As we step into a new year, it’s common to set goals that bring us closer to living a more organized, stress-free life. While we often focus on fitness, finances, or career aspirations, one of the most profound ways to create peace of mind is by addressing life’s inevitable transitions. Pre-planning cemetery arrangements is a thoughtful step that offers numerous benefits for you and your loved ones. Here’s a guide to why this decision could be one of the best resolutions you make this year.
1. Relieving Emotional Burdens
Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience. Pre-planning your cemetery arrangements alleviates much of the decision-making stress for your family during an already difficult time. By having plans in place, your loved ones can focus on grieving and supporting each other instead of making complex decisions under pressure.
2. Financial Savings and Stability
Planning ahead allows you to lock in today’s prices for cemetery lots, burial fees, marker or monument orders, and other arrangements, shielding your family from future price increases. Here at Woodlawn Memorial Park we offer interest free payment plans over 12 or 24 months, allowing you to spread costs over time rather than leaving an unexpected financial burden for your loved ones. A member of our team can review these options with you.
3. Ensuring Your Wishes Are Honoured
When you pre-plan your cemetery arrangements, you have the opportunity to make specific choices that reflect your personal preferences, values, and traditions. Whether it’s selecting a particular type of burial or a location with special meaning, your plans ensure your final resting place aligns with your vision.
4. Promoting Family Unity
Uncertainty about what a loved one might have wanted can sometimes lead to disagreements among family members. Pre-planning eliminates ambiguity and provides clear guidance, fostering harmony and reducing potential conflicts during an emotional time.
5. Gaining Peace of Mind
Knowing that your end-of-life arrangements are handled can be a great relief. It frees you to focus on living fully, knowing that your family will not be burdened with difficult decisions and financial stress when the time comes.
6. Personalization Opportunities
Pre-planning allows you to personalize your arrangements in a way that celebrates your life and legacy. From selecting meaningful epitaphs to be placed on your marker or monument to choosing the right burial options, pre-planning gives you the time and space to create a resting place that tells your story.
Steps to Begin Pre-Planning
If you’re ready to explore pre-planning cemetery arrangements, here are some things to think about to begin the process:
- Casket or Cremation? Would you like a full-size casket burial or to be cremated?
- Location: For a casket burial, do you need a grave for yourself only, or are you planning for a spouse or dependent to be laid to rest with you? For cremation, there are several options available. Would you prefer an in ground burial, scattering, or placement in an above-ground niche wall?
- Memorialization: Would you prefer a flat marker (flush with the ground), an upright monument or a bronze plaque?
- Discuss with Loved Ones: Share your plans with your spouse and family to ensure everyone is informed and supportive.
- Book An Appointment: Contact our office to schedule an appointment time. Our professional and knowledgeable staff is pleased to meet with you to review all options and answer any questions you may have. There is never an obligation to purchase. We simply want to ensure you’re making informed decisions that bring you peace of mind. It may take several appointments before you’re ready to move forward with pre-arrangements.
Pre-planning cemetery arrangements is a meaningful gift for both yourself and your loved ones. By planning ahead, you can focus on living the life you love, knowing that your future is thoughtfully prepared. As you embrace the new year, consider taking this compassionate and practical steps towards peace of mind.
