planning ahead

Why Should I Plan Ahead?

Losing a loved one is hard enough. Add the many logistical and financial decisions involved in arranging a funeral or memorial service, and it can feel overwhelming and stressful. By planning in advance, you can spare your loved ones these extra burdens during an already difficult time and give your family the space to remember, connect, and begin to heal. You can also ensure your final wishes are carried out as you want, rather than left to someone else’s best guess.


By making your final arrangements ahead of time, you can also spare your family an added financial burden. Preplanning not only eliminates the difficult question of who will pay, but also locks in rates that are protected from inflation for years to come. We also offer flexible payment plans, making advance planning more convenient.

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Planning Ahead Lets Your Wishes Be Known

The death of a loved one often brings about unwarranted stress and turmoil among families. One family member wants one thing, while another family member wants something different.


Planning ahead can help prevent disagreements by letting your family know your wishes, how you want your funeral service carried out, and how you want your affairs handled.

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Planning Ahead Offers Peace of Mind

Our staff will carry out the arrangements you want, just as you directed. Once the plans are in place, you and your family can rest easy knowing that, when a death occurs, those difficult decisions have already been made. At a time when a family should be able to grieve, preplanning makes that possible.

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Planning Ahead Offers Flexible Funding Options

When you preplan your funeral, you have more options for paying for it. A preneed insurance policy, life insurance policy, or other payment arrangements can all be set up in advance. Funeral services must be paid in full at the time of death, so planning ahead can also ease some of the stress of losing someone.

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Planning Ahead Relieves the Burden From Family

Following the death of a loved one, there are more than 150 decisions that have to be made within the first day or two following the death. Those stressful decisions on top of the stress of grieving a loss can be eliminated by arranging your final wishes ahead of time. If those decisions are made, your loved ones aren’t left wondering what you would have wanted and how they should proceed with funeral plans. With those decisions out of the way, your loved one can begin the healing process sooner.

Common Questions about Preplanning

  • What steps are involved in prearranging a funeral?

    The first step is to write down your wishes. Indicate whether you prefer burial or cremation. Write down your ideas for the service you would like, your choice of cemetery, and more. Whether you've already made these choices or aren't sure yet, schedule a meeting with one of our funeral directors. They can explain the different service options, merchandise, and 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're making arrangements for, such as their date of birth, marital status, and parents' full names. In addition to personal details, you'll need to choose burial or cremation, the type of service you'd like, a cemetery, and more. Our caring staff will guide you through the process.


  • Do I have to pay in advance?

    Preplanning means simply making your wishes known; however, most families who preplan also choose to pre-fund the funeral. This can ease the financial burden on your family and give you peace of mind.