ArrangeDeskHelping families prepare for the arrangement conference
Updated October 22, 2026 · For independent funeral homes
Families arrive at the arrangement conference tired and unsure what to expect. Telling them ahead of time what to bring and what will be decided shortens the meeting and avoids a second trip for a missing document.
What to bring
- Full legal name, date and place of birth of the deceased.
- Social Security number.
- Parents’ names, including mother’s maiden name.
- Military discharge papers (DD-214), if a veteran.
- Any pre-arrangement or insurance documents.
- Clothing and photographs, if there will be a viewing or display.
- Cemetery deed or plot information, if one exists.
What will be decided
- Burial or cremation.
- Type of service: traditional funeral, memorial, graveside, or none.
- Dates and places for visitation and services.
- Casket or urn, and other merchandise.
- Obituary wording and where it will be published.
- How many certified death certificates the family needs.
Pricing
Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes give families a General Price List and an itemized statement of the goods and services selected. Let families know they’ll receive these, so they can make choices with the costs in front of them.