A GUIDE TO PRE-PLANNING A FUNERAL

PRE-ARRANGEMENT PROCESS

This quite often involves the individual sitting down with the funeral director prior to the time of need and discussing their requests and planning the funeral ceremony and special requests in advance.

Information File: Vital statistic information is secured along with a list of surviving family, their names as well as the details related to funeral choices, cemetery and special requests. In pre-planning the director records this information along with the name of the executor of the estate or next of kin who will be responsible for completing the arrangements. This file can be updated by the individual at any time.

Pre-Paid Funeral Plan: Some times directions are left regarding the completion of financial arrangements for the funeral. Specific services, merchandise and expenses may be determined. This type of arrangement may be funded in advance of need by either pre-payment to the funeral director and the subsequent trusting of the monies to a trust company to be held in trust until time of the delivery of services (death of purchaser).

Insurance Policy: Pre-funding may also be completed by the individual securing an specific insurance policy to cover the entire funeral expenses. A number of plans are available and may in some instanceFuneral pre-planning can be a complex process, but there is no one more qualified to answer your funeral pre-planning questions than an experienced licensed funeral director.

Our combined years of experience and training provide us with the knowledge required to assist you in making informed decisions about your funeral pre-planning requirements. Contact us about:

A family discussion of funeral planning, although sensitive, can be a very satisfying experience for you and the ones you love. It allows you to share feelings about various aspects of funeral services and inform others of your personal preferences. It provides an opportunity to put all your affairs in order in a relaxed, unhurried manner.

Remember that a funeral is one of the most personal, emotional occasions your family will ever share and there are many elements you will want to consider. By planning in advance, you can ensure that the decisions you make are satisfying to everyone involved.

At Memories Chapel, our combined years of experience and training provide us with the knowledge required to assist you in making informed decisions about your funeral pre-planning requirements. Our staff is familiar with the amenities and services available through out the Westman region as well as the specific offerings of our chapel. Please do not hesitate to request whatever personal touches or specialized services you and your family might wish to include. The following are some of the points you will want to consider when pre-arranging a service.

» Casket or Urn Selection: We offer a wide selection of styles and colours at different price levels so that our families may make a selection that is both appealing and affordable. Each of our funeral directors is prepared to answer all your questions regarding the materials and features of the merchandise we offer.

» Flowers and Charitable Donations: After you have selected a casket or urn, you may wish to also record your preference of flowers. In this way you can ensure that the flowers placed on your casket will complement its beauty. If you prefer that memorial gifts be made to a favourite charity, this information should be recorded.

» Ceremonies: Religion and faith can provide much comfort at the time of a death. In planning ahead, it may be meaningful to express your preferences for religious ceremonies or rituals. Fulfilling these wishes for you might hold special significance for those who are left behind.

» Music: Music is certainly a personal and individual art form. Perhaps you have a favourite hymn or other song you wish to include in your funeral arrangements. Here again, music that reminds loved ones of your unique personality or lifestyle can contribute much to a positive funeral experience.

» Time and Location: Our funeral home offers flexibility in establishing times and locations for various aspects of funeral services. If you wish to have a ceremony conducted in a special place such as a nature retreat, or, if a certain time of day appeals to you most, record this information so that your loved ones will know. We are happy to work with families in making special arrangements of this kind, at the time of need.

Planning for Peace of Mind

Once you’ve made your decisions, you tell us exactly what funeral service you wish. We’ll help you put it in writing. Then there’s no doubt about your expressed wishes. Your loved ones won’t need to ask: Did we do the right thing? Is it what he or she wanted? Did we forget anything? The directions you leave can be as general or as specific as you wish.

Arranging for Payment

While you record your preferences regarding the funeral service and merchandise, you can also specify how your funeral will be paid. In this regard, several options exist. Your service can be prepaid to a trust through a funeral director. You can also prepay by means of an insurance policy to cover all funeral expenses. Many different policies and options are available.

Expenses may also be handled through your estate. Thus, the executor according to the directions of the Will would handle expenses for the funeral and other estate matters.

Of course, you don’t need to specify any method of payment if you simply wish to record your preferences regarding the funeral. In this case, one of our funeral directors would be happy to record these preferences in an information file, which can be updated at any time.

If you have questions regarding any aspect of funeral planning, please fell free to contact one of the funeral directors at Memories Chapel for more information.

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