How to pre-plan your funeral arrangements, including benefits, costs, and what to consider when making advance plans.
Planning in the United States2 min read
Pre-Planning Your Funeral: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pre-planning your funeral is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. It ensures your wishes are respected and relieves your loved ones of difficult decisions during an emotional time.
Why Pre-Plan?
Financial Benefits
Lock in today's prices - Funeral costs rise 2-4% annually
Spread payments over time - Many funeral homes offer payment plans
Reduce the financial burden on your family
Protect assets from being consumed by funeral costs
Emotional Benefits
Your wishes are documented and legally binding
Reduces family conflict about arrangements
Eliminates pressure to overspend during grief
Gives peace of mind to you and your loved ones
Step-by-Step Pre-Planning Process
Step 1: Decide on the Type of Service
Traditional burial with funeral service
Cremation with or without memorial
Green/natural burial
Celebration of life
Religious or secular ceremony
Step 2: Choose a Funeral Home
Visit 2-3 funeral homes
Request their General Price List (GPL)
Compare services and prices
Ask about pre-payment plans and protections
Step 3: Document Your Wishes
Write down your preferences for:
Type of service (burial, cremation, etc.)
Casket or urn selection
Music, readings, and speakers
Flowers and donations
Clothing and personal items
Obituary information
Cemetery or scattering preferences
Step 4: Handle the Financial Arrangements
Options include:
Pre-paid funeral plans - Pay the funeral home directly
Payable-on-death bank account - Set aside funds in a dedicated account
Funeral insurance - A small life insurance policy for funeral costs
Trust fund - An irrevocable trust specifically for funeral expenses
Step 5: Share Your Plans
Give copies of your plans to family members
Store documents with your will and other important papers
Inform your executor or power of attorney
Keep a copy in an accessible location (not a safe deposit box)
What to Watch Out For
Understand cancellation policies before signing
Verify state protections for pre-paid funeral funds
Avoid paying for extras you don't need
Review and update your plans every few years
Keep records of all payments and agreements
Pre-Planning Checklist
Research types of services available
Visit and compare funeral homes
Request and review General Price Lists
Decide on service type and preferences
Document all wishes in writing
Choose a financial arrangement method
Share plans with family and executor
Store documents safely and accessibly
Review plans every 2-3 years
Beyond Funeral Planning
Pre-planning a funeral is just one part of end-of-life preparation. Consider also documenting your estate wishes — account information, insurance policies, and beneficiary details. Tools like EverSettled can help organize estate settlement tasks so your family isn't overwhelmed with administrative burdens later.
Start your search for a funeral home that offers pre-planning services in our directory.