Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service        7626 Highway 213      Mars Hill, NC 28754     Phone: (828) 680-9963      Fax: (828) 680-9965      Email: brfs@blueridgefuneralservice.org


Pre-Planning

Funeral Pre-Planning Information & Resources

Most of us want to plan ahead but when it comes to end-of-life planning, many have a difficult time starting the funeral pre-planning process.

There are many reasons why to pre-plan your funeral. Here are the top ten reasons why you should consider making your funeral arrangements ahead of time:
  1. It means there will be fewer opportunities for argument and indecision about your funeral arrangements among family members after you're gone.
  2. Your survivors will never have to worry about doing the wrong thing when finalizing your funeral arrangements. You will have told them exactly what you want.
  3. No mistakes and no oversights. After you're gone, everything will be done your way.
  4. You have peace of mind now knowing that we will follow through with your wishes.
  5. After your death, no one can make any decisions you wouldn't want.
  6. Funeral pre-planning is the responsible thing to do. It removes the burden from family members.
  7. You can make complex decisions ahead of time when you have the time to think things through.
  8. Funeral pre-planning can involve pre-payment. This will save your family money and avoid any financial burdens.
  9. Funeral pre-planning involves an awareness of the reality of death.
  10. You are almost guaranteed to get what you want.
We've had the privilege of assisting many families with their funeral pre-planning. During the time we've spent with them, we've learned more about the reasons behind their decision to take funeral pre-planning seriously.

Why Pre-Plan Your Funeral

  • Pre-planning my funeral was my way of showing my family just how much I love them.
  • In pre-paying for my funeral arrangements, I've lessened the financial burden on those people I leave behind.
  • I'm very independent and have always made all my own decisions.
  • Some say I like to be in control of everything and they're right!
  • This way my family knows exactly what I want. No one has to get angry or fight, and no one has to feel guilty about making the wrong decision. When I'm gone, they will know what I want.
  • I remember when my mother died. None of us kids knew what to do and absolutely none of us knew what she wanted. No one bothered to ask! I'm just not going to wait for my kids to ask me what I want. I'm going to tell them.
  • I guess it's because I want things done my way. I want to provide my funeral pre-arrangements to our local funeral home to make sure I get what I want.
These are just a few of the comments we've heard during funeral pre-arrangements. Chances are pretty good that some of these statements are true for you as well.

Take care of all the funeral pre-arrangement details and give you and your family the peace-of-mind you deserve.

The Basics of Funeral Pre-Planning

Here's a break-down of the process:
  • Set goals
  • Review limitations
  • Look at available options
  • Weigh the pros and cons of each option
  • Talk to others about the best options
  • Arrive at a final decision
In the case of funeral pre-arrangement, another two important steps are involved:
  • Write out your plan with as many details as possible.
  • Send your plan to the funeral home and provide a copy to your executor.

Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist

We've put together this funeral pre-planning checklist to help you.
funeral plre planning checklist

Taking Care of Finances and Property

  • Create a contact list of everyone who should be notified in a medical emergency or death including the name of your funeral home.
  • Give your executor(s) a copy of your will and the contact list.
  • Give your executor(s) a list of bank and investment accounts, creditors, mortgage or lien information, insurance policies, retirement plans, safe deposit boxes, real and personal properties of value and all related telephone numbers.
  • If you are receiving benefits from Social Security or the Veterans' Administration, your executor needs that information to suspend benefit payments.
  • Select someone you trust to deal with your online accounts: email, online memberships, and social media. Include all relevant information and whether or not they should delete, close, or keep any of the accounts.

Taking Care of Funeral-Related Details

We suggest the following:
  • Make note of all the details you want mentioned in your obituary. You could even take this one step further and write your own obituary.
  • State, in writing, your preferences for burial or cremation.
  • If burial is preferred, provide the details of the cemetery arrangements. If you have not purchased a burial plot, this is the time to do so.
  • If you have chosen burial, what type of casket would you like? Should it be made of wood, metal, or composite materials?
  • If you choose cremation, what do you want done with the ashes?
  • Would you like a traditional funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life?
  • If you'd like a celebration of life, what location would you suggest for this event?
  • What special activities would you prefer at a celebration of life?
  • What music or special readings would you prefer?
  • What type and colors of flowers would you prefer?
  • Would you like to select a charitable organization to receive donations in your name?
  • If you're a veteran, would you like to receive full military honors as part of your service? Would you like to be buried in the grounds of a veterans' cemetery?

Taking Care of Your Pets

funeral pre planning pets
If you share your life with animal companions, you should think about who you would like to take care of your pets. Consult with the person to see if this is something they are interested in doing for you and then write down your intentions and include all contact information. This should be signed and witnessed, and then given to your executor.

Have You Considered Setting Up Advance Directives?

No one wants to think about a time when they will be unable to make critical health care or end-of-life decisions but it makes sense to complete an advance directive. Read our guide to advance directives.

Using the Online Pre-Planning Tool

This website features Pre-Arrange Online, a step-by-step interactive form that can be used to record your end-of-life plan and send the completed form to our staff for safekeeping. You'll be asked to create an account with a username and password so you can login at any time to complete or change the plan.

Turn to the Professionals

Many people are more comfortable making these decisions with funeral professionals. If you would like us to help, call us at 828-680-9963 or send us an email using the Contact Us form. 

Get It Done...and Then Relax

We're here to help. In this section, you can learn why it's important, how it works, and exactly what's involved in pre-need funeral planning. Call us today at 828-680-9963 to learn how we can help or get started now with our online pre-planning tool, Pre-Arrange Online.
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