Often, the death of a loved one catches people by surprise, while at other times, they may be able to plan ahead. Regardless of the situation, funeral planning is never easy, but important decisions must be made. This is why family-owned Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home offers advice to individuals experiencing troublesome times. Below, you can find a checklist to help you plan a funeral without worrying about missing any important steps.

Funeral Planning Checklist

Planned Before

It’s imperative to always plan as much as possible. While death can often take families by surprise, making some arrangements before the death of a loved one can ease the burden. Here's a list of some of the most important arrangements to make ahead of time:

• Gather personal information, like social security numbers and birth certificates.
• Choose burial or cremation, as well as choosing the casket or container.
• Decide on personal preferences, like location, items to be displayed, clothing, and music.
• Choose clergy and other preferred services.

Planned After

By planning for your funeral, or that of a loved one, you can significantly ease the burden on yourself and your family members. However, some things can’t be determined prior to a loved one passing. For these, here's a list of some final arrangements to be made:

• Apply for death certificates and the burial permit.
• Request preparation of the deceased, such as embalming.
• Plan the time and date for funeral services.
• Plan the reception, including ordering food and choosing the location.
• Submit the obituary.

When a loved one passes, making the proper funeral arrangements is difficult. This is especially the case if you’re caught unaware with a sudden passing. To help you get through this difficult experience, Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home have offered their services for many years. Their compassion and kindness set them apart, and if you have any further questions about funeral planning or other funeral services, call (203) 869-0315 or visit them online.