Planning Ahead

The loss of a loved one can be an immense burden for your surviving family and friends to bear. However, pre-planning your funeral service can alleviate some of the stress associated with losing someone, making it easier for them to cope with the loss.

Choose the Type of Service You Want

Pre-arranging your funeral service not only eases the burden on your loved ones but also ensures the realization of your final wishes. While some families struggle with these decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to contend with making those tough choices.

• Choose what funeral home and director you would like to use to handle your service.
• Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation, donation, etc…).
• If you choose a traditional service with burial, decide where you want to be buried.
• Meet with the funeral director and look at your options for caskets and urns.
• If you decide you want to be buried, choose clothing options.
• Look at options for a location to hold your service (funeral home, religious facility, sentimental building, graveside).
• What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you rather donations be given to a particular charity or a charity of one’s choice?
• Who will be a part of your service? You should decide on pallbearers and even ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service.
• Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
• Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary.

Choose Who You Want to be in Charge

Your family and friends are eager to participate in carrying out your final wishes; they simply need clear instructions on what to do.

• Make sure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will.
• Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important account information that will need to be contacted and handled following your death. Also make sure someone knows your final wishes for your desired service.
• Designate someone to be your power of attorney.
• Have someone prepared to cancel basic utility services and subscriptions.

Choose To Pay In Advance

Making decisions about your funeral service in advance can bring financial benefits to you and your survivors. If feasible, consider prepaying for all expenses, thereby relieving your family from that financial strain. When possible, make advance payments for:

• Cemetery services, burial plot
• All funeral arrangements including casket, urn, flowers, transportation and specialized services