Questions to Ask When Planning a Funeral

When a loved one passes away, you have to make many decisions in rapid succession.

Review this checklist of questions to help you plan a funeral that fits your family member’s wishes — while you navigate the grieving process.

Questions to discuss with family:

• Did the deceased leave a will, prepaid funeral plan, or special instructions?
• Is embalmment or cremation desired?
• If embalmed, what will the deceased wear?
• If cremated, where will the remains be stored or scattered? 
• Who will give the eulogy?
• If buried, who will serve as pallbearers?
• Who will work on the obituary, what should it say, and where should it be published?

Questions to ask the funeral director:

• May I see a full price list?
• What does the basic service fee include?
• What are the basic costs for traditional burial versus cremation?
• Do you offer other caskets or urns that aren’t on display?
• Does the cemetery require a grave liner or urn vault?
• Can you provide me with 10 certified copies of the death certificate?
• Do you have a florist you recommend working with?

Read more to understand the funeral costs after the death of a family member.