Get the legal pronouncement of death, notify close family, choose a funeral home or cremation provider (you can compare prices), decide burial or cremation per the person's wishes, and order 10–15 certified death certificates. Our step-by-step guide and free checklist walk you through the rest.

Traditional funerals usually happen within a week; a celebration of life can be held weeks later, giving family time to travel and plan. There's no rule — take the time you need. Pre-planning your own funeral in advance spares your family decisions during grief.

A funeral is typically a more formal, often religious service held soon after death, usually with the body present. A celebration of life is a less formal gathering focused on honoring the person's life, held on any timeline and often personalized.