Preplanning a funeral in Alabama involves several steps to ensure that your wishes are honored and that the process is as smooth as possible for your loved ones. A pre-planned funeral has other benefits, as pre-paying also may help you save on funeral costs. Here’s a guide on how to preplan a funeral in Alabama.
Tips on How to Pre-Arrange End-of-Life Services
- Preplanning one’s funeral gives peace of mind to all involved.
- Your local, trusted funeral home will help you make decisions and record your preferences.
- Some prefer to prepay for funeral expenses in order to save money and ease the financial burden on their family at the time of their death.
- Leave your funeral arrangements with a trusted person – or several people. Some leave behind vital information the family will need for the death certificate (such as the mother’s maiden name and birth place.)
Planning Ahead: Steps for Pre-Arranging Funeral Services
Many older people make funeral arrangements in order to make things easier for their next of kin. Sometimes, a spouse or other trusted family member will make funeral arrangements for a loved one who is not expected to be long for this world. Regardless of your situation or reasoning, here are some brief thoughts about planning burial or cremation services before they are needed.
Step 1. Determine Your end-of-life wishes.
Decide whether you want to be buried or cremated, and if buried, the final resting place (e.g., ground burial, mausoleum). This decision may determine the type and location of your funeral service. For example, those who choose traditional burial typically hold services in a funeral home, place of worship, cemetery, or mausoleum. However, there are more location options available for a cremation service.
Step 2. Choose a funeral home.
Look for reputable funeral homes in your area. Check reviews and ask for recommendations. Then, meet the funeral directors. Discuss your preferences and understand their services and cremation or burial costs.
Step 3: Pre-pay or set up a payment plan.
Many funeral homes offer pre-payment plans, which can lock in current prices and ease the financial burden on your family when death occurs. However, some families depend on a life insurance policy to cover the costs of arrangements. Whatever your plan is, consider funeral expenses when making arrangements.
Step 4. Document your preferences and notify your family.
Record your funeral preferences and leave them in a clearly marked folder or give them to multiple family members. Many funeral homes provide a pre-planning form that details your choices.
Some pre-plan and record the information in their will. However, when a death occurs, most families don’t immediately consult their deceased loved one’s will for pre-arrangement forms.
Step 5. Review your Alabama funeral arrangements periodically and update your plans to reflect any changes in your preferences or circumstances.
Ensure all documents are up-to-date and accessible to those who will be handling your arrangements.
Preplanning your funeral can bring peace of mind and relieve your family of additional stress during an emotional time. If it’s time to plan ahead, contact Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers. We offer a full range of service options, from a traditional funeral service to direct cremation services. Contact an Alabama Funeral Home funeral director today to schedule a free consultation.
