The ultimate guide to funeral pre-planning 

How to get started 

If you’ve decided to start arranging your funeral services, well done – this is the first step in shaping a memorable farewell for your loved ones and defining your legacy. We’re here to help you as you make this important decision. 

It’s best to pre-plan at one of our local funeral homes or cemeteries to ensure it is the right fit for you. Once you call or visit, you’ll often be connected with a Family Service Counselor. Your counselor will function as your personal contact throughout, and after, your pre-planning journey.  

The role of a Family Service Counselor is to educate you on your options, ensure your wishes are captured in writing, review payment plan options with you, and arrange your services. These professionals have experience working behind the scenes and helping families, so they are well-equipped to serve you. 

To make an appointment, find a location near you. 

Appointment day: Build your legacy 

It may sound dramatic, but it’s true – this will be one of the most special appointments you’ll attend. Between thinking about how you’d like to be remembered and what defines your personality, it may even be a little moving. Take this moment to honor your lifetime of memories and accomplishments, and make your wishes known. 

At this time, you’ll join your counselor to discuss your preferences for many different things, some of which include:  

Interment 

• Would you prefer burial or entombment? Are you considering cremation, etc.? 

Services 

• Will your loved ones attend a funeral, memorial, or Celebration of Life service? 

• Should your service be held in a grand cathedral? A family church? Or a funeral home/event venue? 

• Should there be a reception? What theme should it have? 

• Who will speak at your service? 

Memorialization 

• Would you like a monument, bench, or a bronze marker? Would you like customizations to include photos or inscriptions? 

• Do you need space for a family estate or mausoleum? 

Preparation 

• Would you like to wear specific clothing?  

• Is there a loved one who should style your hair or makeup? 

• Would you like to have a visitation prior to the service? 

• Do you have any religious preferences? 

You don’t have to decide on everything at planning time; just know there are many options at your disposal. 

Choose a payment plan 

Immediate-need arrangements must be paid prior to the service. One of the advantages of prearranging is that it allows you to make payments over a period of time, offering you maximum convenience. Your Family Service Counselor will guide you through your options, attend to all of your needs, and confirm you’re comfortable with your arrangements. 

Inform your loved ones and rest at ease 

Once you’ve completed your arrangements, you’ve removed a huge burden from your shoulders and your loved ones. By taking the initiative in planning your end-of-life arrangements, you have secured your own legacy. 

When informing your family, you can take the opportunity to tour the park with them and open heartfelt conversations about life and loss. It can be a remarkable, healing experience to share with others. 

5 Pre-planning FAQs 

1. When is the best time to pre-plan? The best time to plan is today – after all, life doesn’t wait. Planning as soon as possible also locks in present-day prices, protecting your loved ones from future inflation. 
    

2. I have life insurance – why should I pre-plan? It’s a good idea to pre-plan even if you have life insurance. Pre-planning ensures your loved ones won’t have to rely on their own funds or wait for life insurance to pay out before holding services. 

Most people plan with consideration for their loved ones. Once you’ve made your arrangements, your family won’t have the added stress of planning in a time of grief. They won’t have to ask themselves if they’ve made the right decisions, and there should be no disagreements about what you would have wanted. You’ll also have a counselor who will ensure your directive is followed at the time of service. 

Additionally, advanced planning extends beyond the financial aspect to include ceremonial and memorialization plans. You can decide on the monument and internment type and make selections down to the flowers and music. 

3. The prices of products and services may increase by the time I die. Will my expenses still be covered?  Prearranging and funding your prearrangement allows you to lock in the merchandise and services you selected at today’s prices meaning your family will not have to pay for more those items at the time of need. 
    

4. What happens to my plan if I move? Our funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories are all supported by Everstory Partners. If you move, your pre-arrangement plans can be transferred to any other Everstory Partners provider.  
    

5. The idea of planning my own funeral makes me uncomfortable. How can I get past that? This is a completely natural feeling, and it’s part of the reason many people hesitate to pre-plan. This is why we have Family Service Counselors: When working with someone in-person, they can listen to your concerns, help you embrace any emotions that may arise, educate you on the process and your options, and guide you through this unique experience. Pre-planning won’t be intimidating – we’re here to guide you. 

Disclaimer: Memorial Planning is not a financial advisor. The content in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.

Photo: Planning Stock photos by Vecteezy