A free checklist
The first days,
one step at a time.
If you have just lost someone, you do not have to hold all of it in your head. Here is what comes next, in the order it usually happens. Check things off as you go. Nothing here needs an account, and nothing is shared with anyone.
Choose the tradition that fits
- Contact a funeral homeDay 0
Select a funeral home and begin the arrangement conference. Discuss cremation vs. burial, body transport, and your timeline for the service.
Find funeral homes near you - Choose cremation or burialDay 0-1
Decide on disposition of the body. Cremation is common in secular contexts. If burial, select a cemetery and plot.
Cremation vs. burial: what to consider - Notify family and close friendsDay 0-1
Begin informing people by phone, text, or email. Give a preliminary sense of when and where a service might be held.
- Choose a venue for the Celebration of LifeDay 1-7
Select a location that reflects the person. Options: a park, backyard, restaurant private room, community center, art gallery, beach. Book early if using a venue.
Find celebration of life venues near you - Set a date and timeDay 1-5
Choose a date that allows out-of-town family and friends to attend. Weekends are often preferred. 2-4 weeks after death is common.
- Choose a celebrant or MCDay 3-7
Identify someone to lead or facilitate the service. This may be a professional celebrant, a friend, a family member, or no one. A loose structure works fine.
- Plan the programDay 3-10
Design the order of service. Consider: welcome remarks, personal tributes from 3-5 speakers, music (live or playlist), a slideshow, a poem or reading, open microphone time, a shared activity.
- Curate musicDay 3-10
Assemble a playlist of the deceased's favorite music or songs that evoke their spirit. Use it as background, or build the service around key tracks.
- Collect photos and videosDay 1-10
Gather photos and home videos for a slideshow or memory table. Ask family members and friends to contribute their favorites.
- Write and publish obituaryDay 1-5
Write a personal, warm obituary that captures who the deceased was. Include service details and a way for people to share memories.
Submit obituary to Legacy.com - Send invitationsDay 3-7
Use email, social media, or a service like Evite or Paperless Post to invite guests. Include all service details and any memorial preferences.
Create free event invitations
Keep this, and bring your family in.
A free Vigils plan saves your progress, adds the full checklist through the estate paperwork, and lets you invite up to five family members to share the load. No cost, no ads, your information is never sold.