Funeral planning worksheet: a printable template for families

A funeral planning worksheet captures every decision families need to make — before or after a death — so that nothing is missed and no one has to rely on memory during an already difficult time. Print this template and fill it out in advance, or use it to guide conversations with a funeral home.

For a step-by-step timeline of what needs to happen after a death, see our funeral planning timeline.

Section 1: Basic information

| Field | Details | |---|---| | Full legal name | | | Preferred name (if different) | | | Date of birth | | | Date of death | | | Place of death | | | Social Security number | | | Veteran status | Yes / No — Branch: | | Marital status | | | Spouse/partner name | |

Section 2: Disposition — burial or cremation

Choice: Burial / Cremation / Donation to science / Green burial / Other: ___

If burial:

• Cemetery name and location:
• Plot already purchased? Yes / No
• Plot number (if known):
• Preferred type: Ground burial / Mausoleum / Above-ground entombment

If cremation:

• Direct cremation (no service) / Cremation with viewing / Cremation with memorial service
• Urn preference:
• Final wishes for ashes: Keep at home / Cemetery burial or columbarium / Scatter — location: ___ / Other:

If green/natural burial:

• Preferred cemetery or conservation site:
• Shroud or biodegradable casket preference:

If body donation:

• Institution name:
• Contact number:
• Registration confirmation number (if pre-registered):

For a full breakdown of cremation decisions, see our cremation planning checklist.

Section 3: Service preferences

Type of service:

• [ ] Traditional funeral with burial
• [ ] Cremation memorial service
• [ ] Graveside service only
• [ ] Celebration of life
• [ ] Private family service (no public attendance)
• [ ] No service

Location:

• [ ] Funeral home
• [ ] Church or religious venue — Name:
• [ ] Outdoor location:
• [ ] Family home
• [ ] Other:

Officiant:

• [ ] Clergy from our faith community — Name:
• [ ] Funeral home chaplain
• [ ] Family member or friend — Name:
• [ ] Civil celebrant

Viewing or visitation:

• [ ] Yes — open casket / closed casket
• [ ] No

Date and time preferences (if known):

Section 4: Music and readings

Music preferences:

| Song or piece | Performed live / Recorded | |---|---| | | | | | | | | |

Readings:

| Reading | Reader | |---|---| | | | | | |

Special requests (poems, personal tributes, video tribute, slideshow):

Section 5: Obituary information

Funeral homes will often help draft the obituary. Having this information ready saves time.

Survivors to list:

• Spouse/partner:
• Children (list names):
• Grandchildren (number or names):
• Siblings:
• Other family to mention:

Predeceased:

Employment and career:

Education:

Military service (branch, years, honors):

Faith community and affiliations:

Hobbies, passions, and what they were known for:

Charitable causes to mention (or where to direct memorial donations):

Photo preference for obituary:

Section 6: Flowers and donations

• [ ] Flowers welcome
• [ ] Family requests no flowers — donations preferred to:
  • Organization name:
  • Website or mailing address:
• [ ] Both are welcome

Section 7: Reception and gathering

Post-service reception: Yes / No

Location:

Catering:

• [ ] Family providing food
• [ ] Catered — by:
• [ ] Venue provides food

Special requests (specific dishes, dietary considerations):

Section 8: Personal touches

These details make a service feel like a genuine reflection of the person.

Clothing to be dressed in (if applicable):

Jewelry or items to include:

Items to display (photos, memorabilia, collections):

Casket or urn preferences (material, style, color):

Pallbearers (if applicable): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Honorary pallbearers:

Anything the family wants to avoid:

Section 9: Key contacts and documents

| Contact | Name | Phone | |---|---|---| | Funeral home | | | | Clergy/officiant | | | | Cemetery | | | | Attorney/executor | | | | Life insurance agent | | | | Accountant | | | | Employer (HR) | | |

Location of key documents:

• Will:
• Life insurance policies:
• Funeral pre-arrangement documents:
• Social Security card:
• Birth certificate:
• Military discharge papers (DD-214):
• Marriage certificate:
• Property deeds and titles:
• Bank account information:

Section 10: Financial planning notes

Funeral home selected:

Pre-paid funeral plan: Yes / No — Policy number:

Estimated budget:

Who is responsible for payment:

Life insurance policy to use:

For a breakdown of typical costs, see our guide to average funeral costs.

How to use this worksheet

If you are pre-planning: Fill out as much as you can and store it with your will and important documents. Tell your executor and closest family member where to find it. Review it every few years or after major life changes.

If you are planning after a death: Work through each section with the funeral home. You do not need to have answers to every question immediately — the funeral home will guide you through the decisions that need to be made first.

What to bring to the funeral home meeting:

• This completed worksheet (or as much as you've filled in)
• The deceased's Social Security number
• A recent photo for the obituary
• Any pre-arrangement documents
• A method of payment or deposit

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fill out a funeral planning form? No — there is no legal requirement. But having preferences written down prevents confusion, reduces conflict among family members, and ensures your wishes are followed. Verbal instructions are often misremembered during grief.

Who should have a copy of this worksheet? Your executor, your closest family member, and ideally your attorney if you have one. Some people attach it to their will or store it with their advance directive.

What is the most important thing to decide first? Burial versus cremation — this is the decision the funeral home needs immediately. Everything else can be worked out over the following days.

Can my family override my pre-planned preferences? Pre-arranged funeral contracts are legally binding in most states. Written preferences (outside of a contract) are not — they are moral guides, not legal obligations. A pre-paid, contracted funeral plan is the most reliable way to ensure your wishes are followed.

Should I pre-pay for a funeral? Pre-paying locks in today's prices and removes the decision burden from your family. The main risks are funeral home closures and contract portability if you move. See your state's consumer protection rules before signing. Irrevocable pre-paid plans may be required for Medicaid eligibility.

What if the deceased left no preferences? The next-of-kin hierarchy applies for all decisions — typically spouse, then adult children, then parents, then siblings. If family members disagree, the person highest in the legal hierarchy has authority. See our funeral planning checklist for the full sequence.

This worksheet is a planning tool, not a legal document. Preferences expressed here are not binding unless incorporated into a pre-arrangement contract or legally valid advance directive.

Disclaimer — For informational purposes only

This article is compiled from publicly available resources and is provided solely for general informational purposes. It does not constitute and should not be relied upon as legal, financial, tax, insurance, medical, psychological, or other professional advice. Passings is a planning and organizational platform, not a licensed advisory service, and no attorney-client, financial advisor-client, or other professional relationship is created by reading this content.

Laws, regulations, financial products, and professional standards vary by state and change over time. Passings makes no representations or warranties — express or implied — regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or suitability of any information contained herein. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Passings disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or harm arising from your use of or reliance on this content. Always consult a qualified, licensed professional — including an attorney, financial advisor, CPA, or licensed counselor — before making decisions specific to your situation.

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