Choose your body disposition method

Examples: cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, full body burial, green burial, cryogenics, burial at sea

 Identify a body care provider

 Purchase an urn or casket

 Make cemetery arrangements

For your consideration: purchasing a plot or niche, monument planning (purchasing new or final dating), open and closing the grave, vault

 Reserve your venue

Examples: residence, funeral home, religious institution, natural setting, sports arena, hotel ballroom, country club, community events hall, alma mater, public park, restaurant or other privately owned venue, etc.

 Ensure parking availability

 Verify seating capacity

 Procure seating signs and/or ropes

 Ensure restroom availability on premises

 Locate private family room on premises

 Check weather conditions if outdoors

 Acquire decorative lighting equipment

 Ensure the presence of a lectern or podium

 Consider layout of venue to ensure smooth flow of attendees

 Choose musical genre(s)

 Select preference for live or recorded music

 Hire performers for live music

 Select sound operator for recorded music

 Select musical pieces/songs

 Rent appropriate sound equipment

 Test sound equipment before event

 Choose an officiant

 Decide on urn or honorary urn bearers (in the case of cremation)

 Select eulogist(s)

 Select readers of poems and/or prayers

 Include personal affiliations

Examples: sorority/fraternity, Rotary Club, alumni group, athletic team, book club, card club, cultural group, Veterans Association, etc.

 Hire a photographer or videographer

 Hire security, if needed

 Select an usher

 Consider an incorporating an identifying symbol for family members to wear, such as ribbons or lapel pins

 Choose florist

 Select floral arrangement type(s)

Examples: urn wreath, floral easel, vase flowers

 Consider floral themes

Examples: numerical/color significance of flowers, variety of flower, use of ribbons or other decorations

 Arrange for flower transportation between venues

 Plan for removal or distribution of flowers during or after the event

 Decide on event decorations

Examples: candles, framed photos, table centerpieces, etc.

 Print photos of the person being honored

 Select caterer

Examples: local restaurant, family member or friend, potluck, food truck, cooking yourself, etc.

 Schedule when food will be served

 Decide on meal’s attendees (public or private)

 Inquire about guests’ dietary restrictions

 Curate menu

 Account for food and beverage quantity

 Arrange for flatware, drinkware, and cutlery

 Arrange for serving implements

 Arrange for tables and seating during the meal

 Hire waitstaff

 Hire beverage specialist

 Reserve necessary vehicles

 Request processional escort

 Arrange transportation for guests who may need assistance

 Hire parking attendant or valet

 Provide airport information to guests

 Provide public transportation information to guests

 Write an obituary

 Send the obituary to the appropriate publication(s)

 Share on social media

 Order keepsakes

 Create an event guestbook

 Find box to collect cards

 Create a video or slideshow for the memorial service

 Rent screen or projector for media

 Procure easels or picture boards for photographs

 Send invitations

 Curate and print the Order of Service

 Print memorial folders and/or prayer cards

 Send thank you notes after the memorial

For your consideration: keep a list of people who have been helpful along the way

 Research relevant religious/cultural elements of memorialization

 Consult religious leader about traditions

 Consider incorporating religious objects or traditional decor

 Select prayers and rituals to be performed at service

 Invite religious officials and/or cultural community leaders

 Arrange for the presence of military honors

 Request a flag be issued for the deceased