Farewell Planning Checklist
There are so many ways to farewell a loved one depending on your culture, beliefs, budget and more. The following list is designed to support families in their decision making and serve as a guide to some of the things you might want to think about when planning a farewell.
Did your loved one record their wishes?
Check with close family and friends if your loved one recorded their wishes in a Go With Grace Plan or other location. Following your loved ones wishes lends comfort and peace of mind that you are honouring and respecting what they would have wanted.
Some things to think about…
When someone dies
This list will look different for everyone. For example, if you are looking after the body at home versus using a funeral director.
- Gathering details & applying for a death certificate
- Selecting clothing & jewellery for the deceased
- Ordering/building a coffin/casket/shroud
- Writing an obituary/funeral notice
- Deciding on embalming or not
- Deciding on burial or cremation
- Deciding if/when people can see the body
- Checking on funeral insurance or financial assistance
- Making a roster for supporting next of kin
- Things to think about if you are looking after the body at home…
- Things to think about depending on the manner in which someone died…
Farewell Service
- Deciding on a farewell venue
- Writing a guest list & sending invitations
- Choosing flowers
- Choosing an emcee & speakers
- Choosing pallbearers to carry the coffin
- Writing the eulogy
- Choosing photos (portrait, slideshow, service sheet)
- Choosing music (create a playlist)
- Choosing hymns, poems or readings
- Designing and printing a service sheet
- Booking transport to the venue (for deceased and family)
- Having a book of remembrance
- Booking video or live streaming
- Organising a wake (after the service)
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain…
Farewell planning resources
Explore our resources and discover a wide range of books, poems, readings, music and playlists to support you and your loved ones as you face loss and grief.