Pre-Arrangement Process

Funeral Arrangements Checklist

Take care of all the funeral pre-arrangement details and give you and your family the peace-of-mind you deserve. The needs and expectations of our families are changing and we've responded with funeral service options tailored to these new expectations.
Two generations ago, traditional funerals (visitation, funeral service, and service at the cemetery) were common. It was what everyone expected.

But, as the demand for cremation services increased, there has been a shift in the types of services available. Many more families are choosing cremation and holding a memorial service afterwards. Family members and friends still came together to pay their respects to the deceased and find emotional support but they did so in less formal ways.

Today, another funeral service option, the celebration-of-life service, has become quite popular because there are no limits to the how, where, and when the life of a loved one can be celebrated.

The Basics of 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.
There are two ways for you to complete your funeral pre-arrangement plan.

Pre Arrangement Checklist

With many people wanting to be prepared, and take the burden off their families when it comes time to plan their funeral, they are often searching for a how to plan your own funeral checklist. 

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

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

  • 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

Record Your Wishes

  • It means there will be fewer opportunities for argument and indecision about your funeral arrangements among family members after you're gone.There are many benefits to end-of-life planning. Here are the top ten reasons why you should consider making your funeral arrangements ahead of time:
  • 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.
  • No mistakes and no oversights. After you're gone, everything will be done your way.
  • You have peace-of-mind now knowing that we will follow through with your wishes.
  • After your death, no one can make any decisions you wouldn't want.
  • Funeral pre-planning is the responsible thing to do. It removes the burden from family members.
  • You can make complex decisions ahead of time when you have the time to think things through.
  • Funeral pre-planning can involve pre-payment. This will save your family money and avoid any financial burdens.
  • Funeral pre-planning involves an awareness of the reality of death.
  • You are almost guaranteed to get what you want.

Final Tasks in Pre Need Funeral Planning Checklist

In addition to your will, the contact list, and the list of all your online account login details and related documents should be provided to your executor.

Finally, you may want to consider paying ahead of time for your funeral choices. Speak to us about how your pre-payment monies will be handled. 
pre-need funeral checklist

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.
Pre-Arrange Online

Taking Care of Your 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.

Turn to the Professionals

funeral pre planning
We've had years of experience helping other families make cremation service arrangements. Never hesitate to pick up the phone to call us. We would be privileged to serve you and your family. Simply call 718-232-8844 to speak with one of our funeral professionals or email us at torregrossafh@aol.com.
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