How to Plan a Funeral Checklist

Funeral Planning Checklist

The needs and expectations of our families are changing and we've responded with funeral service options tailored to these new expectations.

Two generations ago, traditional funerals (visitation, funeral service, and service at the cemetery) were common. It was what everyone expected.

But, as the demand for cremation services increased, there has been a shift in the types of services available. Many more families are choosing cremation and holding a memorial service afterwards. Family members and friends still came together to pay their respects to the deceased and find emotional support but they did so in less formal ways.

Today, another funeral service option, the celebration-of-life service, has become quite popular because there are no limits to the how, where, and when the life of a loved one can be celebrated. Below, we have provided a complete funeral planning checklist to help you with the process. 

Deciding Between Burial and Cremation


1. Learn About Your Funeral Options

Review the information we have on our how to plan a burial service and compare it the the information we have on why to choose cremation. 

2. Engage Your Family in a Discussion

We urge you to bring your family into the conversation to get a better idea about how they feel about cremation and what they would prefer.

3. Speak with a Funeral Professional

If there are any questions or concerns, please turn to us for the insights you may need at this point.

4. Document Your Cremation Intentions in Writing

There are a number of forms we can provide to take this step. Call us at 718-232-8844 to learn more.

5. Arrange for the Transportation of Your Loved one's Physical Remains

We can escort them to our facility or directly to the crematory.

After Deciding on Cremation or Burial


6. Consider What Kind of Ceremony You Would Like to Have

You can plan for a traditional funeral followed by burial or cremation or delay the ceremony until you have the time to plan a memorial service, celebration-of-life, or ash scattering ceremony.

7. Ask for assistance from your family and friends. 

When making plans for a meaningful event, encourage everyone to get involved. Ask them to gather family photos, write down the stories they'd like to share, and talk to them about the best location for the event. If you would like a eulogy, this is the time to ask someone special to take on that task.

8. Select the Music, Prayers, or Other Readings

You don't have to have any of these things but you should decide exactly what you and your guests will do at this event. There are endless possibilities.

9. Contact Guests Well Ahead of Time

This is especially important if they will need to travel or request time off from work.

10. If you Have Chose Cremation, Decide What Will be Done With The Remains

Commonly the urn is a visual focal point of a celebration-of-life. Will you then take it home? Will the scattering of ashes be a part of the event? You may want to purchase keepsake urns for family members.

Arranging a Funeral

The death of a loved one, whether it was expected or not, is always a challenging and emotional time. And this is especially true when you’re making funeral arrangements while dealing with grief. In the end, if the death of a loved one has occurred, the best thing you can do for them is a plan for their funeral arrangements. This will help to ease the burden on those left behind, allowing them to move on with their lives and it will also provide the peace of mind you so desperately need.


When arranging a funeral, you should take the time to consider all of the factors involved and there are many details that must be addressed. From where the body will be buried or cremated to final memorial services and ceremonies. We hope our valuable checklist can ease the stress of this overwhelming moment. Feel free to download or print to help and guide you through the funeral planning process.


We have created a simplified funeral planning checklist to help ensure you do not miss any important details when planning your loved one's funeral. Using the list above and the checklist provided, you will be able to plan a funeral with ease.

Call on Us

We've had years of experience helping other families make cremation and funeral service arrangements. Never hesitate to pick up the phone to call us. We would be privileged to assist  you and your family with planning a funeral service. Simply call 718-232-8844 to speak with one of our funeral professionals or email us at torregrossafh@aol.com. You may also visit one of our Andrew Torregrossa Brooklyn funeral homes to speak with us in person or view any one of our facilities.
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