A funeral planning guide can help you navigate the process and ensure you are making informed choices. The first steps in funeral planning involve gathering information about your loved one’s wishes and preferences. Consider your loved one’s personal preferences. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether your loved one will be buried, entombed, or cremated. There are other options available as well, such as donating the body to science. Financial constraints can be addressed while still planning a meaningful service. The time taken to plan a funeral depends on numerous factors and personal preferences. Our detailed funeral planning checklist will guide you through the steps of finding a funeral home and planning a meaningful funeral. How to plan a funeral in advance. Whether you are planning a traditional funeral, a memorial service, or a celebration of life, the steps and considerations in this guide will help you create an event that serves as a fitting farewell and a loving tribute. Alex beam, boston globe columnist when the sun goes down are you ready to define your own dignity and creatively. When someone we love passes, most of us don't know where to start. Planning ahead is the best thing you can do. Your plan doesn’t need to be complicated. Even a simple plan will be helpful to your family. Interment choices (i. e. , burial, cremation, donation to medical science, burial at sea). From arranging organ donation to choosing a service officiant, selecting music, and creating funeral stationery, our guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll cover everything from creating a checklist to selecting a guest list and sending out invitations.