Pre-planning
Pre-planning your funeral
Planning ahead lets you make thoughtful choices calmly and in your own time, and spares your family from wondering what you would have wanted.
Why plan ahead
A thoughtful gift to the people you love
When a death occurs, many decisions need to be made in a short time, during an already emotional period. Planning ahead means those decisions are already made, by you.
Ease the burden on your family
Your family can focus on supporting one another, rather than making difficult choices while grieving.
Your wishes, carried out
Your funeral will reflect your own choices, so no one has to second-guess what you would have wanted.
Flexible, and yours to change
Anyone can pre-plan. Your plans can change as your life does, and you can change your mind at any time.
How it works
Four simple steps
1
Get in touch
Call us or send the short form below, and we will arrange a time to meet that suits you.
2
Talk with a funeral director
We will listen, answer your questions and explain your choices, at your own pace.
3
Record your wishes
We note your choices for the service, burial or cremation, and the personal touches that matter to you, so your family has clear direction.
4
Decide whether to pay in advance
Paying ahead is optional. If you would like to, we will explain the payment options available, from a single payment to regular payments over time.
What to consider
Choices you can make in advance
You can decide as much or as little as you like. Some people plan every detail; others record a few key wishes.
What you can decide
- Burial or cremation
- Your casket or urn
- The type of service: religious, military, or a personal celebration of life
- Where the service is held, and who leads it
- Music, readings and pallbearers
- Visitation, and a reception for family and friends
Helpful to bring to your meeting
You do not need everything at the first meeting. These details are needed for the official paperwork after a death, and recording them now saves your family from searching for them later.
- Full legal name and address
- Date and place of birth
- Your parents’ names, including your mother’s maiden name
- Marital status and your spouse’s name
- Your occupation
- Any notes on the music, readings or people you would like involved
Common questions
Questions families often ask
Can I change my plans later?
Yes. Pre-arranged plans are designed to be flexible, and you can change your mind at any time.
Do I have to pay in advance?
No. You can record your wishes only, or also pay ahead. If you choose to pay in advance, we will explain the options, including a single payment or regular payments over time.
What if I die away from home?
We can arrange to bring your loved one home from anywhere. Ask us about the options for coverage when a death occurs away from home.
Request a pre-planning meeting
Start the conversation
Send us a few details and we will contact you to arrange a time to meet. Your questions are kept confidential, and we will contact you by the method you prefer.
Prefer to talk?
Call 519-652-2020
We will be glad to answer your questions or book a time by phone.
Request a meeting
If a death has occurred
We are here, day or night
Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A funeral director will guide you through what happens next.