Funeral pre-planning is an alternative to traditional funeral planning, where the services are arranged after someone has passed. It consists of making a plan with a funeral home, selecting desired services, and paying the agreed amount over a three-to-seven-year plan. Pre-paying for services is becoming increasingly common because it can ease the burden on loved ones after death.

A lot goes into pre-planning for funeral arrangements, and you may be wondering whether it’s right for you. Read on to learn more about the process of funeral pre-planning and its benefits as well as answers to some common questions.

What Is Funeral Pre-planning?

Funeral pre-planning means arranging funeral plans before passing. This may include pre-paying for the funeral, in which necessary costs are paid beforehand, too

The plan, which is made directly with a funeral home or cremation company, can vary depending on the items or services you prefer. Once you have selected the desired services, the funeral home will determine the cost. Pre-paid funeral plans at a standard funeral home typically range from $10,000-$25,000 and can be paid off over a three-to-five-year period or all upfront.

Cremation vs. Burial

More than 50% of people today prefer cremation over traditional burial, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Cremation is generally much cheaper than burial, with the average cost of cremation services ranging between $4,000 and $7,000. Direct cremation, which doesn’t include a viewing, visitation, or funeral service, can be significantly less--ranging from $1000-$5000.

We will talk more about direct cremation later, but it’s important for anyone considering a pre-planned funeral to look at all the different options and consider the financial requirement of each.

Is Pre-Planning a Funeral a Good Idea?

Pre-planning a funeral requires a decent amount of work, and many people wonder whether or not it is worth it. While the process can vary depending on the funeral home and the selected service, here are some of the major benefits of planning ahead.

You Can Lock in Today’s Prices

Funerals are getting more expensive, largely due to the rising average cost of items like caskets or coffins. Those products are expected to be at least 20% to 30% more expensive in 2022 than they were in 2021.

When you pre-pay for your funeral, you lock in the current prices for the selected services. Even if prices continue to rise, you will still pay the cheaper price you agreed to when you set your plan.‍

It Reduces Mental and Financial Stress

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is typically emotionally draining, and having to plan a funeral service only adds to the stress. Many people worry they can’t plan the funeral in the way their loved one would have wanted it.

Pre-planning a funeral takes that burden off your loved ones’ shoulders, as the services are already in place. A pre-paid plan also reduces the financial burden, eliminating added stress. It’s always wise to save money for a major expense, and funerals are no exception. Having the peace of mind that your funeral plans are already set is one of the major reasons people are drawn toward pre-planning. To make the process even easier, we've created a free Funeral Planning Guide that can be completed online in under 15 minutes.

Pre-Planning Direct Cremation with After.com

When it comes to planning a funeral, direct cremation is the most financially responsible option. However, not all cremation companies are created equal. At After.com, we are committed to helping people plan their funeral services without the hassle of working with a traditional funeral home.

Our simple pre-planning service consists of the following steps:

1. Fill out a short form online. You will be asked to answer a few simple questions so we can get to know you better.
2. Schedule a free consultation. Meet in person with one of our Pre-Arrangement planners. We’ll go over the details together.
3. Finalize your policy. E-sign and fund your policy. You’re all set!
   

Our pre-plan option helps you lock in today’s prices and, as we mentioned, allows you to pay over a three-or-five-year period, or all upfront. Our direct cremation services save customers an average of $2,500 compared to what traditional funeral homes charge for similar services.

Our customer reviews speak for themselves. Visit our website to learn more or get a quick quote for our pre-paid services.