How To Plan a Funeral in Advance 

Planning for your funeral is a controversial topic in some communities. Some even think it is a taboo. However, we plan for all critical events in our lives, such as weddings and kids going to college, so why not a funeral? Read on to learn how to plan a funeral in advance.  

How do you plan a funeral? 

Death is inevitable, but when it occurs, it leaves loved ones devastated and confused. They have to plan the funeral while still mourning. They start wondering what you would have wanted, whether to be buried or cremated, whether you would have wanted a memorial or life celebration and more. Funeral pre-planning removes all this doubt and allows your family to conduct the funeral as you wish. Here is why you should preplan a funeral in advance, according to the experienced funeral directors at Southern Cremations & Funerals. 

• Personalize your funeral. We all have preferences; there’s a way you would want your funeral to be conducted, whether it is flower arrangements, dress code or order of memorial service. Pre-planning your funeral allows you to personalize everything. 
• Relieve family members of the burden of making difficult decisions during an emotionally charged time.  
• You lock in today’s prices with prepaid funeral plans. When the time comes, your family doesn’t have to worry about the rising cost of funerals. 

So, how do you plan a funeral? Start by creating a funeral planning checklist, which should include the following: 

Decide the type of funeral  

What type of funeral do you prefer: burial or cremation? This is the primary choice that will shape the rest of your plan. Do you want a traditional religious ceremony or a more personalized, secular memorial? Where would you like the funeral to be held: a place of worship, a funeral home or a nontraditional venue?  

Choose a funeral director 

A funeral director will guide you through the process. They will handle the paperwork, coordinate services and manage logistics. They can also assist in selecting caskets or urns, arranging transportation and coordinating with cemeteries or crematoriums. Work with experienced funeral directors or engage funeral planning services to ensure all details are managed professionally. 

Create a funeral plan 

These are all the details related to the funeral. You can decide who will lead the service or read the eulogy; what music you would like played; the flower arrangements, dress code, invitations or public announcements.  

Choose a prepaid funeral plan 

A prepaid funeral plan allows you to pay for your arrangements in advance. You can pay the entire amount upfront or spread the cost over a period of time. The plan’s total cost will depend on the service to be offered.  

A typical funeral plan will cover embalming, transportation, burial, cremation and other specific funeral-related expenses. However, in most cases, you will purchase the plot separately.  

How do funeral plans work? 

Funeral plans are arrangements made in advance with a funeral home or provider. You pre-select the services and merchandise you want, and the provider guarantees that the agreed-upon services will be delivered when the time comes. You can pay for the plan upfront or in installments. Some plans are tied to life insurance policies, with funeral expenses covered by the policy. 

Are funeral plans protected? 

In the U.S., funeral plans are protected by state laws. This means the law varies depending on your state. These laws may also differ depending on how plans are funded and regulated and what happens if a funeral home goes out of business. 

Generally, prepaid funeral funds are held in a trust or an insurance policy. This ensures the money is safe and accessible when needed. The funeral home cannot use the funds until the agreed-upon services are delivered. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also gives consumers certain rights and protections when making funeral arrangements. 

Bottom line  

Planning a funeral in advance allows you to personalize every detail and lock in today’s prices if you purchase a prepaid funeral plan. You also ease your family’s financial and emotional burden that comes with planning a funeral.