Preplanning a Funeral

This article describes several things to consider when thinking about whether you should or should not pre plan your own end of life arrangements. If you have any questions, Boyd Funeral Home, here in Marion, Ohio is here to answer your questions. Simply give us a call at 740-382-2115 and we can help you get started planning or answer any questions you may have.

Things to consider...

At-Need vs. Preneed Funeral Planning

“At-Need” funeral arrangements are made at the time of death, usually by surviving family members or by a trusted friend on behalf of the deceased. Making funeral plans at the time of death is particularly difficult because the time frame is short and emotions are high as survivors are dealing with their grief. Not only is there much planning to do, but there are also imminent financial concerns. Payment for funeral services is due at the time of the funeral which can be quite expensive, a considerable hardship for most families.

“Preneed” plans (also known as “Preplanning”) are the funeral plans that people make for the living. Preneed funeral plans can be made at any time and offer many advantages. Funeral Homes, cemeteries, and other funeral service companies can help you preplan a funeral for yourself, your spouse or a parent. Boyd Funeral Home is here to answer your questions so give us a call at 740-382-2115 and we can help you get started or answer any questions you may have.

Top 5 Reasons to Preplan Your Funeral

If any of the following statements describe you, then you are probably someone who will appreciate the benefits of preplanning your funeral.

1. You want to ease the burden on your family. If your wishes are unknown when you die, they will be faced with making difficult decisions at a trying time. Will they know if you wish to be buried or cremated? Will they agree on an open or closed casket? Will they agree on how much to spend? Confusion and disagreements are common occurrences when there is no plan to follow. You can avoid this by leaving behind a plan.

2. You want to assume the financial responsibility for your funeral. Planning ahead enables you to make financial arrangements to cover your funeral costs. Even if you are leaving behind sufficient money, will your survivors be able to access it? Funeral insurance and funeral trusts are sound financial planning options you can consider ahead of time.

3. You want your family to have the benefit of a meaningful funeral. A funeral is an important event for a grieving family. Psychologically, it provides a sense of closure and enables the family to begin the healing process. Families benefit emotionally and socially by honoring the lives of their loved ones with a fitting ceremony and by giving them a proper send-off. It is difficult to make the funeral the best it can be when planning it in a short time.

4. You want your final wishes to be followed. If you have specific preferences for the disposition of your remains and the nature of your funeral services, you can clearly express them in your funeral plan. You may have a preference for burial or cremation, the epitaph on your headstone, or the music and readings at your funeral. Or you may not want a funeral ceremony. Whatever your wishes, they need to be set forth in your funeral plan.

5. You want to be self-reliant and have your affairs in order at the end of your life. Taking care of your funeral arrangements is a thoughtful and caring thing to do for your family. It is comforting to know that you have done all you can do to ease their burden. And you can be assured that they will appreciate that your caring for them continued after you are gone.

Plan Your Funeral Your Way

You are in control of your funeral plans with a preplanned funeral. Call Boyd Funeral Home in Marion today and you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of how to plan your funeral using our planning tools.

After talking with our preplanning specialists, you’ll have created a basic funeral plan and will find out your estimated funeral cost. We are here to help you through the process and will work to help you fit an end of life celebration within your budget.