How to Plan a Funeral Step by Step

Planning a funeral is one of the most stressful tasks a family faces, often while grieving. Having a clear step-by-step plan removes guesswork and helps you make thoughtful decisions instead of reactive ones. This guide walks you through the entire process — from the first hours after a death to the weeks following the service.

Step 1: Immediate Tasks (First 24 Hours)

When a death occurs, the first step depends on where it happened. If the person dies at home under hospice care, the hospice nurse will guide you through pronouncement and documentation. If death occurs at a hospital, staff will handle the initial paperwork. For unexpected deaths, call 911 first.

Within the first 24 hours you need to:

• Obtain the death certificate — the funeral home typically handles this, but you will need 10-15 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters
• Contact a funeral home — you are not required to use the nearest one; compare at least 2-3 using their General Price Lists
• Notify immediate family and close friends
• Locate important documents — will, pre-paid funeral plans, life insurance policies, veteran discharge papers (DD-214)

Step 2: Choose the Type of Disposition

The most fundamental decision is what happens to the body. The main options are:

• Traditional burial — embalming, viewing, funeral service, and burial in a cemetery ($8,000 - $15,000)
• Direct burial — no viewing or embalming, burial shortly after death ($2,000 - $5,000)
• Cremation with service — memorial service with urn present ($3,000 - $7,000)
• Direct cremation — no service, most affordable option ($1,000 - $3,000)
• Green burial — biodegradable casket or shroud, no embalming ($1,000 - $4,000)

This decision drives every other cost. Our state-by-state cost pages show average prices for each option in your area.

Step 3: Select Services and Merchandise

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide an itemized General Price List (GPL). You have the right to choose only the services you want. Common line items include:

• Basic services fee (non-declinable): $2,500 - $3,500
• Embalming (optional in most states): $700 - $1,300
• Casket: $2,000 - $10,000+ (you can purchase one from a third party)
• Burial vault or liner: $1,500 - $5,000
• Hearse and service vehicles: $300 - $800
• Flowers, programs, obituary: $500 - $2,000

Step 4: Plan the Ceremony

Whether religious or secular, the ceremony is where family and friends come together. Decisions include:

• Location — funeral home chapel, place of worship, graveside, or alternative venue
• Officiant — clergy, celebrant, or family member
• Music, readings, and eulogies
• Photo displays, slideshows, or memory tables
• Reception or gathering afterward

Many families now include personalized elements: a favorite song, a hobby display, or a charity donation request in lieu of flowers. These touches cost little but mean a great deal.

Step 5: Handle Legal and Financial Matters

In the weeks following the funeral, you will need to:

• File the will with probate court
• Notify Social Security, the VA (if veteran), and pension providers
• Contact life insurance companies with certified death certificates
• Close or transfer bank accounts, credit cards, and subscriptions
• File the deceased's final tax return

Many of these tasks require certified copies of the death certificate, which is why ordering 10-15 copies up front saves time and frustration later.

Step 6: Take Care of Yourself

Grief does not follow a schedule. After the logistics wind down, many families experience a delayed wave of emotion. Consider grief counseling, support groups, or simply giving yourself permission to not be "fine" for a while. The National Alliance for Grieving Children (childrengrieve.org) and GriefShare (griefshare.org) are excellent free resources.