Pre-Arrangement Process

Funeral Pre-Arrangement Complete Guide

Funeral pre-arrangement allows you to ease future stress for your family, as it takes care of all the important decision making in end-of-life planning.  Many people choose to pre-arrange their funerals so that their loved ones can focus on grieving after their passing rather than worrying about every detail of the planning process.


There are two types of funeral plans, preneed and at-need (sometimes referred to as immediate need). At-need funeral plans are made by the  family members after a death has occurred. It can be a difficult experience for the family because emotions are high, time is short, and their grief needs to be managed. Not only that, but the imminent financial concerns can add to the stress of everything.


Preneed funeral plans are much less stressful and more advantageous. Rather than rushing to complete arrangements, you can think about what you want your service to include and talk about the options with your family. Making funeral arrangements in advance also offers several benefits which we’ve outlined below.

8 Steps to Pre-Planning your Funeral

Here's a break-down of the funeral pre-arrangement process:

  • Set goals


  • Review limitations


  • Look at available options


  • Weigh the pros and cons of each option


  • Discuss the best options with your loved ones


  • Arrive at a final decision


2 important steps in pre-planning your funeral:

  • Be as detailed as possible and write down all of your preferences



  • Send your plan to the funeral home and don't forget to provide your executor with a copy


8 Benefits to Pre-Planning a Funeral

Why Pre-Plan a Funeral?




We've had the privilege of assisting many families with their funeral pre-arrangement . During the time we've spent with them, we've learned more about the reasons behind their decision to take funeral pre-planning seriously. Below are some of the things we've heard from families regarding why they chose to pre-plan their funerals.

 

  • Pre-planning my funeral was my way of showing my family just how much I love them.
  • In pre-paying for my funeral arrangements, I've lessened the financial burden on those people I leave behind.
  • I'm very independent and have always made all my own decisions.
  • Some say I like to be in control of everything and they're right!
  • This way my family knows exactly what I want. No one has to get angry or fight, and no one has to feel guilty about making the wrong decision. When I'm gone, they will know what I want.
  • I remember when my mother died. None of us kids knew what to do and absolutely none of us knew what she wanted. No one bothered to ask! I'm just not going to wait for my kids to ask me what I want. I'm going to tell them.
  • I guess it's because I want things done my way. I want to provide my funeral pre-arrangements to our local funeral home to make sure I get what I want.

These are just a few of the comments we've heard during funeral pre-arrangements. Chances are pretty good that some of these statements are true for you as well.

Record Your Wishes

There are many benefits to end-of-life planning. Here are the top ten reasons why you should consider making your funeral arrangements ahead of time:

  • It means there will be fewer opportunities for argument and indecision about your funeral arrangements among family members after you're gone.


  • Your survivors will never have to worry about doing the wrong thing when finalizing your funeral arrangements. You will have told them exactly what you want.


  • No mistakes and no oversights. After you're gone, everything will be done your way.


  • You have peace-of-mind now knowing that we will follow through with your wishes.


  • After your death, no one can make any decisions you wouldn't want.


  • Funeral pre-planning is the responsible thing to do. It removes the burden from family members.


  • You can make complex decisions ahead of time when you have the time to think things through.


  • Funeral pre-planning can involve pre-payment. This will save your family money and avoid any financial burdens.


  • Funeral pre-planning involves an awareness of the reality of death.


  • You are almost guaranteed to get what you want.
Learn More About Advance Directives Pre-Arrange Your Services Now

How to Pre-Plan a Funeral?

Using the Online Pre-Planning Tool

This website features Pre-Arrange Online, a step-by-step interactive form that can be used to record your end-of-life plan and send the completed form to our staff for safekeeping. You'll be asked to create an account with a username and password so you can login at any time to complete or change the plan.

Turn to the Professionals

Many people are more comfortable making these decisions with funeral professionals. If you would like us to help, call us or send us an email using the Contact Us form. 

View Our Pre-Planning Checklist

Visit our pre-planning checklist page for tips on planning ahead.

What’s Included When You Prepay for Preneed Funeral Plans

So, you’re ready to start funeral preplanning, but you have questions about what you receive when the arrangements are finished. Once the contract has been signed, the funeral director will provide you with a written statement that outlines the goods and services you have purchased (along with pricing for each). You will also receive a copy of the preneed contract discussing the terms and conditions, this includes: 



  • A guarantee that if the goods and services you selected are not available at time of service, a substitute of equal or greater value will be provided at no cost. 
  • The geographical boundaries of the firm’s service area. 
  • Under what circumstances the contract can be transferred to another funeral home. 
  • State where the funds are held until the funeral service. 
  • Explain who is responsible for paying taxes on any income or interest generated by the preneed funds you invest. 
  • Discuss whether, the price of goods and services is guaranteed. 
  • The terms if you wish to cancel your preneed contract. 


Let Us Help With Pre-Planning Your Funeral

 

If you're ready to begin  funeral pre-planning , the first can be taken in the privacy of your own home by using our online funeral pre-planning tool . Or, if you'd rather have guidance from one of our funeral pre-planning specialists, call us at 203-426-2751 .

 

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