Pre-planning a Funeral – Considering Cremation
March 27, 2017
There are a lot of decisions to be made when you are preplanning a funeral, and one of them is whether you want to be buried or cremated. Here are some of the things to consider.
Why should I consider cremation when I’m preplanning a funeral?
- Cremation can be less expensive than a traditional burial.
- Cremation environmentally-friendly.
- Cremated remains are portable. If your family moves, your urn can easily be transported to a place of honor in their new home.
How do I preplan a cremation ?
- Inform your family of your wishes while you are still alive.
- Make plans with your funeral home. You can pay for most of the expenses in advance, relieving your next of kin of paperwork and debt.
- Pass away.
- The next of kin of the deceased must sign a Cremation Authorization Form.
- The funeral director obtains a cremation permit. The paperwork normally takes 24-48 hours to process.
- Direct cremation means cremating the body without a ceremony. This is often done if there are few relatives in the area, or if the memorial service will be delayed for some time.
- Cremation with services means having a traditional funeral service, followed by the actual cremation.
Choose a Funeral Director
There are over 300 licensed funeral homes in Virginia, but not all of them provide the option of cremation. If you know you’d prefer to be cremated rather than buried, make sure your funeral home is able to assist you.
Options for Cremated Remains
There are many options for respectfully disposing of cremated remains. Some people choose to have their ashes buried in the family cemetery, near their loved ones. Preplanning a funeral with your funeral director means that any questions you need to be answered can be answered well in advance, like if will you need to buy a plot, requirements for burial vaults or grave liners, headstones, etc.
There are several regulations surrounding cremated remains , so you’ll want to be sure and research the laws in your state when you’re preplanning a funeral.
Planning ahead isn’t always something we naturally gravitate toward—especially when it comes to end-of-life decisions. It’s easy to put off, to say “someday,” or to assume there will always be more time. But preplanning your funeral or cremation arrangements is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can leave behind for the people you love. What Is Preplanning? Preplanning is simply the process of making your final wishes known ahead of time. This can include decisions about burial or cremation, the type of service you’d like, music, readings, and even the small personal touches that reflect your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, even a simple plan written down can provide clarity and comfort when it’s needed most. Why More Families Are Choosing to Plan Ahead 1. It Relieves Emotional Burden When a loved one passes, families are often faced with dozens of decisions in a very short time, many of them while navigating deep grief. By preplanning, you remove that weight. Your family won’t have to wonder what you would have wanted, they’ll already know. 2. It Protects Your Family Financially Funeral costs can add up quickly depending on services selected. Preplanning gives you the opportunity to guarantee certain services and merchandise, avoid future inflation, and prevent overspending during emotional decision-making. 3. It Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored Every life is unique and every service should reflect that. When you plan ahead, you can choose burial or cremation, select meaningful music or readings, and include personal touches that tell your story. 4. It Gives You Time and Control Planning in advance allows you to make decisions thoughtfully and without pressure. There’s no urgency. No rushed decisions. Just clarity and confidence. 5. It Brings Peace of Mind Knowing everything is taken care of allows you to focus on what matters most: living fully and spending time with loved ones. Preplanning Doesn’t Have to Mean Prepaying You have options: document your wishes, set aside funds gradually, or explore pre-need plans or insurance options. Families are guided through these choices with no pressure—just support and information. A Simple Step Today Can Make All the Difference Tomorrow Preplanning is about easing the path for those you love. It gives them space to grieve, remember, and heal—without added stress. Ready to Learn More? Click here to get started. Whether you’re ready to start a plan or simply have questions, speaking with a preplanning specialist can help you explore your options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting. Because the greatest gift you can leave behind isn’t just memories—it’s peace of mind.
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