What are the differences between preplanning vs at-need funeral arrangements? Let’s do a deep dive into this topic so you know which option is right for you.
Differences Between Pre-Need Funeral Plans and At-Need Arrangements
Many funeral homes offer pre-need funeral plans, which allow people to record their preferences and prepay for their funeral expenses.
Others do not make arrangements and leave the decisions and expenses behind to their surviving family members.
Here are more differences between pre-need and at-need funeral plans.
Preplanning allows you to record your preferences.
Most people have a preferred method of deposition (burial or cremation). Pre-need funeral plans allow you to record your preferences, so your loved ones don’t have to guess which you would have preferred at the time of your passing.
You can also leave behind arrangements for what type of funeral services you would prefer – whether it’s a formal religious ceremony or a casual celebration of life.
Preplanning may help you save money on end-of-life expenses.
Some funeral homes allow you to lock in current prices on goods and services when you purchase preneed funeral plans. In addition, setting money aside for your funeral costs may have other financial benefits. Talk with a funeral director to learn more.
Preplanning may reduce the likelihood of family conflict at the time of death.
Families tend to clash more when emotions are high. It’s understandable as sometimes the imminent financial concerns can cause additional stress.
However, if you made prior arrangements, the family can focus on their grief – instead of comparing prices at different funeral homes.
Without preplanning, the burden of planning and paying is placed on the surviving family members.
Some people make end-of-life arrangements because they have specific preferences. Others do so because they don’t want to leave a significant financial burden behind for their loved ones.
Many feel better knowing they have planned for significant expected life events.
Many people report a sense of peace knowing they have made funeral service plans. In addition, they like knowing that their preferences have been recorded for when death occurs.
Ready to Learn More? Contact Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers
Making funeral arrangements doesn’t have to be a scary or unpleasant experience. Talk with one of the funeral directors at Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers. We have several pre-need funeral options that will allow you to plan a meaningful funeral.
Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers have been serving the region for decades. Contact a team member today to learn about all the pre-planning options.
Key Takeaways About Funeral Planning
- Pre-planning allows you to record your service preferences.
- Purchasing a preplanned funeral will help you save money on end-of-life expenses.
- Preplanning will reduce the likelihood of conflict at the time of your death.
- If you wait to plan, you could be placing a burden on your surviving family members.
