Pre-planning Funerals

Pre-planning a Funeral

 
Pre-planning is a practical way of determining your exact wishes for a funeral in advance of need.  Today more people are recognizing that planning a funeral in advance provides peace of mind and demonstrates love and consideration for their family.  It is a thoughtful decision that reduces the stress of indecision and uncertainty when a death occurs.  Funeral pre-planning is a natural part of estate planning.

Pre-planning your funeral allows choices to be made in a less emotional setting and free of stress that is often present when a death occurs.

Pre-paying your funeral allows you the benefit of placing funds for services and merchandise in a secure trust fund or insurance product until death occurs.  You also receive the guarantee of locking in prices at today's cost, protecting you and your family against inflation.

There are a number of decisions to make when pre-planning your funeral service.  Most people consult with their families before pre-planning their funeral.  They then make the more critical decisions and leave some details for their family and friends to decide.  The following is a summary of some of the important decisions and information discussed in a pre-planning session with our funeral directors.

 1.  Vital Statistic Information:

• Your name, address and phone number
• Your birthdate and place of birth
• Your occupation
• The maiden name of your mother and her birthplace (if known)
• The name of your father and his birthplace (if known)
• The name of your spouse, maiden name if spouse is female

The above information is required to complete the registration of death with the Department of Vital Statistics.

2.  Final Disposition:  Cremation or Casket Burial

Type of Funeral Service and Location of Service:

Casket Burial Options

Funeral Service / Funeral Mass with Graveside Service:  The service may occur in a church or our family chapel.  The graveside service usually follows the Funeral Service or Funeral Mass

Graveside Service:  The funeral service occurs at the cemetery.  When pre-planning, it is important to consider that a graveside service may be difficult to carry out in the cold winter months.

 Immediate Burial:  No funeral service occurs.

Cremation Service Options

Funeral Service / Funeral Mass with Casket Present and Graveside Interment of Cremated Remains:  The casket (may be a hardwood rental casket) is present for the Funeral Service / Funeral Mass.  Cremation occurs after the Funeral Service / Funeral Mass, and before the interment of the urn at the cemetery.  Family may choose to accept responsibility for the urn rather than an interment of the urn at the cemetery.

Cremation Funeral Service with Graveside Ceremony:  The urn is usually present at the service with interment of the urn following the service

Cremation Funeral Service with no Graveside Service:  The urn may be present at the service.  Family accepts responsibility for the urn after the service.

 Direct Cremation:  No formal service is held.  Family may have an informal gathering or reception to celebrate the person's life.

3.   3.  Viewing / Visitation / Prayers:  A viewing may occur before cremation or burial.  Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death.  Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary. 

4.  Cemetery Information:   Location of cemetery property for burial of the casket or urn. 

5.  Merchandise: 

• Casket
• Vault
• Cremation container
• Rental casket for cremation
• Urn
• Memorial keepsake (urns, jewelry, shadow boxes, etc.)

Additional Decisions for Consideration

These items may be decided in advance or at the time of funeral arrangements with the family. 

• Clergy / Officiant:  Many people will consult with their Priest or Minister when pre-planning a funeral service.  A preference for a specific clergy member may be recorded in the file.
• Obituary:  The information required to write the obituary may be written down in advance and recorded in the file at the funeral home.
• Music for the service:  Favorite hymns or musical selections may be listed on the funeral file.
• Floral tribute:  Preferences may be stated in advance.
• Memorial Book and Service Folders:  The funeral home has a selection of customized service folders.  Many people select a favorite verse, scripture reading or poem for the back of the folder.
• Soloist / Organist / Musician:  A list of musicians is available from the funeral home.
• Pallbearers:  A tentative list may be recorded in the file in advance of need.
• Special Clubs or Associations:  A list may be kept on file for special reserved seating, honor guards, etc.
• Charity of Choice:  For donations at the time of death.
• Reception:  Location of the reception for friends and family to enjoy fellowship and refreshments, while sharing memories of their loved one.
• Video Tribute:  A video tribute is a collection of photographs set into a motion picture accompanied by special music.  The video may be played at various times (ie. at the visitation or Prayers, during the service, at the reception).  It is truly a powerful presentation and a wonderful way to capture a life to be remembered.  The video is saved on a DVD copy for the family to keep as a memento.  Additional copies may be made if desired.