Funeral Planning Checklist

Your personalized guide to what needs to happen and when. You can save your progress and share this checklist with family members.

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Immediately (First 24 Hours)

These are the most urgent tasks that need to be completed right away.

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Obtain medical certificate of cause of death

From the doctor who attended the death or hospital

Contact a funeral director

They can guide you through next steps

If death was unexpected, contact the coroner

The hospital or police will usually do this

Notify immediate family members

Consider who should make which calls

Secure the deceased's home if unoccupied

Especially important if death occurred elsewhere

Locate important documents

Will, birth certificate, marriage certificate, bank details

Arrange care for dependents or pets

Ensure children and pets are cared for

Notify employer (if applicable)

Both yours and the deceased's

Within 5 Days

Important tasks that need to be completed within the first week.

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Must be done within 5 days (England & Wales)

Learn how to register →

Obtain death certificates

Order multiple copies (£12.50 each) - you'll need several

Recommended: 8-10 copies

Meet with funeral director to plan service

Discuss options and make arrangements

Choose burial or cremation

Check the will for any stated preferences

Decide on ceremony type

Religious, civil, humanist, or no ceremony

Notify the Tell Us Once service

Single notification to government departments

Reference number given at death registration

Start Tell Us Once →

Planning the Funeral

Arrangements and decisions for the service.

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Set funeral date and time

Coordinate with venue, officiant, and family

Choose coffin or casket

Funeral director will show options

Select readings, music, and hymns

Choose meaningful selections for the service

Write or commission eulogy

Decide who will deliver it

Arrange flowers

Choose florist and select arrangements

Plan order of service

Create and print programs for attendees

Organize reception/wake

Book venue and arrange catering

Send funeral invitations or publish notice

Notify people about the service details

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Funeral Planning Checklist

Immediately (First 24 Hours)

Within 5 Days

Planning the Funeral

After the Funeral

Estate & Probate

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