SUMMARY
• The documents that make the process go smoothly
• What information the funeral home needs and why
• What to bring for the obituary and service
• What you don't need to bring or decide yet
What should you actually bring to a funeral arrangement meeting?
Most families walk into an arrangement meeting with no idea what to expect or what to bring. Here's a practical checklist that makes the process go faster and easier.
What documents do you need?
The most important is anything that establishes identity and vital statistics: the deceased's Social Security number, date and place of birth, parents' full names including mother's maiden name, and their highest level of education. This information goes on the death certificate, and having it ready saves time.
If the person was a veteran, bring the DD-214 discharge papers. These are required to access military honors, a burial flag, and other veterans benefits. If you can't find it, we can help you request a copy — but it takes time, so mention it early.
What about insurance and financial documents?
If there's a life insurance policy intended to cover funeral expenses, bring the policy information. If there's an existing pre-need contract, bring that too — even if it's with a different funeral home. We can review it and tell you what it actually covers.
What should you bring for the obituary?
Names of surviving family members and how they should be listed. Names of predeceased family members. Employment history, military service, church affiliation, organizations. And a recent photograph you'd like used — digital is easiest, but we can scan a print.
What about the service itself?
Any clothing you'd like your loved one dressed in. Music selections. Names of anyone who will speak or participate. If there are specific readings, scriptures, or poems, bring those. If your loved one left written wishes, bring them.
What don't you need to bring?
You don't need to have every decision made. You don't need to know what kind of service you want, what urn or casket you prefer, or what the final schedule looks like. That's what the meeting is for. And you don't need to bring payment — arrangements come first, and we'll walk through costs clearly before you commit to anything.
If you have a meeting coming up and want to know what to prepare, call Covenant Funeral & Crematory at 423-485-0911. We're happy to walk you through it beforehand.
