help families understand their casket options and make an informed decision during one of life’s most difficult moments.