Funeral Checklist

Organising a funeral can be daunting, especially if you haven't had to plan one before. Whether you are planning a funeral for yourself or organising one for someone that has just died, you will have a few things to consider.

Tom Owen and Son will help you along the way, so you don't forget anything but this checklist will help with your decision making.

Choose a funeral director

Research online, give them a call. Do you get a good feeling when speaking to them? Read our blog about choosing a funeral director. The link can be found here.

Decide if you want to have a burial or a cremation

Do you have a family grave already? That will help you choose a location. You can read more about burials and cremations here.

Do you want a separate service beforehand?

If so, think of the venue

Meeting with a funeral director

Meet with the funeral director to make a start on the arrangements

Funeral Budget

Consider your budget and let the funeral director know so they can help you work within that.

Type of funeral service

Decide whether you want a celebration of life or a more traditional service.

Choosing music for the funeral service

Think if there are songs that mean something to you or the person that has died.

Choose a coffin

There are a few options, including standard oak veneer, solid wood, wicker or cardboard. You can see all the options here.

Choose funeral flowers

Are there particular flowers or colours that mean something?

10.

Funeral notice in the paper?

Do you want to include a funeral notice in the local papers? You can see our current funeral notices here.

11.

Donations in memory

Decide on a charity for donations in memory of the person that has died. If you are unsure how to choose a charity, you can read helpful tips in our blog.

12.

Funeral transport

Do you need transport for the funeral?

13.

Live webcast of the funeral

Do you need to set up a webcast for those not able to attend in person?

14.

Slideshow for a funeral?

Do you want a slideshow of images capturing memories of the person that has died?

15.

Funeral Order of Service

Do you want an Order of Service for the funeral?

16.

What should I include in an Order of Service?

Do you want to include photographs on the Order of Service? Details about what should be included in an order of service can be found at our blog.

17.

Funeral date and time

Confirm a date and time for the funeral with the funeral director

18.

Telling friends and family about the funeral

Let family and friends know when the funeral service will be

19.

Visiting the chapel of rest

Decide on whether you want to visit the person that has died in the Chapel of Rest.

20.

Clothes for the deceased

Pick an outfit for the person that has died

21.

How to write a eulogy

Write a eulogy

22.

What to do with the ashes?

Consider what you might do with the person’s ashes after they have been cremated

23.

Registration of the death

Has the Medical Certificate of cause of death been sent to the Registrar?

24.

Registering the death

Have you spoken to the Registrar to register the death?

25.

Should I have a funeral tea?

Do you want to have a funeral tea/wake after the funeral service?

26.

Funeral tea venue

Consider venue for the funeral tea/wake

You can download a copy of the checklist here.