Pre-Planning FAQs
Everything you need to know and want to ask about pre-planning.
You've taken an important step by choosing to pre-plan. Congrats. By taking steps to arrange these important plans now, you've taken a large burden off of your beloved family, providing them with greater peace of mind. You're relieving your family of the cost that can be associated with planning a funeral, allowing them to celebrate and honor your life. And finally, you're ensuring that every last detail is planned according to your own wishes and needs.
You might have some questions as you begin the path towards pre-planning. We're here to help answer them.
Here are some questions that often come up from others at the same stage:
Pre-planning versus pre-funding? I've heard both terms, what is the difference?
Pre-planning is making all of your arrangements ahead of time so that everything can be conducted according to your wishes, for peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Pre-funding is taking care of all costs for your pre-planning, so that everything is taken care of for you and your family.
Can I move a previously planned arrangement?
Yes. If you choose to move your arrangement to another cemetery, we can help transfer your plans to any cemetery in the United States that accepts the contract. You should never have to feel stuck in your decisions.
Can I take care of the costs now?
Yes. You are welcome to take care of all costs now, so that later on, all your family has to do is to focus on and celebrate your life. When you choose to pre-fund your final arrangements, your money is put in a state-approved funding option until needed. After your funeral is paid for in full, you will never have to pay more for the guaranteed items you listed on your contract.
If I pre-plan with Wake Memorial Park, what are my options if I change my mind later on?
When you pre-plan with Wake Memorial Park, your plan will go where you go. No matter where you reside at the time of your passing, no matter what funeral home you choose to work with, your plan will be transferable to any funeral home in the United States that accepts the contract. Your peace of mind is of the utmost importance to us.
I want to approach my family and talk to them about my plans. Do you have suggestions for doing this in the best way possible?
You are truly helping your family and doing a great deed by taking care of planning something that is so personal and important to you. Remember to respect their feelings and emotions, as this can possibly be a difficult subject to broach with them. Assure them that you are making these plans because you love them and want them to feel free to celebrate life and heal together when the time comes. Find additional resources here.
What do I do when I have completed all my pre-planning? Is there anything else I should be aware of or need to do?
Relax and rest assured knowing that your wishes will be met, your needs have been taken care of and there's a capable team at Wake Memorial Park that is always available to answer your questions or thoughts.
Do I need to contact a cemetery if I've already contacted a funeral home?
Yes, we encourage you to also contact a cemetery in addition to the funeral home, as they can help you plan for and arrange all the details for your loved one following a funeral service. Any cemetery will be able to provide you help and assistance as you’re planning. We also encourage you to inquire about our companion company, Wake Funeral and Cremation Services when exploring funeral or cremation needs.
Preplanning vs. Prefunding. I have heard both terms. What is the difference?
Preplanning means that decisions have been made and communicated to someone in some fashion such as a record kept in a safe deposit box or with a funeral home or cemetery. They are usually not binding and may be changed by either the individual or the family at the time of death. Prefunding means that decisions have been made and monies have been paid to make those wishes happen when needed.
I’ve heard of Perpetual Care - what is it?
In short, Perpetual Care refers to the funds that keep the cemetery grounds beautiful and well-kept, ensuring that your loved one will be taken care of over the long term. Once the service is over and those in attendance have left the grounds, we want to ensure that peacefulness and beauty are permanent parts of our grounds and Perpetual Care funds help make this possible.
It also is a means to having funds available for the future, when the cemetery is no longer actively making income because it has been sold completely out. A perpetual care fund helps ensure there is always money for maintenance and care.
We know that you may have other questions, so feel free to call us at any time at (919) 465-0888 so that we can walk you through your options and help you create the best possible plan for you.
(919) 465-0888
