Planning Ahead

Why Should I Plan Ahead?

Planning ahead provides peace of mind. When you develop a funeral care plan, you will have peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out. When you have a written guide for your family you will have peace of mind. When adequate funds have been set aside to reduce emotional and financial worry, you will have peace of mind. When you have communicated your final wishes to your family and know that their burden of decision making will be reduced during a time of grief and loss, you will have peace of mind. Planning ahead reduces miscommunication and provides comfort to those who are grieving. Advance planning allows your survivors to properly grieve and celebrate your life, rather than carrying the burden of decision making during a difficult time.


There are many reasons for planning in advance. Some people may want to ensure that the funeral and burial meet their religious and personal beliefs, while others may want to reduce the financial burden for their survivors. In some cases, individuals entering long-term care or applying for medical assistance may wish to set aside funds in advance, ensuring that funeral expenses are covered while remaining compliant with financial requirements. Whatever the reason, advance planning is beneficial for all who make the decision to do so.

When you choose to plan in advance, one of our staff members will meet with you and guide you through this process. When we meet, we will first encourage you to organize your personal information. My Planning Guide is a helpful tool that you can use to list all your vital statistics, which is necessary when filing a death record. We will also talk in depth about your wishes and identify your preferred final disposition. We will discuss service options and the details of celebrating your life. These details will help us create an estimate of goods and services to help you understand the costs associated with choices you prefer. With an understanding of the costs involved, you can determine an appropriate amount of money to invest in an interest-bearing, irrevocable fund that can only be used for funeral care expenses.

Secure Online Preplanning Form

After your plan has been developed, we encourage you to gather important information and keep it in one safe place. This may include your military discharge papers (DD214), health care directive, insurance policies, list of assets and deeds (property, vehicles, stocks, bonds and mutual funds), bank accounts, bank accounts, credit cards, institutions, passwords (online accounts and cellphones), as well as instructions on caring for your home and belongings.


Now that you have taken time to consider your final wishes and made financial arrangements, we encourage you to share your wishes with your loved ones, and remember to leave a copy of your funeral care plans, burial policy information and health care directive with LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center to keep on file in our fireproof safe.


Now that advance planning is complete and you have your plans in place, you can rest assured that you have helped your family by reducing the burden of decision making during a difficult time of loss and grief, and that you have financial arrangements in place.

Why Consider Advanced Planning?

Making funeral plans in advance is a thoughtful and simple way to care for your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored.

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It’s Simple and Flexible

Whether you fill out an online form or meet with a member of our staff, planning ahead is easy to do at any stage of life. And if your wishes change over time, you can always update your plan.

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You’re in Control

Advanced planning gives you the opportunity to design a service that reflects your values, beliefs, and personality. Involving your family in the process also gives them comfort and peace of mind, knowing your final arrangements truly represent you.

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Plans Move with You

If you relocate, your prearranged plans and any payments made are fully transferable to any funeral home in the United States.

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Prepayment Options Available

Prepaying for services can protect against future price increases and ensure funds are set aside specifically for your arrangements. All payments are safely placed in a trust account and remain there until the time of need—offering financial peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

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Peace of Mind

By making decisions ahead of time, you help reduce stress and uncertainty for your family during a difficult period. Instead of worrying about what you would have wanted, they can focus on remembering, healing, and being together.

Ready to Begin?

Start by reviewing our Preplanning Checklist to explore your options. Then, use our online Planning Guide and schedule a meeting with one of our team members. We’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

Common Questions About Preplanning

  • What steps are involved in prearranging a funeral?

    The first step would be to write down your wishes. Indicate if you would prefer burial or cremation. Write down your ideas for the service you would like, cemetery choice, etc. If you've made those choices, or even if you're unsure, schedule a time to meet with one of our funeral directors who can explain the different service options, merchandise choices, as well as the different ways to pay for the funeral.

  • What information do I need to prearrange a funeral?

    You'll need basic information about yourself or the person you are planning for, such as date of birth, marital status, parent's full names, etc. Besides the biological information, you'll need to choose burial or cremation, what type of service you'd like, what cemetery to use, etc. Our caring staff will help you with this process.

  • Do I have to pay in advance?

    Preplanning is merely making your wishes known; however, most families who do this also choose to pre-fund their funeral. Doing so will relieve the financial burden on your family and offer peace of mind to you.

  • Can I transfer my plans to or from another funeral home?

    If you have plans at another funeral home and would like to move them here, we will help you do that. If you move from the area and would like to transfer your arrangements to another funeral home, we will assist you with that as well.