When someone dies, the days that follow ask a great deal of you. Decisions need to be made quickly, often by people who have never made them before, while grief is still raw and the world keeps moving at its ordinary pace.
This checklist is designed to help. A practical, day-by-day guide for families navigating one of the hardest weeks of their lives. Not to rush you — but to give you a clear sense of what needs to happen, when, and in what order. Take it one day at a time.
Day 1 — The first calls
The immediate priority is notifying the right people and putting the practical wheels in motion. Contact a funeral home — if you don't have one in mind, your hospital, hospice, or GP can usually recommend one. The funeral director will guide you through the next steps and take responsibility for the care of your loved one from here.
Notify immediate family and close friends personally before any broader announcements, and check whether a death certificate is needed immediately for any legal reason. Beyond that, don't make any major decisions today. The first day is about breathing, not deciding.
Day 2 — Paperwork and permissions
Your funeral director will usually guide you through obtaining the death certificate, or handle it directly. If you haven't already, locate the will — it may affect decisions about the service. Check whether the deceased had any pre-arranged funeral plans or specific wishes documented, and begin notifying their employer, bank, and any government agencies such as pension or benefits providers.
Day 3 — Planning the service
Meet with the funeral director to discuss the shape of the service — burial or cremation, venue, date and time, and whether you'll have a celebrant or officiant. Begin thinking about who will speak. A eulogy from someone who knew them well is often the most meaningful part of a funeral.
This is also the day to start gathering photos and videos for a tribute video. The most meaningful images are often on someone else's phone — reach out to family and friends early and invite them to contribute. Memories Tribute Video Builder makes this simple, with a shared link that lets anyone upload directly. And if you're looking for the right music, our guide to funeral songs may help.
Day 4 — Written tributes and materials
Today is for the written pieces. Begin working on the eulogy — or ask someone close to the deceased to take this on. If starting from scratch feels impossible, Memories Eulogy Writer guides you through the process with gentle prompts, producing a personalised first draft to shape and make your own. The same is true of the obituary — Memories Obituary Writer takes a short set of prompts and generates something personal and considered.
When you're ready, begin designing the order of service booklet. Memories Order of Service Builder lets you create a coordinated, beautiful booklet without any design experience — drawing on the writing you've already done in the platform.
Day 5 — Logistics
Confirm the venue, time, and any specific requirements with the funeral home, and arrange transport for family members who need it. If a reception is planned after the service, begin coordinating catering or a venue.
It's also worth setting up a digital guest book today — a QR code on the order of service lets guests leave messages and share memories directly from their phones on the day, and people who can't attend can contribute via a shared link. If family or friends are travelling from elsewhere or unable to be there in person, consider arranging a livestream so they can still be present.
Day 6 — Final preparations
Confirm the tribute video is complete and will play correctly at the venue. Finalise and print the order of service booklets — order extras, as people often take one for relatives who couldn't attend. Brief the speakers and anyone else with a role in the service, and prepare any personal items to be displayed such as photographs, mementos, or flowers.
Day 7 — The service
Today is not about logistics. The preparation is done. Be present, accept help from others, and allow yourself to experience the day rather than manage it.
After the service, the Memories Online Memory Book becomes a place where everything gathered during the week — the tribute video, the guest book messages, the photos, the eulogy — lives together. Family and friends can continue to contribute and return to it in the months and years ahead.
