Funeral Pre-Planning Guide & Checklist

Planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for your family. It means the decisions are made calmly, your wishes are known, and the people you love do not have to guess.

Why plan ahead

What Pre-Planning Gives Your Family

Your wishes, in your words
You decide the kind of service, the music, the readings and the final resting place.
Less burden for your family
Decisions made now spare your family hard choices at a very hard time, and avoid disagreements.
Time to think
You can take weeks or months to decide, and change your mind whenever you like.

A simple checklist

Eight Things to Decide

Burial or cremation. This shapes most of the other decisions.
The kind of service. Traditional funeral, memorial service, celebration of life, or a private gathering.
Where it will be held. The funeral home, your church, the cemetery, or somewhere meaningful.
Who will officiate and who will speak. Clergy, a friend, or a family member.
Music, readings and personal touches. Favorite songs, scripture, photographs and keepsakes.
The final resting place. A cemetery plot, mausoleum, niche, family plot, or scattering.
Your obituary and who to notify. Facts, photographs and the people to be told.
Who will carry out your wishes. Share your plan with someone you trust, and keep a copy where they can find it.

Start Online, Finish With Us

Our online pre-arrangement form lets you record your wishes from home. Share as much as you are comfortable with, and we will be glad to meet with you to talk it through.

Pre-arranging your own service also helps with the financial side. Pre-payment can protect against rising prices and will not be a financial burden on your loved ones. Call us to talk through how that works for you.

Start Your Pre-Arrangements