What to Bring to a Funeral
Arrangement Meeting

You Do Not Need to Have Everything Figured Out

Meeting with a funeral home after someone you love has died may feel overwhelming. You may be concerned about which documents to find, what decisions must be made or whether you are prepared for the conversation.

Please do not delay calling Shawgo Memorial Home because you cannot locate every item on this list. Much of the necessary information may already be known by your family, and not everything must be decided during the first meeting.

We will guide you through the process, explain why certain information is needed and help you identify anything that can be provided later.

Personal Information

The funeral home will gather information needed to prepare the death certificate and complete other required records. When possible, bring or be prepared to provide:

• Full legal name
• Current address
• Social Security number
• Date and place of birth
• Father’s full name
• Mother’s full name, including maiden name
• Marital status and spouse’s name
• Highest level of education completed
• Usual occupation and type of industry
• Military service information
• Full names and relationships of immediate family members

Do not worry if you are uncertain about a particular detail. We can help you determine what is required and whether the information may be provided later.

Documents That May Be Helpful

Depending on the arrangements and circumstances, useful documents may include:

• Pre-planning or pre-funding documents
• Cemetery deeds or lot information
• Life insurance policies
• Veteran discharge papers, such as a DD Form 214
• Marriage information
• Recent account or contact information for relevant benefits
• Written funeral or cremation preferences
• Legal documents that affect the person authorized to make arrangements

Only bring documents that are relevant and readily available. The Shawgo family will explain which records are actually needed for your circumstances.

Information for the Obituary

An obituary may communicate service details while preserving important parts of your loved one’s story. Consider gathering:

• A recent or favorite photograph
• Names of immediate family members
• Important dates and milestones
• Education and employment history
• Military service
• Church, club or organizational memberships
• Hobbies, interests and accomplishments
• Volunteer or community involvement
• Memorial contribution preferences
• Stories or qualities that capture the person’s character

You do not have to write the obituary before meeting with us. We can help organize the information and prepare an obituary that reflects your loved one’s life.

Clothing and Personal Items

If your family plans to have a viewing or visitation, you may be asked to provide clothing for your loved one. Depending on your preferences, this might include:

• A complete outfit
• Undergarments
• Socks or hosiery
• Shoes, if desired
• Jewelry
• Eyeglasses
• Makeup or personal grooming preferences
• A meaningful keepsake or religious item

Let us know if your loved one had specific preferences or if you would like help deciding what is appropriate.

Ideas for the Service

You are not expected to plan the entire service before the arrangement meeting. However, it may be helpful to think about details such as:

• Burial or cremation preferences
• Funeral, memorial or visitation preferences
• Religious or cultural traditions
• Clergy members or service leaders
• Favorite songs, hymns or readings
• Family members or friends who may participate
• Photographs or videos for a tribute
• Hobbies, collections or personal items to display
• Organizations that may provide honors or ceremonies
• Pallbearers or honorary pallbearers
• A preferred charity or organization for memorial contributions

If family members have different ideas, we will listen carefully and help you explore options that respect your loved one and the needs of the family.

Questions You May Want to Ask

Write down any questions you want to discuss so you do not have to rely on memory during an emotional conversation. Questions may include:

• What service options are available?
• What choices need to be made immediately?
• Which decisions can wait?
• What are the costs associated with each option?
• What paperwork will the funeral home complete?
• How many certified death certificates may be needed?
• What cemetery arrangements need to be made?
• Are veteran benefits or military honors available?
• How can the service be personalized?
• What happens after the arrangement meeting?

We will explain your options clearly and give you time to make informed decisions.