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Post-Funeral Checklist

The funeral may be over, but there are still important things to take care of in the days and weeks that follow. This checklist focuses on the immediate next steps after the funeral, including expressing gratitude, handling final funeral-related tasks, and ensuring everything is properly wrapped up.

For a more comprehensive list of steps to take after someone dies, see our What to Do After Someone Dies checklist.

1. Express Gratitude and Acknowledge Support

It’s important to thank those who provided support before, during, and after the funeral.

If people attended the funeral, sent flowers, made donations, or supported your family, take a moment to thank them.

How to do this:

  • Send handwritten notes, emails, or phone calls to express appreciation.
  • Post a public message on social media to thank everyone collectively.
  • If applicable, thank religious or military groups involved in the service.

Why it matters:

  • Acknowledges kindness and generosity.
  • Strengthens relationships with those who offered support.

If donations were made in honor of the deceased, ensure they reached the intended organization.

How to do this:

  • Contact the charity or organization to verify contributions.
  • If appropriate, send acknowledgment notes to donors.

Why it matters:

  • Ensures funds were directed properly.
  • Provides closure to those who donated.

2. Handle Funeral-Related Financial Matters

Some funeral costs and financial responsibilities need immediate attention.

Ensure all outstanding funeral expenses are settled.

How to do this:

  • Review invoices from the funeral home, cemetery, and reception venue.
  • Check if prepaid funeral plans, insurance, or veteran benefits cover any costs.
  • If needed, set up a payment plan with the funeral home.

Why it matters:

  • Avoids late fees or unpaid balances.
  • Prevents financial strain on family members.

Certain benefits or policies may reimburse funeral expenses.

How to do this:

  • File claims with Social Security, the VA, or applicable insurance providers.
  • Submit all necessary documentation, including receipts and death certificates.

Why it matters:

  • Reduces out-of-pocket costs.
  • Ensures all available benefits are used.

3. Retrieve and Preserve Funeral-Related Items

Some personal belongings and important documents may need to be collected.

Obtain official copies, as they will be needed for many legal and financial processes.

How to do this:

  • Request at least 10–15 copies from the funeral home or vital records office.

Why it matters:

  • Required for closing accounts, handling benefits, and managing estate matters.

Ensure nothing important is left behind.

How to do this:

  • Retrieve any jewelry, clothing, or keepsakes used in the funeral.

Why it matters:

  • Prevents sentimental or valuable items from being misplaced.

Keep meaningful mementos for family and historical records.

How to do this:

  • Gather guest books, printed programs, and memorial cards.
  • Create a scrapbook or digital archive.

Why it matters:

  • Preserves memories and stories shared at the funeral.

If a headstone or plaque wasn’t pre-purchased, now is the time to arrange it.

How to do this:

  • Contact the cemetery or monument provider to place an order.
  • Decide on an engraving and any additional details.

Why it matters:

  • Headstones and plaques take time to be made and installed.

4. Notify Family and Friends of Next Steps

Some families choose to hold additional gatherings or provide updates.

Inform loved ones about any upcoming events, such as scattering ashes or a memorial service.

How to do this:

  • Send texts, emails, or social media updates to attendees.
  • If relevant, provide burial or headstone placement dates.

Why it matters:

  • Keeps everyone informed about any ongoing tribute plans.

If grief support or assistance is available, let people know.

How to do this:

  • Share resources like grief counseling, support groups, or religious services.
  • Let people know if the family is taking time for private grieving.

Why it matters:

  • Ensures that everyone gets the emotional support they need.

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