While it may be difficult to think about, funeral pre-planning is both sensible and beneficial to your loved ones. By arranging your own services, you’ll relieve your family from the burden of having to make tough decisions during their time of grief. Here are some important do’s and don’ts to remember to ensure you craft the best possible plan to meet your goals. 

Do:

Differentiate between pre-paying and pre-planning.

Although they’re often used interchangeably, pre-paying and pre-planning a funeral are two different tasks. When you plan the service, you’re making specific arrangements pertaining to details like music, readings, and your preference for burial or cremation. Pre-paying, meanwhile, allows you to relieve your family of the possible financial burden. It may also lock in lower prices, as costs tend to increase over time. Your funeral director will provide you with a pre-need agreement that details how to address certain contingencies, such as if the merchandise chosen is no longer available, or what will happen to any funds remaining in your trust or earmarked account after the service. 

Tell your family.

Let your family members know that you’re creating a plan, and keep them updated if you make any changes to it as the years pass. Writing your preferences down, making multiple copies, and distributing them to trusted individuals will promote clarity. Keep in mind that this should be separate from your will, as wills often aren’t accessed or read until after the funeral has been held. 

Don’t:

Delay the funeral pre-planning process.

Individuals of all ages can take advantage of funeral pre-planning. Having a plan in place for every eventuality can provide incredible peace of mind, especially if you have family or dependents. You can also change or alter your plan over time to adjust for new circumstances. 

Neglect the small details.

The more detailed you are about your wishes, the better. Decisions like whether you’d prefer a wake or visitation are critical, but so are aesthetic considerations. You can be quite specific, whether there’s a particular casket or cremation urn you want, a precise location where the service should be hosted, a favored species of flower, or a selection of guests you would like to serve as pallbearers or officiants. Pick a few alternatives as well in case your specifications are unavailable at the time of your passing. 

Coping with death is painful, and the compassionate staff at Jacqueline M. Ryan Home for Funerals understands this well. They’re committed to helping locals throughout Keansburg, NJ, prepare for all eventualities. They’ll assist with every aspect of funeral pre-planning to ensure you’re honored in accordance with your wishes. These trustworthy and knowledgeable professionals will be by your side through the process. Visit them online for information, or call them at (732) 787-1177.