Plan Ahead

Why Should I Plan Ahead?

Many people today make their own prearrangements. This can be done in a very simple format or in detail, whichever is your preference. It is always advisable to encourage family participation at this time as the decisions and options that you are choosing for yourself will undoubtedly affect those who survive you. The prearrangements will give you time to think and plan under relaxed circumstances. It is truly an expression of love for those you will someday leave behind. Many of us try to make it easier for our survivors by planning for major events in our lifetime like births, weddings, retirement, so why shouldn’t we make it easier for the entire family by planning our final services.



You can discuss details such as where you want your funeral, options of burial or cremation, what type of casket you want, choices of cemetery lots, music, flowers and any other details you want to arrange. You can ask as many questions as you want and explore all the various options open to you at the Dakin Funeral Home.

SECURE ONLINE PREPLANNING FORM

VIEW SECURE FORM

You may choose to pre-pay or pre-finance your arrangements through a lump sum or installment payments. The advantage of paying the entire amount upfront is that you are paying for your funeral ahead of time. Installment payments allow you the option of paying over time. This fund will earn interest and may help with the rate of inflation.


To get started please complete the PRE-PLANNING FORM to the best of your knowledge. This is not a finalized preplanned funeral, it is only a worksheet that will begin the process. We recommend that a meeting be scheduled with us at the Dakin Funeral Home to explore the many options and cost of a funeral.


Benefits of Preplanning

form icon

Planning Ahead Lets Your Wishes Be Known

The death of a loved one often brings about unwarranted stress and turmoil among families. One family member wants one thing, while another family member wants something different. By planning ahead, you help prevent those disagreements by letting your family know what your wishes are and how you want your funeral service to be carried out and your business handled.

dove icon

Planning Ahead Offers Peace of Mind

Our staff guarantees we will carry out the arrangements you want, just as you directed. Once the plans have been arranged, you and your family can rest easy knowing at the time of death, those uncomfortable decisions have been made. In a time when a family should be able to easily grieve, preplanning allows for that to happen.

piggy bank icon

Planning Ahead Offers Flexible Funding Options

When you preplan your funeral arrangements, there are more options when it comes to funding the funeral. A preneed insurance policy, life insurance policy or other payment options can all be arranged before the time of death. At the time of death, services must be paid in full, so having options ahead of time can also reduce other stress related to losing someone.

heart icon

Planning Ahead Relieves The Burden From Family

Following the death of a loved one, there are more than 150 decisions that have to be made within the first day or two following the death. Those stressful decisions on top of the stress of grieving a loss can be eliminated by arranging your final wishes ahead of time. If those decisions are made, your loved ones aren’t left wondering what you would have wanted and how they should proceed with funeral plans. With those decisions out of the way, your loved one can begin the healing process sooner.

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.