Do you know which part of the estate planning process is often overlooked?
Planning for your funeral or memorial service.
While it’s not a topic that most people want to talk about — it is an essential part of making sure your final wishes are carried out. It also really helps your loved ones, so they’re not burdened with difficult decisions during a time of grief. Think of it as a final act of care for the people you love.
But is this really part of estate planning? The short answer is yes — absolutely. And once you see how it fits into the bigger picture, you’ll understand why it’s such an important aspect of securing your legacy.
It’s smart to explore the idea of pre-planning your funeral in more detail. That’s why I’ve asked my good friend Andrew Feagler — an experienced funeral director — to share his insight in this month’s blog below. He is also the owner, and founder of Laurel (a funeral concierge and end-of-life consulting firm).
What Does Estate Planning Truly Cover?
You might think estate planning is just about who gets your stuff, but it’s more than that. It’s about making sure your wishes are followed, your loved ones are cared for, and your life is remembered the way you want. Wills and trusts help with passing on your money and belongings. But pre-planning your funeral or memorial is about more than the details. It’s about how people will remember you and the peace of mind you leave behind for your family.
Think of it this way: estate planning is about creating a plan for everything that happens after you pass away. (This would include anything in your life that’s tangible and intangible.) Just like you’d want to make sure your assets go to the right people, you also want to be in charge of your final farewell. It should reflect who you are and what you value. And when you think of it that way, pre-planning your funeral or memorial is a key component of estate planning.
The Emotional and Financial Benefits of Pre-Planning Your Funeral
You might not realize it, but if you don’t pre-plan, you could be leaving a big burden for your family. (Both emotionally and financially). Funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life can be expensive and complicated to plan.
The average funeral cost is between $10,000 and $12,000 or more (not including the costs of a cemetery or headstone). The average cremation cost is between $5,000 and $7,000. If you don’t pre-plan, your family might have to make quick decisions. Decisions like finding money to cover costs while they’re grieving.
But if you take control and plan ahead, you can take away some of that stress. One way to start is by setting aside money now, so your family won’t have to worry later. Plus, you can lock in prices at today’s rates, and outline all the details of how you’d like your service to unfold.
This is particularly important because funeral costs can be unpredictable. Inflation, changing trends, and increasing demand can all drive up prices. If you’ve ever planned a service for a loved one, you know how costs can quickly add up — from the casket and flowers to catering and venue rental.
Also, pre-paying can even allow you to shop around and compare costs, ensuring you get the best value for the type of service you want. For many people, this brings peace of mind, knowing everything is covered—both the plans and the costs.
The whole process can be tailor-made to suit your preferences and values — whether you envision a religious funeral ceremony, a traditional funeral, a casual celebration of life, or something entirely unique. Imagine how much peace this will bring to your loved ones. Instead of worrying about details, they can focus on healing. You’re giving them guidance when they need it most—something they’ll really appreciate.
Pre-Planning Options: Traditional Funeral or Celebration of Life?
When you pre-plan, it doesn’t mean your options are limited to traditional funerals. In fact, one of the beautiful things about pre-planning is that you can choose any type of service that resonates with you. Some people want a more traditional approach, while others prefer a modern, personalized celebration of life.
A celebration of life focuses more on the life of the person and their legacy — and less on mourning. It can be casual or formal, and might include music, slideshows, storytelling, and personal anecdotes. It’s a great option for those who want their service to feel more like a tribute than a formal ceremony.
Are you someone who doesn’t want a sad service? Pre-planning a celebration of life can guarantee that your final event is uplifting and full of joy. You can even create a hybrid of both approaches. For example, a religious ceremony followed by a celebration of life event that brings people together to share memories.
Incorporating Pre-Planning into Your Overall Estate Plan
Now that you see the importance of pre-planning your funeral, memorial, or celebration of life, how does it fit into your overall estate plan? At the end of the day, your estate plan isn’t complete without your end of life services. Think of it as another layer of planning that complements the financial and legal elements of your estate. Just as you would name beneficiaries for your assets, you’re also making decisions about your final farewell.
When you meet with your estate planner, it’s very important that you discuss your wishes for pre-planning. This could include documentation of your preferences, making sure funds are set aside for the service, and appointing someone to carry out your wishes. In fact, your estate planning attorney can help make sure that your pre-planning choices are legally binding, so your loved ones don’t have to navigate any gray areas.
A Legacy of Thoughtfulness and Care
In the end, pre-planning your funeral or memorial service is one of the most thoughtful and caring acts you can undertake for your loved ones. It reflects not only your desire to have control over your legacy, but also your commitment to easing the burden on those who will be grieving your loss.
Usually estate planning is seen as purely financial, but it’s important to remember that it’s also deeply personal. Pre-planning your service shows your family that you’ve thought about them and their well-being, even after you’re gone. It ensures that your final goodbye is exactly what you want it to be — a reflection of the life you lived and the impact you made on those around you.
As your funeral concierge at Laurel, my goal is to be an advocate for your family. I’m here to inform and educate — making sure you understand all of your options. I don’t want you feeling overwhelmed or pressured into decisions you don’t need. I take the time to listen to what truly matters to you and your loved ones, making sure that the choices you make reflect your values and wishes. My focus is on helping you feel confident and supported, so every decision feels right for your family.
Click the link below to schedule an introductory call with me to get started on pre-planning your funeral today.