Planning Ahead
Make your wishes known and the decisions easier for your family
Planning ahead gives you time to think through your funeral or cremation wishes without the pressure of an immediate need. You can make as many—or as few—decisions as you’re comfortable with, knowing your family will have clearer guidance when the time comes.
What planning ahead can help you do:
- Make your wishes known
Documenting your preferences can give your family clarity about what you would want, from burial or cremation to the type of service that feels right to you.
- Reduce difficult decisions for your family
After a death, many decisions often need to be made in a short amount of time. Planning ahead can give your family a clear starting point when they may already be grieving.
- Consider your options without pressure
Planning in advance gives you time to ask questions, understand your choices, and make thoughtful decisions at your own pace.
- Explore funding options, if you choose
Preplanning does not require you to pay for your funeral in advance. If you would like to prefund your arrangements, we can explain the available options and help you decide whether doing so makes sense for you.
You don’t have to have everything figured out
Some people come to us knowing exactly what they want. Others simply know they would like to make things easier for their family someday. Both are perfectly fine. Our Advanced Funeral Planner can walk you through your options, answer questions, and help you decide what—if anything—you would like to put in place now.
Maureen Watts · Advanced Funeral Planner
Prefer to start on your own?
If you’d rather begin from home, our secure online pre-planning form allows you to share basic information and begin documenting your wishes at your own pace.
Common Questions about Pre-Planning:
What is involved in planning ahead?
You can begin simply by thinking about what matters to you. That might include whether you prefer burial or cremation, the kind of gathering or service you envision, cemetery preferences, music, readings, or other personal details. You do not need to have all the answers before meeting with us—we can explain your options and help you work through them.
What information do I need?
Basic information such as your date of birth, marital status, and family information is helpful, along with any preferences you already have about burial, cremation, services, or cemetery arrangements. If you don’t know all of those answers yet, that’s okay. We can help you work through them.
Do I have to pay in advance?
No. Planning ahead and paying ahead are two different decisions. You can document your wishes without funding your arrangements in advance. If you are interested in prefunding, we can explain the options available and answer your questions before you decide.
Can I transfer an existing plan from another funeral home?
Yes. If you have existing arrangements with another funeral home and would like to transfer them to Waite, we can help you understand the process. Likewise, if you move away in the future, we can assist you with transferring your arrangements when approp
Here when you're ready
You don’t need to know exactly what you want before starting the conversation. Whether you’re ready to make a plan or simply have a few questions, we’re here to explain your options and help you decide what feels right for you and your family. Feel free to Contact us at any time.
