Pre-planning
Pre-planning refers to the process of making arrangements and decisions in advance for one's own Funeral and related end-of-life services.
This involves selecting and paying for specific funeral, Memorial, Burial, or Cremation services before they are needed.
Pre-planning allows people to make informed choices about their final arrangements, lock in a negotiated price, relieve their Surviving Family of the burden of making these decisions, and ensure that their wishes are followed.
Key aspects of pre-planning a funeral include:
Funeral Service Choices: Individuals can specify the type of funeral service they desire, whether it's a traditional funeral, a memorial service, a Graveside Service, a cremation with or without a service, or anything else requested.
Casket or Urn Selection: Pre-planning allows individuals to choose the Casket, Urn, or alternative container they prefer, taking into account personal preferences and budget considerations.
Location: Individuals can designate the location where they wish their funeral or memorial service to be held, whether it's a specific Funeral Home, place of worship, or another meaningful location.
Disposition Preferences: Pre-planning includes deciding whether one prefers burial, Entombment, cremation, or another method of Disposition, and specifying the location, such as a Cemetery or Mausoleum.
Financial Arrangements: Individuals can pre-fund their funeral plan by setting aside funds or purchasing a pre-need insurance policy to cover the costs of their chosen services. This helps protect against rising funeral expenses.
Personalization: Pre-planning allows individuals to personalize their funeral service with specific music, readings, Eulogies, or cultural and religious traditions.
Documentation: Pre-planned funeral arrangements are documented in a contract or funeral plan agreement, which specifies the individual's preferences and instructions. A copy of this plan is typically provided to the individual and can be shared with family members or a designated executor.