Pre-planning your funeral is one of the most thoughtful and practical decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones. It allows you to make important choices on your own terms, ensures your wishes are honored, and provides tremendous peace of mind for your family during a difficult time.
Funeral Pre-Planning
Take Control of Your Final Arrangements
Why Pre-Plan Your Funeral?
Peace of Mind
Know that your wishes will be honored and your family won't have to guess what you would have wanted. Pre-planning removes uncertainty and ensures everything is done according to your preferences.
Relieve Family Burden
Making funeral arrangements during a time of grief is emotionally overwhelming. By planning ahead, you spare your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions while coping with loss.
Financial Protection
Lock in today's prices and protect your family from future cost increases. Pre-planning can help you budget and potentially save thousands of dollars over time.
Maximize VA Benefits
Ensure you receive all the burial benefits you've earned through your military service. Pre-planning helps identify and coordinate all available VA benefits.
Personal Expression
Your funeral is a final opportunity to reflect your values, beliefs, and personality. Pre-planning ensures the service truly honors your life and legacy.
Time to Research
You have time to explore options, compare services, and make informed decisions without pressure or time constraints.
The Pre-Planning Process
1
Initial Consultation
We begin with a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your wishes, answer your questions, and explain all available options. This can be done in person, over the phone, or via video call—whatever is most comfortable for you.
2
Explore Your Options
We'll discuss burial versus cremation, cemetery options (including VA national cemeteries), service preferences, military honors, and other personal choices. We'll also review your eligibility for VA benefits.
3
Document Your Wishes
We'll help you clearly document all your preferences and create a comprehensive plan that covers every detail, from the type of service to specific music, readings, or personal touches.
4
Financial Planning
We'll provide transparent cost estimates and discuss payment options, including how to coordinate with VA benefits to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for your family.
5
Share with Family
We encourage you to share your plan with loved ones and provide them with copies of your arrangements. This ensures everyone knows your wishes and can focus on healing when the time comes.
Decisions to Consider
When pre-planning your funeral, you'll make choices about:
Disposition
- Burial or cremation
- Cemetery selection (VA national, state veteran, or private)
- Type of burial plot or cremation niche
- Casket or urn preferences
Service Details
- Type of service (traditional, memorial, celebration of life)
- Religious or secular ceremony
- Military funeral honors
- Location of service
Personalization
- Music selections
- Readings, poems, or eulogies
- Photos or video tributes
- Special requests or traditions
Memorial Elements
- Headstone or marker design
- Inscription and emblems
- Obituary preferences
- Memorial donations or charities
Special Considerations for Veterans
As a veteran, pre-planning is especially valuable because it ensures you receive all the burial benefits you've earned, including:
- Burial in a VA national or state veterans cemetery at no cost
- Government-provided headstone or marker
- Military funeral honors with flag presentation and Taps
- Burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Potential burial allowances and reimbursements
We'll help you navigate the VA system, gather necessary documentation (such as your DD Form 214), and coordinate all aspects of your military honors to ensure you receive the recognition you deserve.
Common Myths About Pre-Planning
Myth: "I'm too young to think about this."
Truth: Pre-planning is appropriate at any age. It's never too early to relieve your family of this burden and ensure your wishes are documented.
Myth: "It's too expensive."
Truth: Pre-planning can actually save money by locking in current prices and maximizing VA benefits. Plus, you have time to budget and explore affordable options.
Myth: "My family knows what I want."
Truth: Even close families often have different ideas about funeral preferences. Clear documentation prevents disagreements and ensures your wishes are honored.
Myth: "I can't change my mind later."
Truth: Your pre-plan can be updated at any time as your preferences or circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
The planning process itself is free. You only pay for the services and merchandise you choose as part of your plan. There's no obligation to purchase anything during the planning discussion.
Your plan remains valid regardless of where you live. We can help you transfer arrangements or update your plan to reflect your new location.
Many people find it helpful to include family members in the planning discussion. It provides an opportunity to share your wishes and answer any questions they may have. However, the decision is entirely yours.
For veterans, the most important document is your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). If you don't have a copy, we can help you obtain one.
Absolutely! Your pre-plan can be updated at any time as your preferences or circumstances change. We encourage you to review your plan periodically to ensure it still reflects your current wishes.
Ready to Get Started?
Taking the first step is easy. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll discuss your unique situation, answer all your questions, and help you create a plan that provides peace of mind for you and your family.
Schedule Your Free Consultation