Plan Ahead

Pre-Planning Checklist

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming to your surviving family and friends, but pre-planning your funeral service can help them better deal with the stress of losing someone.

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Choose the Type of Service You Want

Pre-planning your funeral service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it helps ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making those final decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry with making those hard 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 want to take part in the process of fulfilling your final wishes, they only need instructions on what they need 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 benefit you and your survivors financially. If possible, pay for all expenses in advance, freeing your family from that financial burden. When possible, pre pay for:

  • Cemetery services, burial plot
  • All funeral arrangements including casket, urn, flowers, transportation and specialized services
  • What steps are involved in prearranging a funeral?

    The first step would be to write down your wishes. Indicate if you would prefer burial or cremation. Write down your ideas for the service you would like, cemetery choice, etc. If you've made those choices, or even if you're unsure, schedule a time to meet with one of our funeral directors who can explain the different service options, merchandise choices, as well as the different ways to pay for the funeral.

  • What information do I need to prearrange a funeral?

    You'll need basic information about yourself or the person you are planning for, such as date of birth, marital status, parent's full names, etc. Besides the biological information, you'll need to choose burial or cremation, what type of service you'd like, what cemetery to use, etc. Our caring staff will help you with this process.

  • Do I have to pay in advance?

    Preplanning is merely making your wishes known; however, most families who do this choose to pre-fund their funeral as well. Doing so will relieve the financial burden from your family and offer a peace of mind to you.

  • Can I transfer my plans to or from another funeral home?

    If you have plans at another funeral home and would like to move them here, we will help you do that. If you move from the area and would like to transfer your arrangements to another funeral home, we will assist you with that as well.

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