When a loved one passes away, families are faced with many important decisions in a short amount of time. Planning a cremation can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are high and information is unclear. At LoveStrong Cremation Center near Houston, Texas, we believe that every family deserves compassionate guidance and clarity during such times.
This cremation planning checklist is designed to help you understand each step of the process, so you can make informed, confident decisions that honor your loved one’s wishes with care and dignity. Whether you are arranging services immediately or planning ahead, following a clear outline can make the process much easier.
Understanding Cremation Planning
Before reviewing the checklist, it’s helpful to understand what cremation planning involves. Cremation planning means organizing every detail surrounding the cremation process—from the initial transfer of your loved one into care to the return of their remains and any memorial services that follow.
At LoveStrong Cremation Center, we simplify this process by handling everything under one roof. Our team assists with transportation, registration, and the cremation itself, ensuring your loved one never leaves our care.
By breaking the process into manageable steps, families can focus on what matters most: celebrating a life and finding peace in knowing their loved one is cared for with respect.
Step 1: Gather Essential Information and Documents
When planning a cremation, the first step is to gather key information and documents. Having these items ready will help the funeral director or cremation provider complete the necessary paperwork quickly and accurately.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Full legal name of the deceased
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security Number
- Marital status and spouse’s name (if applicable)
- Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)
- Place of residence at time of passing
- Occupation and education information
- Next of kin contact information
- Veteran discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
- Photo ID and authorization forms for the person arranging the cremation
At LoveStrong Cremation Center, we assist families in completing all required forms and filing state paperwork. This ensures a smooth process without unnecessary delays.
Step 2: Decide on the Type of Cremation
The next step in cremation service planning is choosing the type of cremation that best fits your family’s wishes, traditions, and budget. There are two main types to consider:
Direct Cremation
This is the simplest and most affordable option. It involves cremation without a formal ceremony or viewing beforehand. Families may choose to hold a private or public memorial later, at a time that feels right.
Traditional Cremation
This includes a viewing, farewell service, or witness cremation before the cremation takes place. It’s ideal for families who wish to incorporate rituals or personal moments of goodbye while still choosing cremation as the final method of disposition.
At LoveStrong Cremation Center, both options are available. Families can choose the service that aligns best with their personal, cultural, or spiritual preferences.
Step 3: Select a Cremation Provider You Trust
Choosing the right cremation provider is one of the most important parts of the process. Not all facilities operate the same way, and transparency is key.
When comparing providers, ask the following questions:
- Is the cremation performed onsite or at a third-party facility?
- Are prices all-inclusive, or are there hidden fees?
- Can the family witness the cremation if desired?
- How are the remains handled and returned?
- Does the provider offer online or in-person arrangements?
At LoveStrong Cremation Center, we perform all cremations onsite in our own purpose-built facility. Families are always welcome to visit, view, or witness the cremation, and we ensure that loved ones never leave our care from start to finish.
Step 4: Arrange Transportation and Care
After a loved one passes, the cremation provider coordinates transportation to bring them into care. At this stage, families should provide contact details for the location of passing—whether it’s a hospital, nursing home, hospice, or residence.
At LoveStrong, our professional staff handles this step with the utmost respect. Your loved one is carefully transferred to our climate-controlled facility, where they remain until the cremation process is complete.
This stage also involves confirming details such as who has the legal authority to authorize the cremation. Our team ensures all documents are properly signed and verified to meet state regulations.
Step 5: Complete the Necessary Paperwork
Cremation cannot proceed without proper authorization and state documentation. This typically includes:
- Cremation Authorization Form (signed by next of kin)
- Death Registration Form (filed with the local registrar)
- Medical Examiner’s Permit, where required
- Certified copies of the death certificate
These forms can seem overwhelming, but an experienced provider will walk you through each step. LoveStrong Cremation Center manages the entire registration process and can obtain additional copies of the death certificate upon request.
Step 6: Choose an Urn or Temporary Container
Once the cremation is complete, the remains are placed in either a temporary container or an urn of your choice.
Families can select from a variety of urn styles, including:
- Standard or decorative urns for display or interment
- Keepsake urns for sharing among family members
- Biodegradable urns for eco-friendly scattering
- Memorial jewelry to hold a small portion of remains
LoveStrong offers a range of options, so families can choose something meaningful and appropriate for their loved one’s memory.
Step 7: Plan a Memorial or Celebration of Life
Even when choosing direct cremation, many families wish to hold a ceremony afterward to celebrate the person’s life. Memorials and celebrations of life can be held weeks or even months later, giving loved ones time to travel and plan something personal.
Consider the following ideas for honoring your loved one:
- Traditional memorial service at a church, community center, or park
- Private family gathering at home or a favorite location
- Scattering ceremony in a meaningful place
- Tribute video or photo display to share memories
- An online memorial page where friends can post condolences and stories
LoveStrong Cremation Center supports families in creating unique, heartfelt memorials that reflect the individuality of each life.
Step 8: Determine How to Handle the Cremated Remains
After cremation, families have several options for the final placement or use of the cremated remains. These include:
- Keeping the urn at home
- Burial in a cemetery plot or columbarium
- Scattering in a meaningful location (where permitted)
- Dividing remains among family members in keepsake urns or jewelry
Our team can help you explore the best options based on your wishes, local regulations, and cultural traditions. We also provide guidance for safely handling or mailing remains if needed.
Step 9: Notify Key Contacts and Organizations
After arrangements are complete, remember to notify certain organizations and individuals. These may include:
- Social Security Administration
- Insurance providers
- Employer or pension offices
- Banks and financial institutions
- Religious or community organizations
- Close friends and relatives
If your loved one was a veteran, LoveStrong can assist in applying for military honors or burial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Step 10: Consider Pre-Planning for Yourself or Other Family Members
Once you’ve experienced how cremation planning works, many families realize the value of pre-planning for themselves. Pre-planning allows you to make decisions in advance, lock in today’s prices, and remove the burden of last-minute arrangements from your loved ones.
At LoveStrong Cremation Center, we make pre-planning simple and secure. You can arrange everything online or meet with our staff to discuss your preferences. By taking this step early, you give your family the gift of peace of mind and clarity when it matters most.
Why Families Trust LoveStrong Cremation Center
With more than 55 years of combined experience, LoveStrong Cremation Center is dedicated to helping families throughout Houston and surrounding communities navigate cremation with compassion and professionalism.
Our purpose-built facility includes an on-site crematory, ensuring your loved one never leaves our care. We handle all arrangements, documentation, and cremation services in one place—allowing families to focus on healing and remembrance.
When you plan with LoveStrong, you can expect:
- Clear, all-inclusive pricing starting at $795
- On-site cremation for full transparency and peace of mind
- Friendly, experienced professionals who guide you through every step
- The ability to arrange online or in person, based on your comfort level
- Flexible memorial and pre-planning options
Start Your Cremation Planning with Confidence
Planning a cremation can feel like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it becomes an act of love and preparation. By following this cremation planning checklist, you’ll have everything you need to make informed choices and ensure your loved one is honored with dignity and respect.
If you’re ready to start cremation service planning or simply want to understand your options, LoveStrong Cremation Center is here to help.