A Guide to Funeral Preplanning

Funeral Preplanning: Peace of mind for you and your loved ones

Funeral preplanning is one of the most compassionate and practical decisions you can make. It allows you to control your final arrangements, relieve your family of financial and emotional strain, and ensure your wishes are honored. Yet many people delay this important step, often because they don’t know where to start.

This guide will walk you through the five biggest benefits of preplanning your funeral and help you take the next step with confidence.

Emotional Relief: How preplanning funerals eases the burden on loved ones

Losing a loved one is always difficult. But when a death is followed by dozens of urgent decisions; from the larger decisions such as choosing a casket, finding a burial plot, organizing a ceremony to the smaller decisions, what clothing should they be buried in, glasses on or off, what songs should be played, it becomes overwhelming. Funeral preplanning is a gift you give your family. It removes the emotional and logistical pressure at a time when they need space to grieve.

Preplanning means your loved ones won’t have to guess your wishes or debate details during a time of sorrow. They’ll have the comfort of knowing that everything is taken care of exactly the way you wanted. Many families report feeling deep relief and gratitude when a parent or spouse has prearranged their funeral.

In short, funeral preplanning brings peace of mind to everyone involved.

Financial Security: Preplanning funeral services with Better Church Funerals means locking in savings and avoiding future inflation

Funeral costs, like everything else, rise over time. What costs $8,000 today at most funeral homes might cost $11,000 ten years from now. With Better Church Funerals that exact same funeral will cost $3,995 including the same 20-gauge steel casket, and that price is locked in, protecting you and your family from future inflation.  Preplanning your funeral allows you to lock in today’s prices and protect your loved ones from unexpected financial burdens.

When you preplan using a preneed insurance policy or prepaid funeral contract, the prices for services and merchandise are secure regardless of future inflation. This financial foresight can also help you manage your own budget and avoid placing a heavy cost on your family during an already emotional time.

By taking care of these expenses now, you also avoid the risk of family members having to pay out of pocket later.

Why Funeral Preplanning with Better Church Funerals is both better and less expensive

Most funeral homes conduct between one and four funerals per month, requiring them to cover all of their fixed costs with a small number of customers, which is why they have to charge anywhere from $8,000 to $23,000 for the same funeral that Better Church Funerals can perform for one half to one third the cost.  Some funeral homes in large cities do perform more funerals, but they are typically performing all of those funerals out of one facility, so the funerals can feel more like a fast food dining experience than a respectful Celebration of Life.   

Better Church Funerals performs the funerals in primarily in Churches, sometimes in a VFW or other location, but we aren't        restricted to a single location, so each funeral can have the time and attention that it deserves.  Nothing is more heart breaking than when the service is cut short or you promised to speak at a friend or loved one's funeral and then being told that there isn't time, because there is another funeral is starting in thirty minutes. 

We firmly believe that everyone should have the funeral they deserve, at a price that they can afford.

Personal Control: Ensuring your wishes are respected and followed

One of the biggest advantages of preplanning your funeral is having full control over how you are remembered. From the type of ceremony, to religious elements, to your choice of music or readings, preplanning ensures your final tribute reflects your values and personality.

Without a plan, family members may not know what you would have wanted or worse, may disagree over what’s appropriate. Preplanning eliminates this uncertainty.

It also allows you to decide whether you want to be buried or cremated, choose a cemetery, or even prewrite your own obituary. With a written plan in place, your final farewell becomes a meaningful reflection of your life and legacy.

Family Harmony: Reducing stress and disagreements among survivors

Funerals can, unfortunately, be a source of conflict. Emotions run high, and without guidance, families sometimes argue over how to honor their loved one. Preplanning minimizes this risk by removing ambiguity.

When everything is prearranged, family members don’t need to debate or make difficult decisions under stress. Instead, they can support each other, share memories, and begin the healing process. This clarity not only prevents disputes but helps preserve relationships during a tender time.

Funeral preplanning is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take to promote unity in your family after you're gone.

Common Concerns: Addressing fears and misconceptions about funeral preplanning

Many people hesitate to plan their funeral. Some think it's too expensive. Others worry it's morbid or feel they're too young. These are understandable concerns but often based on myths.

First, preplanning with Better Church Funerals saves you and your family money and does not require you to pay everything upfront. In fact, 90% of people choose to make small monthly payments. Second, thinking ahead isn’t morbid, it’s responsible. Just like writing a will or buying life insurance, funeral preplanning is part of sound life planning.

Age is also not a barrier. The earlier you plan, the more you save and the more time you have to make thoughtful decisions. Don’t wait for a health scare or crisis. Start now, while you’re calm and in control.  No decision you make is final, you can always make changes up until the die you die.

Preplanning isn’t about death, it’s about love, legacy, and peace of mind.

Take the First Step Today

Preplanning your funeral doesn’t have to be difficult. Our team is here to guide you through the process with compassion and  clarity. Fill out the form below, and one of our advisors will reach out to help you create a plan that locks in your savings as well as brings peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

Start today. It’s one of the most caring decisions you can make for your family.