Funeral checklist

Arranging a funeral involves many decisions, often at a difficult time. This checklist covers the main things to consider when someone dies in Finland. Not every item will apply to every family, and you can ask the parish or a funeral director for help.

1. Initial arrangements

  • Confirm that the necessary medical and official procedures have been completed.
  • Make sure the burial permit is available when needed for the funeral arrangements.
  • Contact the local parish if you wish to arrange a church funeral.
  • Contact a funeral director if you would like help with practical arrangements.
  • Find out whether the deceased expressed wishes about the funeral, burial or cremation.

2. Planning the funeral

  • Agree on the date, time and location of the funeral.
  • Arrange a meeting with the pastor, if there will be a church funeral.
  • Decide between burial in a coffin and cremation.
  • Arrange a burial plot or discuss the options for placing the ashes.
  • Choose a coffin or urn, as applicable.
  • Discuss music, hymns, Bible readings and other parts of the service with the pastor and cantor.
  • Decide whether to prepare a printed service leaflet.
  • Consider flowers, a photograph of the deceased or other personal touches.

3. Informing family and friends

  • Notify relatives and close friends.
  • Decide whether to publish a death notice in a newspaper or online.
  • Send invitations or share the funeral details with those who wish to attend.
  • Arrange flowers or a wreath, if desired.
  • Ask relatives or friends whether they would like to participate in the service, for example by reading a text or carrying the coffin.

4. Arranging a memorial gathering

  • Decide whether to hold a gathering after the funeral.
  • Book a suitable venue, such as a parish facility, a home or another location.
  • Arrange refreshments or catering, if needed.
  • Decide whether to display a photograph, flowers or candles in memory of the deceased.

5. After the funeral

  • Arrange the burial of the ashes, if cremation took place and this has not yet been arranged.
  • Decide whether to place a temporary marker or order a gravestone.
  • Ask about grave maintenance and any associated fees.
  • Send thank-you messages or publish a notice of thanks, if desired.
  • Find out what estate inventory, inheritance or other administrative matters need to be completed.
  • Contact the relevant authorities or a legal professional if you need advice about managing the deceased’s estate.

Remember: You do not need to do everything at once. The parish and funeral director can help you identify what needs to be done first and what can wait.

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