Preplanning Checklist

Choose The Type Of Service You Want

Advance planning of your funeral service can not only ease the burden on those you care about but also help ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making those final decisions after losing someone, your family won't have to worry about making those hard choices.

• Choose McLaughlin's to handle your service.
• Decide what type of service you want (burial, cremation, donation, funeral, memorial, etc…).
• If you choose a burial, decide where this will be.
• If you choose cremation, determine whether you want burial, placement, scattering, or retention of the ashes.
• You can meet with Thomas McLaughlin to discuss your options for caskets and urns or make these choices on this website.
• Choose clothing options for your burial or cremation.
• Look at options for a location to hold your service (McLaughlin's, religious facility, sentimental building, graveside).
• What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you prefer donations to a particular charity?
• Who will be part of your service? It would help if you decided on casket bearers and even asked them personally. Deciding who you would like to lead or participate in your service would be best.
• Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
• Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to include in your obituary.

Choose Who You Want To Be In Charge

Your family and friends want to participate in fulfilling your final wishes; they only need instructions on what to do.

• Designate an individual or group to be in charge of your services. They should know that you have final plans and a copy of those plans. They will be responsible for following your plans as directed.
• Have someone prepared to cancel essential utility services and subscriptions if needed.
• Give a family member or chosen friend a list of information about essential institutions that must be contacted and handled following your death.
• Ensure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will and someone can easily access the original will.

Choose To Pay In Advance

Making decisions about your burial, cremation, funeral, or memorial in advance can benefit you and your survivors financially. If possible, pay for all expenses in advance, freeing your family from that financial burden. When possible, pay ahead for:

• Cemetery services, burial plot
  
• All desired arrangements including casket, urn, flowers, transportation and the specialized services that you want