Why Should I Plan Ahead?

The funeral is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. What should be included in the funeral? Who should speak at the funeral? Where should it take place? The answers to these questions are all up to you, but what if you don't have time to answer them because your funeral has already taken place and now it's too late? Let's discuss why pre-planning your funeral is so important, and how easy it can be.

Just like the major events in your life such as weddings and births, funerals deserve just as much planning and consideration. Pre-planning your funeral can ensure that you get the funeral you want, without any added stress to your loved ones in a time of grieving. It also allows you to take care of all the details yourself so that there is one less thing for your loved ones to worry about.

What is funeral pre-planning

The funeral is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. What should be included in the funeral? Who should speak at the funeral? Where should it take place? The answers to these questions are all up to you, but what if you don't have time to answer them because your funeral has already taken place and now it's too late? Let's discuss why pre-planning your funeral is so important, and how easy it can be.

Just like the major events in your life such as weddings and births, funerals deserve just as much planning and consideration. Pre-planning your funeral can ensure that you get the funeral you want, without any added stress to your loved ones in a time of grieving. It also allows you to take care of all the details yourself so that there is one less thing for your loved ones to worry about.

Secure Online Preplanning Form

Benefits of Preplanning

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Reason #1: Funeral pre-planning saves you money

When you pre-plan a funeral, you have the opportunity to purchase funeral services and goods at today's prices, rather than paying tomorrow's prices. In most cases, pre-planning also allows you to pay funeral costs upfront so there are no unexpected additional expenses when you are gone.

When you finalize your plan, we can advise you of the total cost. You do not have to set aside funds for your plan, but doing so protects you against escalating funeral costs. By locking in today's funeral costs and ensuring that the necessary funds are set aside, you help relieve yourself of unnecessary future worry and your survivors of an unexpected expense.

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Reason #2: Funeral pre-planning gives you a peace of mind

Pre-planning your funeral can provide a sense of comfort and peace. Knowing that everything is taken care of and that your loved ones will not have to make difficult decisions during a stressful time can be very reassuring. You also avoid the possibility of family conflict over funeral arrangements. When you have a funeral plan in place, everyone knows what you want.

Many who have undergone the emotional strain of arranging a funeral within hours of losing a loved one have made the choice to pre-plan their own funeral. Doing so lifts the burden from their loved ones by relieving decision-making pressure at a time of grief and emotional stress.

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Reason #3: Personalize the way you want to go out

When you pre-plan your funeral, you have the opportunity to personalize it in any way you choose. You can specify the type of service, music, readings, and even the funeral home itself. If there is something specific that you want to be included in your funeral service, a pre-arranged funeral plan makes it possible.

Personalizing a funeral makes it more fulfilling, meaningful, and memorable for those who attend. You can make complex decisions ahead of time when you have the time to think things through.

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Reason #4: Family and friends have more time to grieve

Funeral pre-planning allows funeral arrangements to be made before the death of a loved one. This gives surviving family and friends time to grieve, pay tribute, and honor their deceased friend or relative without having to worry about funeral details such as selecting an appropriate funeral home, finding a casket that fits within your budget, deciding on burial and so on.

Many funeral homes also offer grief support groups which can be very helpful for family and friends during this difficult time.

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Reason #5: You have more time to enjoy your life

Pre-planning your funeral can be a way to take care of business and put your mind at ease. It gives you more time to properly enjoy your life, go on vacation, see family and friends, and do the things you always wanted to do as you don't have to worry about anything since everything will be taken care of by the time of your passing.

As funeral pre-planning allows you to plan ahead, your loved ones will have time to get organized and deal with the funeral arrangements without facing undue stress. If they are not financially capable of paying for funeral expenses, they can file an application online or at their local Department of Social Services office.

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Reason #6: Make your final wishes known

With pre-planning your funeral, you make your final wishes known to your family and friends. You can share your funeral wishes with them. They will know the type of funeral you want and it will save time, money, and effort as they won't have to make a lot of decisions at such an emotional time.

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Reason #7: It is a personal choice

Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice and it is a way of making funeral arrangements in advance. Some people feel that the funeral pre-planning process helps them cope with their loss better and quicker because they have already accepted the death.

Pre-planning provides you with the time needed to make practical, detailed decisions that reflect your standards, lifestyle, taste, and budget. And we assure you and your family that the choices you make will be carried out as planned.

When you are ready to make that final decision on pre-planning your own funeral, please contact Walter J. Zalewski Funeral Homes, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA by calling (412) 682-3445 or (412) 682-1562, we are available anytime.

Common Questions About Preplanning

  • What steps are involved in prearranging a funeral?

    The first step would be to write down your wishes. Indicate if you would prefer burial or cremation. Write down your ideas for the service you would like, cemetery choice, etc. If you've made those choices, or even if you're unsure, schedule a time to meet with one of our funeral directors who can explain the different service options, merchandise choices, as well as the different ways to pay for the funeral.

  • What information do I need to prearrange a funeral?

    You'll need basic information about yourself or the person you are planning for, such as date of birth, marital status, parent's full names, etc. Besides the biological information, you'll need to choose burial or cremation, what type of service you'd like, what cemetery to use, etc. Our caring staff will help you with this process.

  • Do I have to pay in advance?

    Preplanning is merely making your wishes known; however, most families who do this also choose to pre-fund their funeral. Doing so will relieve the financial burden on your family and offer peace of mind to you.

  • Can I transfer my plans to or from another funeral home?

    If you have plans at another funeral home and would like to move them here, we will help you do that. If you move from the area and would like to transfer your arrangements to another funeral home, we will assist you with that as well.