Planning a funeral means making a series of choices: burial or cremation, what kind of service, where, and how much to spend. This guide brings those choices together, whether you are arranging a funeral now or planning ahead.
Has someone just died? Start with what to do when someone dies.
Step 1: Choose a funeral home
Look for a licensed Florida funeral establishment, compare General Price Lists and ask what is included. See choosing a funeral home and the Orlando funeral home directory.
Step 2: Decide on burial or cremation
Step 3: Choose the type of service
| Service | What it is |
|---|---|
| Traditional funeral | Viewing or visitation, then a ceremony at a chapel or place of worship, then burial |
| Graveside service | A ceremony held at the cemetery, often shorter and more private |
| Memorial service | A ceremony without the body present, often after cremation |
| Celebration of life | A personal, often less formal gathering focused on the person’s life |
| Direct burial or direct cremation | No viewing or ceremony beforehand; a memorial can be held later |
See the Orlando funeral services guide for more detail.
Step 4: Personal touches
Readings, music, photos, a guest book, flowers or donations “in lieu of flowers,” military honors and livestreaming for distant family. See funeral flowers, funeral guest books and military funeral honors.
Step 5: Understand the costs and your rights
- How much does a funeral cost in Orlando?
- Your rights when planning a funeral
- Price comparison worksheet
Planning tools
- Funeral Cost Calculator
Estimate a realistic planning range for burial or cremation.
- Funeral Planning Checklist
Answer a few questions and get a printable checklist.
- Cremation Urn Size Calculator
Find the approximate urn capacity you need.
- Price Comparison Worksheet
Compare funeral home price lists side by side.
Planning ahead (pre-need)
Pre-planning records your wishes, spares your family difficult decisions, and lets you compare options calmly. You can simply write down your wishes, or sign a pre-need contract with a funeral home, which may let you pay over time.
In Florida, pre-need contracts are regulated under Chapter 497, Florida Statutes, by the Department of Financial Services. Before signing, ask:
- Exactly which goods and services are covered, and which are not (cemetery charges and cash advance items are often separate)
- Whether the price is guaranteed
- How the money is protected (trust or insurance)
- What happens if you move, change your mind or the funeral home changes ownership
- Whether the contract can be transferred or cancelled, and any refund
Keep a copy with your important papers and tell your family where it is.
Free Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist
Planning ahead? Get our printable pre-planning checklist and a short series of plain-language emails on costs, burial vs. cremation and the documents to organize. Unsubscribe anytime.