Funeral Planning — Quick Decisions

What you have to decide in the first 48-72 hours after a death, in the order people typically have to decide them.

First 24 Hours

• Obtain the legal pronouncement of death (hospital, hospice, or coroner does this)
• Notify immediate family and closest friends — by phone, not text
• Locate any pre-paid funeral plan, will, or final wishes document
• Notify deceased's employer if applicable
• Arrange care for any pets or dependents in the household

Choose a Funeral Home

• Get itemized price list (federal law requires they provide one over the phone)
• Compare 2-3 homes if time allows — prices vary widely
• Confirm what they include vs. add-ons (transportation, embalming, casket markup)

Burial vs. Cremation

• Burial: casket, cemetery plot, vault, headstone, opening/closing fees
• Cremation: significantly cheaper; can still have visitation and service
• Green burial available in many areas — ask if relevant

Service Decisions

• Type of service: visitation, funeral, memorial, graveside-only, or celebration of life
• Public, private, or by-invitation
• Religious vs. secular; choose officiant
• Pick date, time, and location
• Music, readings, photo display, eulogy speakers

Communication

• Write obituary — funeral home often helps; submit to local paper and online
• Send out service details (text chain, email, social media post)
• Choose preferred charity for memorial donations

Documents to Order

• Order 10-15 certified death certificates — you'll need more than you think
• Funeral home usually orders these; confirm quantity

Practical

• Designate someone to coordinate food and visitors at the home
• Designate someone to answer the phone — it will not stop ringing
• Notify Social Security (1-800-772-1213) and pension/VA if applicable
• Don't make any other big decisions for at least 30 days