Most U.S. families hold a funeral or memorial service within 3–7 days after a death, and the tasks tend to fall into predictable daily phases.
If you’re on Day 2 or Day 5 and feel behind, you’re not. This timeline shows what usually happens—not what must happen.
Days 1–2: Immediate care, funeral home selection, close family notification.
Days 3–4: Service details, participants, communication.
Days 5–7: Viewing, service, burial, and gathering.
What usually happens:
Notify closest family members and one or two trusted friends who can help.
If death occurred at home under hospice, call the hospice nurse; if unexpected at home, call 911; if in a hospital or facility, staff will guide you.
Secure the home: lock doors, arrange pet care, safeguard valuables.
Your main decision:
Choose a funeral home or cremation provider so the body can be transported.
What can wait:
Service details, obituary writing, and broad notifications.
What usually happens:
Families meet with the funeral director within 1–2 days to start arrangements.
You’ll discuss burial vs. cremation, service type, and basic logistics.
Bring if available:
Pre-arranged plans or written wishes
Social Security number and basic biographical details
DD-214 (if the person was a veteran)
Life insurance information (optional)
Key decisions:
Burial or cremation
Open or closed casket (if applicable)
Tentative service date and time window
What usually happens:
Confirm service date, time, and location.
Identify participants: officiant, speakers, pallbearers, readers.
Order certified death certificates (often 8–12 copies).
Communication tasks:
Share confirmed service details with extended family and friends.
What can wait:
Music, readings, photo displays, and reception details.
What usually happens:
Choose music, readings, or prayers.
Confirm speakers and set time limits (5–7 minutes is typical).
Select flowers or simple décor.
Write and submit the obituary.
Visitation planning:
If having a viewing or wake, confirm timing and casket choice.
What usually happens:
A viewing or wake is often held the evening before the service.
What to expect:
Informal gathering, guest book, shared memories
Open or closed casket depending on family choice
If no wake:
Finalize programs, reception plans, and logistics.
What usually happens:
Services are commonly held in the morning or early afternoon.
Burial typically follows immediately; cremation memorials may vary.
Day-of coordination:
Arrive early and review details with the funeral director.
Confirm participants know their roles.
Assign someone to direct guests to burial or reception.
Reception:
Optional and flexible—home, church hall, restaurant, or none at all.
You don’t have to rush:
While 3–7 days is common, there is no universal deadline. Cremation allows services weeks or months later.
Religious and cultural timing:
Some traditions require burial within 24 hours; others are flexible.
Weekends and holidays:
Cemeteries may limit Sunday burials or charge more for weekends.
Delegate roles (communication, logistics, reception).
Keep a simple notebook of calls and decisions.
Let the funeral home carry logistics—that’s their job.
Simple is not wrong. Timely is not careless.
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