Making funeral arrangements beforehand gives you time to consider all your options and truly plan a service that’s unique to you. If you’re still on the fence, below are a few more reasons why preplanning is a good option.
You can also email our Director of Advanced Planning Andrew Linthicum at Andrew@goinghomecares.com
It's Simple
It’s as simple as completing a form or meeting with one of our staff members to put your plan in place. No matter your age, anyone can preplan, and you can make changes whenever you wish.
You Relieve the Burden
Preplanning relieves your family of that burden, so they can focus on grief and remembrance.
You’re in Control
When you preplan, you’re in control of creating a unique celebration of life. You also can include your family members in the planning, so the service reflects their wishes and needs as well.
There are Prepay Options
Your prepayments are used to fund an insurance policy, where it is safe under Maryland laws. Prepaying generally means you save money since you’re protected from inflation and price changes, and it also gives your family members peace of mind knowing that the funeral expenses are taken care of.
How to Begin
Check out our list below to see all your options. Then, you can plan online using our form or you can schedule a meeting with our staff to plan your personalized service details.
Additionally, we keep a record of your preplanned arrangements and prepayments, and they’re easily transferable to any Funeral Home in the United States if you were to move.
Check out this planning checklist to create your unique funeral arrangements, but remember that you don't need to make all these decisions right now. If you want to talk with one of our staff members about creating personalized funeral plans, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Necessary Information
Personal Information
- Parent's names, including your mother's maiden name
- Your social security number
- Your level of education
Affiliations
- Fraternal organizations
- Union memberships
- Service organizations
- Any special recognitions
Military Service Information
- Name(s) of war/conflict(s)
- Serial number
- Military service
- Branch rank
- Date of enlistment
- Date of discharge
Getting Started
- Note any specific instructions for your services and final disposition.
- Organize personal information for your obituary.
- If you wish, choose a charity for any donations.
The Funeral Service
- Select burial or cremation.
- Choose a casket or cremation container.
- Pick funeral locations and service types.
- Make a note of any desired traditions or religious rituals.
- Select the attire you want to be dressed in.
- Arrange transportation for your physical remains and family members.
- Select an overall theme for funeral stationery and any décor.
- Choose floral arrangements.
- Choose any specific hymns and songs you’d like included.
- Pick photos and mementos for a memorial display.
Service Participants
- Designate pallbearers.
- Select a clergy member or officiant for the service.
- Pick friends or family members to say the eulogy, read scripture, do a speech, or other readings.
- If you wish, choose any musicians.
Final Disposition
- Choose a cemetery.
- Select a burial plot or mausoleum.
- Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription.
- Decide who will keep your urn.
- Decide who will scatter your ashes and where.