End-of-Life Planning: Funeral, Financial, Memorial Services (2024)

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Planning Ahead

End-of-Life Planning: Funeral, Financial, Memorial Services (1)

Discussing your end-of-life plans is never easy, nor is it something we want to do. But planning how you want to be memorialized now, rather than years or decades in the future or even leaving it to your family later, offers a sense of relief and eases the burdens off your loved ones. End-of-life planning of a funeral and burial ensures your wishes will be carried out so your life story is told your way, reduces stress on your loved ones, and makes a very emotional, difficult time a little easier.

Just getting started or trying to learn more? Click the Free Information Kit button below to fill out the form and receive a free, no-obligation guide in your email. It covers the basics and financials of end-of life advance planning, One of our friendly representatives will also call to answer your questions and help you begin planning. If you are ready to speak to someone now, give us a call at 844-808-3310.

Free Information KitWhy Advance Plan?

What is Advanced Burial Planning?

End-of-life-planning in advance involves arranging and even pre-paying your memorialization details now, years or decades in advance. Some benefits of advance planning include:

  • Pay today's costs instead of years of inflation
  • Set your legacy by ensuring your story is told your way
  • Spare your loved ones the added stress of guessing what you would want
  • Alleviate additional grief during your loved ones' time of loss

Learn more by downloading a free guide via this brief form.

Get A Free, No Obligation Burial Information Guide sent right to your email that includes:End-of-Life Planning: Funeral, Financial, Memorial Services (2)
•Different burial options•Helpful tips and advice•Reasons to plan now•Details on how to get started

Start Securing Your Legacy Today!

Planning Ahead Helps ProtectAgainst The Unexpected.

Life is filled with precious moments, and planning for your end-of-life wishes is an act of love and consideration for those you cherish the most. Take control of your future and ensure your wishes are honored with our pre-planning services. Call or stop in today for complete details.

Get More Details

Did you know that our network of end-of-life service providers can help you custom create your memorial package around how you would like your story to be told? Everything from where and what type of burial you would like, to what type of music and religious preferences you want at your funeral can be mapped out by meeting with one of our compassionate family service counselors.

CustomCemetery Options

There are many different types of cemeteries and many different ways you can be memorialized in these beautiful locations. The majority of our parks offer both traditional in-ground options, above-ground in a Mausoleum or Lawn Crypt and non-traditional methods such as a natural, green burial.


Contact us today to find out which option is best for you.

All Custom Services

CustomCremation Options

One of the fastest-rising preferences for end-of-life planning, the decision to use cremation also offers a variety of options. A service can be held either before or after the cremation takes place and the remains can be memorialized in a number of ways. Remains can be scattered or kept in an urn, and even that can be customized to your wishes. Urns can be buried or placed in a mausoleum niche, and coming soon to select locations in MemorialPlanning.com is the option to be placed in a tranquil Memorial Cremation Garden.

Cremation Services

Custom Funeral Services

Your end-of-life funeral plan is one of the best ways to tell your story, your way. From where to have the service to religious needs to the type of flowers at the funeral, our locations can help you select all the options that are YOU.

Learn more about funeral products from the list below.

  • Burial Plots
  • Funeral Caskets
  • Casket Vaults
  • Burial Monuments
  • Cremation Urns
  • Memorial Benches
  • Burial Flowers

Types of Funerals

End-of-Life and Memorial Planning Options

Did you know that our network of end-of-life service providers can help you custom create your memorial package around how you would like your story to be told? Everything from where and what type of burial you would like, to what type of music and religious preferences you want at your funeral can be mapped out by meeting with one of our compassionate family service counselors.

CustomCemetery Options

There are many different types of cemeteries and many different ways you can be memorialized in these beautiful locations. The majority of our parks offer both traditional in-ground options, above-ground in a Mausoleum or Lawn Crypt and non-traditional methods such as a natural, green burial.


Contact us today to find out which option is best for you.

All Custom Services

CustomCremation Options

One of the fastest-rising preferences for end-of-life planning, the decision to use cremation also offers a variety of options. A service can be held either before or after the cremation takes place and the remains can be memorialized in a number of ways. Remains can be scattered or kept in an urn, and even that can be customized to your wishes. Urns can be buried or placed in a mausoleum niche, and coming soon to select locations in MemorialPlanning.com is the option to be placed in a tranquil Memorial Cremation Garden.

Cremation Services

Custom Funeral Services

Your end-of-life funeral plan is one of the best ways to tell your story, your way. From where to have the service to religious needs to the type of flowers at the funeral, our locations can help you select all the options that are YOU.

Learn more about funeral products from the list below.

  • Burial Plots
  • Funeral Caskets
  • Casket Vaults
  • Burial Monuments
  • Cremation Urns
  • Memorial Benches
  • Burial Flowers

Types of Funerals

Words of Gratitude from Families

Our family is grateful for the attention that Vista funeral home’s staff gave us. We came in to the office and were attended to immediately.Ronald is very knowledgeable and helped us get through the stress of making preparations for our father’s passing. His professionalism and charismatic disposition helped for this process to be a pleasant one.

Kaelyn G. - July '23

Vista Funeral Home, FL

I couldn't be happier with the service and cremation package at Davis Seawinds. I am so happy that I have peace of mind now and that my family won't have to deal with these arrangements. Jim was very nice and explained everything in detail.

Debbie F. - July '23

Davis Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, FL

Called to get some pricing and the lady that helped me was super patient and understanding. The prices beat all the other cemeteries and they were so kind to answer all my questions. Will definitely recommend to family and friends!

Vanessa R. - June '23

Christian Memorial Gardens West, MI

My parents had a cremation policy purchased in another state, and not accepted by our local funeral service. Northridge gladly accepted it, and when we recently needed to use it they provided a service far superior than I had expected. From the minute I called them and through the entire process they stayed in touch and walked us through what had to be done.

Butch M. - May '23

Northridge Woodhaven Funeral Home & Cemetery, TN

The staff was so accommodating, kind and helpful during the funeral of my uncle. The service went perfectly, they even got military honors which was very emotional. The funeral director, Tara was on top of every detail and responded quickly to any emails or calls with questions. She was so patient and kind, we can’t be more grateful that she helped us with every step of the way. God bless you, Kirk and Nice

Danny C. - February '23

Kirk & Nice Suburban Chapel, Inc., PA

Our mom was laid to rest at Oaknoll. This is a beautiful place to lay your loved ones. My family and I visited our mom this past Saturday, which will be a year, and I must say, her resting place was beautifully maintained. The grounds are maintained well, roads have been freshly paved. We all were very eased.Thank you for a lovely Memorial Garden to lay to rest our beautiful flower, Our Mom!!

Tamara J. - September '22

Oaknoll Memorial Gardens, GA

Everyone is very kind, thoughtful and respectful to all that come to Rolling Green Memorial Park. I feel at peace when I go to visit my family and Friends.

Yolanda C. - September '22

Rolling Green Memorial Park, PA

They took care of both my parents' cremations. They were very professional, yet caring. I had a special situation because I live out of state and they went above and beyond to help me.

Sandy S. - September '22

Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange, FL

I used Old Mission to put my family member to rest. And I must say all the people were polite and understanding. They did a great job with her. Answered all of my questions in a timely matter. I will use them again.

Tamia W. - September '22

Old Mission Mortuary and Wichita Park Cemetery, KS

Excellent service. The staff was very pleasant to do business with.They answered all my questions. Highly recommend.

Ed U. - August '22

Hillside Memorial Park, OH

They were very professional and helpful in our family’s time of sadness in the deaths of my father. Robin Kipp helped us greatly and guided us through the process. She kept us well informed on all the steps we needed to take and her follow through on our questions and requests were excellent.

Mark D. - August '22

Rowan Memorial Park, SC

Long and Fisher Funeral Home did a wonderful job with my mother’s services. From the initial consultation to weeks after the services were concluded, they were compassionate and professional throughout. Promptly answered any questions or concerns we had to put our minds at ease as much as possible in that difficult time. I would highly recommend using them!

Celia P. - July '22

Long and Fisher Funeral Home, WV

The staff was just excellent in all phases of the funeral arrangements. Couldn’t have asked for more support and understanding. Thank you!

Michael B. - June '22

Anderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, IL

Wife and I just pre-planned a burial at Hillside Cemetery. I wasn't sure what the process was but Fran at Hillside couldn't have been more helpful leading us through our options. We feel so much better now that it is off our plate. Great to lock in on price since we plan on living quite a few more years.

Xavier F - August '21

Hillside Cemetery, PA

We had the most amazing experience with Hayley Bouhuijs at St Peter & St Paul! Her calm, caring demeanor saw us through a tough time and allowed us the time to select the memorial, with the best wording and images for a beautiful memorial stone. It was during the Pandemic and handled remotely, the progress evolved slowly, but surely and Hayley had the patience to lead us through all the details. The final result was an absolutely beautiful tribute to my mother and father which made the entire process worth-the-wait!

Steven S - July '21

SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, PA

Our recent experience at Mt Lebanon Cemetery was far better than we had imagined it would be. We received excellent customer service from Jason Yim who took care of all of our concerns in a professional and timely way. Many years ago we planted two small trees on either side of our family stone. We were told they would not grow to be large but they did to the point they were obscuring the stone. We traveled from Indianapolis prepared to remove them ourselves if necessary but instead got wonderful service from Jason. He saw to it that the trees were removed, the surrounding ground was leveled off and planted with grass, and he sent us a photo of the completed project within the month. We are very grateful to Jason and his team for the peace of mind we have now.

Bob S - July '21

Mount Lebanon Cemetery, PA

We went today to do our pre-planned funeral arrangements and met with Lisa Johnson. We felt extremely comfortable and very happy with her helping us plan our very distant arrangements. I would highly recommend Seawinds Funeral Home. We have done business with them in the past for our parents and they were wonderful to deal with. It's not and easy thing to do to make arrangements while you are still alive, but a very necessary thing to do especially if you have children so you can have peace of mind after your passing that your wishes are being met and there will be no financial responsibility for your loved ones.

Maggie T - June '21

Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory - Sebastian, FL

All the staff members were really nice and caring. They even went down the road to get my 1 yr old milk from the store during the funeral because I had forgotten due to all the stress of the loss of my little brother. No other business has ever showed the compassion and love that this place has. Everything was really special and perfect their is nothing that could have made it better. They take care of everything from beginning to end and if you have kids they are glad to take care of them. They really understand what you are going through and they themselves have loved ones buried their. God is good and God led us to Montlawn Memorial.

Israel C - June '21

Montlawn Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations, NC

My husband & I have recently purchased our eternal resting property, we have talked about doing so for awhile now, & are happy that we won't leave our family wondering about our wishes, or perhaps with the unplanned expense of it in the future. Our parents had pre planned their places and we know how much easier it made it on our families, Helping us with every detail, Lily was so great to work with, & offered many helpful suggestions, and shared some experiences of things that would make choices easier, & we weren't afraid to ask questions. We know approaching this decision now, then when we are grieving later on, has really given us so much more peace of mind.

Liz - June '21

Windridge Memorial Park, IL

Forest Hill has been very supportive in helping my family with the final resting place for my wife. They attended to every need and request. They have made sure every detail is taken care. They are always offering a kind word and willing to make sure we are comfortable with maintenance and up keep. The flower package adds to beauty of the grave site.

William - May '21

Forest Hills Memorial Park & Palm City Chapel, FL

I just would like to thank Angela for the dedication she extended to me during the burial of my brother. During this difficult time his paperwork was mishandled at the insurance company and she was very patience and understanding and even gave her personal cell number for me to call to discuss arrangements after office hours. We are like family now. Thanks again.

D Evans - March '21

Forest Lawn Cemetery, VA

Crestwood Memorial Cemetery had always more than met my expectations. Staff is always compassionate and caring. The facilities are serene, beautifully decorated and comfortable, which is needed in a time of distress and sadness. And a special 5 star rating thank you to Rachael Logan, that was knowledgeable, efficient, and compassionate in a professional manner.

Betty - February '21

Crestwood Memorial, AL

I never imagined that I would have to write a review for a funeral home but here I am. JP is amazing. My stepmom passed last week and my father, sister and I worked with JP to handle the arrangements. He is so kind and empathetic. He explained everything in a way we could understand and was very sensitive to our feelings during this difficult time. He came highly recommended to my father and now we are highly recommending him to others. Thank you JP for all you did to support our family in our time of need.

Larissa - October '20

Montlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, NC

Many good friends have been laid to rest here very clean and staff respects anyone who wants to visit your loved ones no matter your schedule ❤️

Jason G. - August '23

Wayne Memorial Park

A beautiful place to lay loved ones to rest. Went the other evening and the sunset from their mausoleum was gorgeous. They keep it clean and gorgeous

Brittany M. - August '23

Halcyon Hills Memorial Gardens

I just recently purchased a burial space here and I'm very pleased with the the people who run this place. The cemetery seems very clean and well kept and also the people who work there seem very professional and friendly.

Joe R. - August '23

Crestview Memorial Park

"I take pictures for FindAGrave, so I made my list of names to look up in Flint Memorial. This gal Lori was so very helpful. I dropped off my paperwork and left it there with her. I went back to see if it was ready. I'd forgotten her name and the other gal found out who had helped me.
Lori called me later that day to pick up the paperwork. Thanks so much for your help in documenting the people here, Lori Treece!"

Cilla C. - March, 2024

Flint Memorial Park, MI

I recently had a loved one pass away, and I was understandably distraught. Ms. Victoria was extremely helpful and exceedingly kind during this tough time. Her customer service made the experience as smooth as possible, and I would recommend her to anyone. I hope she sees this message to truly know how thankful my family and I truly are.

Wilson S. - March, 2024

Forest Hill Home & Memorial Park - East, TN

Beautiful cemetery. The maintenance and grounds workers take fantastic care of the area.

Kelsey H. - March, 2024

Sunset Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, KY

View All Resources

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End-of-Life Planning: Funeral, Financial, Memorial Services (2024)

FAQs

What does an end of life plan include? ›

This includes your wishes for your end of life medical care and for the distribution of your assets. With an end of life plan, you can choose exactly how you'd like your care and finances to be handled now so that you can feel confident your choices are honored in the event you can no longer express them on your own.

What are the disadvantages of prepaid funerals? ›

There are a number of possible disadvantages of purchasing a pre-paid funeral or cremation plan, including:
  • Business Stability of the Funeral Home. Pre-paid funeral or cremation plans are only as dependable as the funeral home offering them. ...
  • Not Portable. ...
  • Inflexible Contract. ...
  • State Laws Differ.

How do you plan a meaningful memorial service? ›

Here are some tips for creating a rich and meaningful memorial service.
  1. Choose a Fitting Location. ...
  2. Select Articulate Speakers. ...
  3. Consider Music. ...
  4. Create a Slideshow. ...
  5. Provide Food and Drink. ...
  6. Create the Guest List. ...
  7. Prepare “Thank You” Cards.
Apr 18, 2024

How soon should you plan a funeral after death? ›

Most American funerals take place within one week or less from death. With the help of a funeral home, a week is typically enough time to make arrangements and contact loved ones.

What should an end of life care plan include? ›

The advance care plan can include:
  • where they want to be cared for when they are dying.
  • where they want to die.
  • who they want to be with them.
  • values such as religious beliefs.
  • routines that are important to them.
  • anything that helps them feel safe and comfortable.

What kind of information will be in an end of life plan? ›

End-of-life planning involves forethought to ensure that a person receives healthcare treatment consistent with their wishes and preferences, should they be unable to make their own decisions or speak for themselves. It can require people to answer specific and difficult questions about death and dying.

Are funeral plans risky? ›

Financial Risks: There's always a possibility that the funeral home might go out of business. Keep in mind that there isn't much regulatory oversight for prepaid funerals.

Why is embalming not included in funeral plans? ›

If a family is choosing for their loved one to be cremated without first having a public viewing, then there is no need for their loved one to be embalmed. Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission forbids any funeral home from claiming that embalming is necessary inorder for human remains to be cremated.

What happens to the leftover money from a prepaid funeral? ›

If there is money left over after paying the funeral bill, the excess would be returned to the family. A Revocable burial account is completely transportable from one funeral home to another, and it is able to be closed by the beneficiary prior to death with the full principle and interest refunded.

What is the etiquette for memorial services? ›

The abiding rule at memorial services is to be respectful at all times. Avoid eating and drinking inside the church or funeral home (unless food and refreshments are offered) or answering phone calls during the service.

What's the difference between a memorial service and a celebration of life? ›

A celebration of life is similar to a memorial service but it's intended to be a more joyful event where you celebrate who the person was and what they meant to everyone.

What to include in a memorial service? ›

The program should include the name, photo, and date of death of the deceased as well as the order of service events, copy of readings, and speaker names. You can also add in an appropriate quote, poem, or prayer. Collect photographs or memorabilia.

Why do you have to wait 3 days before cremation? ›

Why do you have to wait 3 days to cremate a body? In the United States, the law requires that a body must be held for three days before it can be cremated. This waiting period gives family and friends time to plan a funeral or memorial service.

What is the 7 days after death return? ›

The Return of the Dead

The Chinese believe the soul of the deceased returns to his or her home seven days after death. To ensure the soul finds its way, a red plaque bearing an inscription is placed outside the home.

How long can a body be kept without embalming? ›

But generally, when you work with a funeral home, your loved one will be refrigerated for between eight and 24 hours before embalming. If you don't want to embalm at all, most mortuaries offer short-term refrigeration, which can allow you to delay the funeral for up to two weeks.

What does the end of life include? ›

End-of-life care includes physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support for patients and their families. The goal of end-of-life care is to control pain and other symptoms so the patient can be as comfortable as possible. End-of-life care may include palliative care, supportive care, and hospice care.

What should end of life care include? ›

Generally speaking, people who are dying need care in four areas: physical comfort, mental and emotional needs, spiritual needs, and practical tasks.

What do end of life goals include? ›

The four main goals of end-of-life care: physical comfort, emotional and mental support, spiritual care, and practical assistance are all essential components of providing holistic and compassionate caregiving to individuals and their families during the final stages of life.

What does end of life issue include? ›

Issues that must be incorporated include disease severity, quality of life, spiritual beliefs, family and patient wishes. Goals should be established; realistic expectations should be set.

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