Important Tips for Planning Ahead

Talking about death or planning for funeral services is difficult, but it is an inevitability we all must face. Planning many things ahead of time will not only ensure the process goes more efficiently, but it will ease the burden on your family as well.

Advanced planning for a funeral may feel unsettling. But it has proven to be thoughtful and wise to have the details in order, for when the time comes. “A funeral is a lot like a wedding,” says Pat Jones, Jr. of Jones Funeral Home. “It has a lot of the same moving parts, people traveling, clergy, maybe a church, but we are doing it in three days.”

Here are some important things to know if you are considering planning ahead.

Discuss the matter with your family

This should be the first step in the process. Communication is crucial to ensure you get the sort of funeral you want, so talking it over with your loved ones is where advanced planning truly begins. Be clear and specific, but not so specific or demanding that any details seem unobtainable.

Search the associated costs

Average funeral costs vary, so you should treat this like any large purchase such as a car or a home. Do some research to get quotes in your area. Note that some funeral homes or cemeteries may be hesitant to reveal all or even any of their pricing over the phone, but they will work with you on advance planning once you make it clear that’s what the goal is.

Invest in the service that you want

After talking it over with your loved ones about the type of service(s) you want, this is the next step. Whether you invest in a fully planned package or itemized products and services, be sure that everything is in the plan that you’ve envisioned. This will make it easier to deliver when the time comes.

There are several steps involved with planning in advance, but these are some key things to consider as you begin the process. “If you take a little time to plan ahead, it can make the funeral a little less hectic,” Jones said.

For more information and questions on advanced planning, please visit our website, or call us at 815-288-2241.

Jones Funeral Home

204 S Ottawa Ave

Dixon, IL 61021