Funeral preplanning is a way to thoughtfully designate your wishes and spare loved ones from making difficult decisions during their time of grief. Most funeral homes offer this service to help give the whole family peace of mind. Use the list below to help you get started.

Tips for Funeral Preplanning

1. Get Details & Paperwork in Order

Make sure to have all vital statistics and information in order so that it’s easy to access. This includes full name, date of birth, family members, work history, and any military service. Create a file, binder, or labeled storage box with all necessary documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, copies of wills and insurance policies, and information about retirement accounts and pensions. 

2. Document Wishes

Funeral preplanning allows you to choose how to commemorate your life in a stress-free way. There are many options for services and what to include. Do you want a slideshow celebrating your beloved memories? Certain music? Cremation or burial? Would you like donations to be made in your name? All of these wishes need to be documented in writing. Preplanning is useful because it’s separate from a will or living will and won’t require the probate process.

3. Decide About Disposition of Remains

Decide whether you would like to have your remains buried, interred, or scattered (if ashes). Be specific about locations, and if you’ve pre-paid for a grave site, make sure all this information is available with the preplanning documents. 

4. Make a List of Those to Be Notified

It can be hard for the family to know exactly who to notify after your death. Make a list of those friends, colleagues, or distant family that you want to be informed. Include the relationship or context if possible. This list can stay with the file of other important documents.

5. Make a List of Obituary Information

Obituaries follow a certain format and usually provide birth, death, surviving relatives, and work or military history. But you can also specify what else you’d like to have remembered: awards, achievements, hobbies, or where you went to school. Having this already organized is helpful for the family during the stress of bereavement.

6. Prepay

Funeral preplanning doesn’t have to include prepayment, but this is a gift for family members if you choose to do so. Financial decisions can be particularly difficult following the death of a loved one. Most funeral homes offer payment plans and options to ensure this is all taken care of beforehand. Keep all records and documentation with the other funeral paperwork.

Funeral preplanning allows you to take the burden of decision-making off of bereaved loved ones’ shoulders. Johnson Funeral Home and Monuments, in Monroeville, AL, offers preplanning, burial and cremation services, and monument sales, and these compassionate experts help with all aspects of funeral details. Call (251) 575-3222 to make an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.