There were over 300,000 deaths in Canada in 2020 alone. Funeral pre-planning is something to consider regardless of age or health status.
Talking about death and planning for a funeral can be uncomfortable. Doing this, however, is a thoughtful and responsible way of assisting your loved ones.
A funeral pre-plan should contain all the aspects that you value and prefer. Having a thought-out plan means that your loved ones and the funeral service providers know exactly how to proceed.
This is a proactive and caring step that can bring peace of mind to both individuals and their loved ones. So keep reading to find out more about the benefits of a funeral pre-plan.
What to Include in a Funeral Pre-plan
There are a few things you can include in your funeral plan; it isn't limited to specifics like urn type. You can specify whether you prefer:
A traditional funeral service
A memorial service
A celebration of life
A gathering to honour your life
Whether you want to be buried or cremated
The location of the burial, such as a cemetery or a particular resting place
Decisions about caskets, urns, burial vaults, or crafted monuments
Personal preferences can also be included in your funeral pre-plan. You can specify things that you want, like:
Music
Readings
Poems
Anything that is significant to you
This can personalize the service to reflect your life and values. You can also include religious or cultural considerations. It's not unusual for people to may include specific religious or cultural practices and rituals in their funeral plans.
Other Considerations
Some individuals may choose to set aside funds or prepay their funeral expenses to lessen financial burdens on their family members. It locks in the costs at today's prices, saving money on future price increases.
Planning also allows you to research and compare different funeral service providers and options. Comparing services and costs will ensure the best possible arrangements at a reasonable price.
It is also essential to document these arrangements. This can be included in a will or a funeral planning document. Pre-planning ensures that your final funeral arrangements and memorial service align with your wishes and values.
This takes the burden off of grieving family members. If you have made your wishes known through pre-planning, they do not have to attend to these specifics during an emotional and stressful time.
Planning a funeral can also help prevent disagreements among family members. This limits the chances of disputes as your wishes are made known to them.
Benefits of Funeral Pre-Planning
Knowing that your funeral arrangements are in place brings peace of mind to you and your loved ones. It allows you to focus on enjoying life, knowing that this will not be a burden to anyone after your death.
Pre-planning eliminates the time pressure that family members experience when arranging a funeral after a loved one's passing. This will also help to reduce stress and anxiety during an already challenging time.
By pre-planning, you can communicate your wishes to your family, ensuring that they are aware of your preferences and have all the necessary information when it is needed.
Consider Pre-planning Your Funeral
When it comes to making final arrangements, it's easy to get caught up in the details. This is why it's important that you take your time when coming up with a funeral pre-plan. There are tons of funeral options to consider, so take the burden off of your loved ones and get it sorted ASAP.
If you're looking for a monument or epitaph, contact us. Somerville Memorials is one of Calgary's oldest monument retailers.