What is a Pre-Need?

Rebeccah Kotraba • September 5, 2026

Peace of mind for your funeral

Understanding Pre-Need & Pre-Arrangements


We are often asked, “What is a pre-need or pre-arrangement?”

Simply put, pre-planning means coming to the funeral home to make arrangements in advance for your own funeral and to thoughtfully consider what you would like to happen after you pass away.

It is an opportunity to make your wishes known, ask questions, explore your options, and take some of the uncertainty out of a difficult time.


Who will help me with this?

You don't have to navigate these decisions alone.

Our pre-planning specialist will sit down with you and walk you through each step, explain your options, and answer any questions you may have. Most importantly, they will listen to what matters to you and help guide you toward decisions that reflect your wishes, your values, and the way you want to be remembered.


How long does pre-planning take?

There is no set amount of time, because every person and every family is different.

Some people come to us already knowing exactly what they want and how they would like everything to be handled. Others may not have given it much thought and simply want someone to patiently walk them through their choices.

There is no need to have all the answers when you walk through our doors. We are here to provide understanding, guidance, and the time you need to make decisions you feel comfortable with.


What are the benefits of pre-planning?

One of the greatest benefits of pre-planning is knowing that your wishes have been thoughtfully considered and documented.

It can also be an incredible gift to your family. When the time comes, your loved ones are already facing the heartache of losing someone they love. Having your arrangements in place can ease some of the emotional and practical burden by reducing the number of decisions they need to make during an already difficult time.

We have had families tell us how comforting it was to know their loved one had already made their arrangements. Instead of having to make difficult decisions while grieving, they were able to focus on remembering, honoring, and celebrating the life of the person they loved.


Who can make pre-arrangements?

Anyone of legal age and sound mind can make pre-arrangements.

You could be 20 or 86. There is no “right” age and no perfect time to begin thinking about these things. For some, planning sooner simply provides peace of mind. For others, it may come at a time when they feel ready to have the conversation.

What matters most is that the decision is right for you.


We're Here When You're Ready

Pre-planning isn't about focusing on death. It is about taking care of the people you love, making your wishes known, and giving yourself and your family peace of mind.

Our goal is to help make difficult decisions feel a little easier. We care about your comfort, your happiness, and your well-being above all else.

And remember—you don't have to make every decision during your first visit. Even if you leave without making any final arrangements, you can leave with a better understanding of your options and the knowledge you need to make those decisions when you are ready.

If you have questions, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment. Ask us anything—even the questions you aren't sure how to ask.

We will always be here for you, whenever you are ready.





Blog

By Rebeccah Kotraba August 22, 2026
Having different types of funerals
By Rebeccah Kotraba July 26, 2026
What to Expect While attending a Funeral Arrangement
July 11, 2026
Understanding the Purpose and Benefits of a Funeral Viewing
June 25, 2026
Feeling at Ease WithSspeaking at a Funeral
June 13, 2026
Celebrating Life Without Religion
By Rebeccah Kotraba May 28, 2026
Which Option Is Right for Your Family?
May 16, 2026
Common Funeral Myths (and the Truth Behind Them)
January 22, 2026
Every person is unique, so the services that reflect and celebrate their life should be unique, too.