The need to preplan doesn’t arise when you are facing hospice; rather, making arrangements even years ahead of time is a blessing for your heirs. You have had the conversation with your family. You have decided to start planning your funeral services.

  But how do you go about it? The process seems daunting but taking it a step at a time, you can create a plan that honors the way you want folks to remember you. At the same time. you are saving your loved ones from having to make a host of difficult choices at the time of your passing.

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/planning-your-own-funeral.html

Gather some documents you will need for preplanning.

* A list of folks who should be notified upon your death, including contact information.

* A photo to accompany your obituary. You might not pick the same picture your family would.

* A list of key biographical points in your life for the obituary writer (or write your own if you wish).

* Whom do you want to perform your services and write your eulogy? This differs from the obituary, which is usually a brief biography, while the eulogy recognizes who you are as a person and how you afftected others.

* Find documents about your military service if any, your birth certificate, any marriage licenses.

Your funeral director can lead you through the preplanning process, which does not cost anything but repays you with peace of mind. If you wish to compare two funeral homes, ask to see their general price lists. After selecting a funeral home, think of services you have attended or ask friends for recommendations. If you wish to compare two funeral homes, ask to see their basic price lists. While there is no charge to make your plans, Wheelan-Pressly can offer you payment options that could save your heirs money and ease financial concerns at your passing. Again, this is an option and you are under no obligation to accept it.

Do you have a faith community or religious preferences? If so, what traditions do you wish to follow? This will affect the location of your funeral and the officiant. If you are not religious, where will your loved ones hold your services? The funeral home is one option but there are others such as favorite restaurants or clubs.

Decide whether you wish to be buried or cremated. In the former case, choose a casket. In the latter, think about the type of container you want for your cremation and what urn or box you would like for the ashes.

Will your body be present for visiting hours and services? This is possible whether you have chosen burial or cremation. If there is a casket at the funeral, will it be open or closed? Do you already have a burial plot? If not, which cemetery would you choose? If you will be cremated, do you wish your ashes interred or scattered, and if so, where? Do be aware that local regulations might apply. Think about the type of grave marker you want.

Music is another big part of most funerals and memorial services. What professional musicians would you choose? What type of music: classical choices, hymns, or show tunes like “You’ll Never Walk Alone” or “Climb Ev’ry Mountain?”You might prefer popular pieces instead, like “My Way.”

       What about flowers? Do you want a mass of blooms or a few favorite blossoms? Perhaps you would prefer offering attendees the option of donating to a memorial in lieu of flowers. Do you have a favorite charity for memorial donations https://www.legacy.com/advice/how-to-pre- plan-a-funeral/

Preplanning your funeral is a meaningful process and not maudlin. When you have finished your plan, store the papers with your will and other legal documents in a secure but accessible place.

We hope this information has helped you think about the preplanning process. The Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home website provides an online form to get you started https://www.wheelanpressly.com/prearrangements-form.

Please let us know how we can help you. Thanks for reading our blog. You can reach out to us, Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory anytime at 1-309-786-5421.