Planning a funeral service for a loved one can be an emotional and stressful experience, but pre-planning the ceremony can lessen the burden on the family. Funeral pre-planning allows you to prepare for your passing by finalizing your last wishes and making financial decisions for your service. Arranging the funeral ahead of time can be overwhelming, but there are several steps you can take to make the process easier. 

How to Plan Your Funeral

1. Choose Someone to Handle Your Arrangements

After you pass away, there is a “next of kin” hierarchy that helps determine who will execute the plans for the funeral service. For instance, the first in line is the spouse, followed by the children.

If no spouse or child of age is present, the parents and siblings are next in line. However, you don’t have to follow this path. With a Power of Attorney document, you can choose whoever you want to handle your final affairs.

2. Legalize Documents

Once you select the person who will carry out your last wishes, alert them to your plans and ensure they're able and willing to take on the responsibility.

Afterward, sign your documents and get them notarized to make them legally binding. Ideally, you should make several copies and give at least one of them to your handler so that in the event of your passing, the details of your final wishes are readily accessible. 

3. Consider Your Options

Families sometimes struggle with what type of ceremony to hold, which can increase their stress during an already emotional time. During the pre-planning process, you can decide whether you prefer a funeral service with a burial, a cremation, or a personalized memorial service. Taking this step will provide your loved ones with a definitive answer to how you would like to be laid to rest.

4. Decide on Payment

Funeral pre-planning usually allows for advanced payment for the service either in whole or in part. To pay for the ceremony, you could start a savings plan, or, in some cases, you may also have the option to purchase insurance from a funeral home.

It works similarly to car insurance, where you can make monthly payments to the Insurance, or Trust company, until you pass. Then, the policy is paid out, and the money is used to fund your service. Even if your policy or savings doesn’t cover all expenses, it will undoubtedly help your family lay you to rest without worrying about finances.

If you need assistance planning a funeral service, don’t hesitate the compassionate staff at Willow Funeral Home, LLC. For more than 100 years, this funeral home located in Willow Springs, MO, has helped families throughout the area plan ceremonies to celebrate the lives of their lost loved ones. They offer 24/7 support and grief resources to families in need. Call (417) 469-3141 today to schedule your consultation or visit them online to learn more about their services.