How to Preplan a Funeral: The Kindest Thing You Can Do for the People You Love

The Gift Nobody Talks About

No one enjoys thinking about their own funeral. But families who've had to plan one on the fly — grieving, sleep-deprived, and financially unprepared — consistently say the same thing: We wished they had left us a plan.

Pre-planning is one of the greatest acts of love and practicality you can give the people you care about most.

What Does Pre-Planning a Funeral Actually Mean?

Pre-planning means documenting your wishes and, optionally, pre-paying for services in advance. It doesn't mean you need to pick out a casket tomorrow. It means leaving a clear roadmap so your family doesn't have to make painful, expensive decisions while in shock.

Step 1: Document Your Basic Preferences

Start here:

• •Burial vs. cremation — Your preference and any religious considerations
• •Service type — Traditional funeral, graveside service, celebration of life, or private
• •Location — Church, funeral home, outdoor venue, or no service
• •Music, readings, and speakers — Who do you want there? What do you want said?
• •Charitable wishes — "In lieu of flowers, please donate to..."

Step 2: Research Funeral Costs in Your Area

The average funeral in the United States now costs $8,000–$15,000. In metropolitan areas like Atlanta, costs can be significantly higher. Components include:

• •Funeral director fees
• •Embalming and preparation
• •Casket or cremation urn
• •Burial plot or cremation scattering
• •Hearse and transportation
• •Death certificates (you'll need multiple copies)
• •Flowers, printing, and reception costs

Step 3: Explore Pre-Payment Options

Some funeral homes offer pre-need contracts — you pay now (at today's prices) for services later. This locks in costs before inflation raises them. Be sure to:

• •Use a licensed funeral home with a strong local reputation
• •Ensure funds are held in a state-regulated trust
• •Keep copies of all documents in a known location

Step 4: Connect Your Plan to Final Expense Insurance

A final expense life insurance policy (sometimes called burial insurance) is often the most flexible solution. Rather than prepaying a funeral home, you:

• •Purchase a small whole life policy ($10,000–$25,000)
• •Name your beneficiary or a trust
• •The benefit is paid tax-free, quickly, and can cover any expense — not just the funeral

This approach gives your family maximum flexibility and protection from funeral home insolvency or relocation.

Step 5: Tell Someone Where Everything Is

The most complete plan in the world is useless if no one can find it. Store your documents in a known location and tell a trusted family member exactly where to look.

The Bottom Line

Pre-planning takes a few hours and saves your family thousands of dollars and immeasurable heartache. Final expense insurance is often the simplest, most flexible funding vehicle to pair with your plan. Our advisors can help you set this up quickly and affordably.