Preplanning Basics

A Guide for Those New to Funeral Preplanning

When it comes to planning for the future, few things are more important than preplanning your funeral. While it may not be a topic most people want to think about, preplanning your funeral ensures that your final wishes are respected, relieves loved ones from making difficult decisions, and can provide peace of mind knowing that everything is handled.

If you’re new to funeral preplanning, you may have many questions about what it involves, how to begin, and what options are available. In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of funeral preplanning to help guide you through this important process.

What is Funeral Preplanning?

Funeral preplanning is the process of making arrangements for your funeral in advance. It allows you to decide on various aspects of your final service, including your funeral preferences, burial or cremation options, and any other personal wishes regarding your memorial. Preplanning can include selecting a funeral home, choosing your service details, and even making financial arrangements to cover the costs.

The main goal of funeral preplanning is to reduce the burden on your loved ones when the time comes. By making your wishes clear and organizing everything ahead of time, you ensure that your family does not have to make difficult and often costly decisions during a time of grief.

Why Should You Consider Preplanning Your Funeral?

There are several reasons why preplanning your funeral is a thoughtful and beneficial choice for both you and your family:

1. Ease the Burden on Loved Ones

One of the most significant benefits of preplanning your funeral is that it takes the pressure off your family. When a loved one passes away, family members are already going through an emotional time. By making decisions about your funeral in advance, you prevent your family from having to make tough decisions about your preferences, saving them from confusion, stress, and potential disagreements during an already difficult time.

2. Ensure Your Wishes Are Honored

Preplanning allows you to outline exactly what you want for your funeral service, ensuring your final wishes are respected. Whether you have a specific burial or cremation request, want a traditional funeral service, or prefer a more unique celebration of life, preplanning makes it clear. It’s also an opportunity to include details such as music, readings, or even a memorial donation request.

3. Financial Protection

Funeral expenses can add up quickly, and costs are rising every year. By preplanning, you can set aside funds or purchase a pre-need funeral plan, which locks in prices at today’s rates and protects you from inflation. Prepaying for your funeral also ensures that your loved ones don’t face unexpected financial burdens when the time comes.

4. Peace of Mind

Knowing that your funeral arrangements are already in place provides you and your family with peace of mind. It’s a way to take control of your future, relieving any uncertainty about your final arrangements and making sure your loved ones won’t have to handle all the details when they’re grieving.

Key Steps in Funeral Preplanning

Now that you understand why preplanning is important, let’s go over some of the key steps involved in the process. These steps will guide you through the basics of funeral preplanning.

1. Start the Conversation

The first step in preplanning your funeral is to have a conversation with your loved ones. Let them know your intentions, your preferences, and why you want to plan ahead. If you have specific requests for your funeral service, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your family, as this will help avoid confusion later.

If you’re not sure where to start, a funeral service counselor can guide you through the process and help answer any questions. They are trained to offer compassionate support and provide the information needed to make informed decisions.

2. Choose the Type of Service

One of the most important decisions in preplanning is choosing the type of service you want. There are several options, and it’s important to consider what will best reflect your life and legacy. Here are some common types of funeral services:

• Traditional Funeral Service: This is the most common type, which often includes a viewing, funeral ceremony, and burial.
• Memorial Service: A service without the body present, often held in a church or funeral home.
• Celebration of Life: A more personalized, less formal service that focuses on celebrating the life of the deceased, often including music, stories, and mementos.
• Graveside Service: A simple service held at the cemetery, often with a brief ceremony before the burial.

3. Decide on Burial or Cremation

Another important aspect of funeral preplanning is deciding whether you’d prefer burial or cremation. Both options come with different costs, procedures, and arrangements. Your decision may depend on personal beliefs, family traditions, or environmental considerations.

• Burial: If you choose burial, you’ll need to decide on a cemetery, a burial plot, and a casket. You may also want to think about a headstone or memorial marker.
• Cremation: If you prefer cremation, you’ll need to decide what happens to your ashes. Some people choose to have their ashes scattered, stored in an urn, or kept in a special location like a columbarium.

4. Select Funeral Home and Other Providers

Choosing a funeral home is an essential part of the preplanning process. A reputable funeral home will guide you through all the details, including preparing the body, coordinating services, and managing the logistics of the funeral. It’s a good idea to research funeral homes in your area, visit their facilities, and speak with their staff to ensure that they align with your wishes.

If you wish to have a burial, you’ll also need to select a cemetery. Many funeral homes work closely with cemeteries, making it easier to arrange both services.

5. Consider Funding Options

One of the final steps in preplanning is to make financial arrangements. This may include prepaying for funeral services or setting aside money in a designated account or trust. There are several ways to fund your preplanned funeral, including:

• Pre-Need Insurance: This type of insurance helps cover funeral costs, locking in prices for services and merchandise at today’s rates.
• Trust Accounts: Setting up a trust with a funeral home to hold the money for your funeral arrangements.
• Savings Account: Simply setting aside money in a savings account for future funeral expenses.

6. Document Your Wishes

Once you’ve made all of your decisions, it’s important to document everything in writing. Keep a copy of your preplanning forms and funeral documents in a safe place, and make sure your family knows where to find them. You can also consider sharing your plans with a trusted executor or legal representative.

The Benefits of Working with a Funeral Preplanning Expert

While it’s possible to handle the funeral preplanning process on your own, many people choose to work with a funeral preplanning expert or counselor. These professionals can provide valuable guidance, answer questions, and ensure that all aspects of your funeral are addressed. Whether it’s discussing options for services, helping with financing, or handling special requests, a funeral expert can make the process easier.

At Dignity Memorial, we offer personalized funeral preplanning services to help you make informed decisions and create a plan that honors your wishes. As a certified funeral preplanning professional, I’m here to guide you through every step of the process.

Final Thoughts

Preplanning your funeral is a thoughtful and responsible way to ensure that your wishes are honored, and that your loved ones are spared the burden of making difficult decisions. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress for your family, ensure your preferences are met, or lock in funeral costs, preplanning is a valuable decision for everyone.

If you’re ready to start your preplanning journey, or if you have any questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you navigate this important decision with compassion and care.