A Guide and Funeral Arrangements Checklist For Planning Your Final Wishes
Pre-planning a funeral ensures your final wishes are honored while easing the burden on your loved ones while they're in the midst of grief. This funeral pre-planning guide covers key decisions, from body disposition to payment options, so you can create a thoughtful funeral or memorial plan.
What To Call Your Service
When deciding what kind of service you want to have, it's important to first reflect on what you want people to call it and how you want them to show up.
Funeral – The most traditional. Typically a formal service with religious or cultural elements.
Memorial – A gathering to honor the deceased, with or without the body present.
Celebration of Life – A more personalized event focused on memories, achievements, and the deceased's favorite things.
Graveside Service - A brief ceremony at the burial site.
Home Funeral - A family-led, intimate alternative to a funeral home or church body service.
The realm of possibilities for a service is endless. From a traditional church service to hosting loved ones at an art gallery with music and hors d'oeuvres, your final celebration should reflect you and your beliefs. Make it what you want it to be!
Choosing a Body Disposition Method
When making final arrangements, selecting a body disposition is a crucial step. Common options include:
Burial – Traditional in-ground or above-ground interment in a cemetery or the likes.
Cremation – Body is turned into ashes that can be kept, scattered, or buried.
Aquamation – A water-based alternative to cremation.
Body Donation – Contribute to science and medical research. The body is typically cremated and ashes are sent back to loved ones once the research is complete.
If you go this route, it's important that you pre-plan where you want your body to be donated and make sure that the institution is aware of your wishes. They will work with the state to receive the remains.
Natural Burial – Eco-friendly option without embalming.
Prepaying for a Funeral
There are several ways to cover funeral costs in advance, taking the burden off your loved ones:
Funeral Trusts – Funds set aside specifically for end-of-life expenses.
Pre-need Insurance – A policy that pays for funeral costs.
Payable-on-Death (POD) Account – A designated savings account for funeral expenses.
Prepaid Funeral Plans – Directly arrange services with a funeral home to prepay for coffins, cremations, etc.
In addition to the above, you can also pre-pay for a burial plot, should you choose the traditional route of being buried.
Documenting Your Funeral Wishes
To ensure your plans are followed, store your final wishes in Deadbook. Include:
✅ Service preferences (funeral, memorial, or celebration of life)
✅ Burial or cremation details
✅ Music, readings, or special requests, such as flowers or donations to be made in your name
✅ Contact list for notifications
Pre-planning a funeral gives you control over your final arrangements and relieves stress for your family. Deadbook makes it simple to organize everything in one place—so your loved ones have clear guidance when they need it most.
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