Prepaid Cremation Questions & Answers

Prepaid cremation provides peace of mind. Knowing your family won’t be burdened with financial strain or the stress of difficult decisions during an already emotional time can be a source of comfort for you and the ones you love.

People often have questions about prepaying for a cremation or a cremation memorial, and we’re here to help.

Can you prepay for a cremation?

Yes, you can prepay for a cremation. By selecting a funeral or cremation provider in advance, not only can you make your wishes known, you can also prepay for the cremation services in installments. Funeral homes, cremation providers and cemeteries don’t typically offer payment plans at the time of need, but you are able to fund arrangements ahead of time with a payment plan.

Can you prepay for a cremation memorial or funeral service?

Yes. Not only can you prepay for the cremation itself, most funeral homes also allow you to pay for the memorial, funeral or celebration of life in advance. This comes with the additional benefits of funding your arrangements with a payment plan, plus it takes the burden of making arrangements off loved ones during their time of grief.

What are the options for prepaid cremation services?

From simple cremation to celebration of life or traditional funeral services, there is virtually no limit to the types of services offered for prepaid cremations. Funeral homes typically offer packages designed specifically for families choosing cremation. As always, they also offer a la carte options so that individuals can design their services exactly the way they want.

Packages might include:

A simple cremation without a service. Sometimes called direct cremation, this choice includes just the basics, such as transportation of the deceased, an alternative container, basic services of the Funeral Director and staff, crematory fee and cremation paperwork. A direct cremation package usually does not include an urn.

We see this option chosen most often for individuals with a few living friends or family, or in situations when keeping costs down is most important.

A cremation with a memorial service or celebration of life. In addition to transportation of the loved one and the cremation itself, this package usually includes a beautiful container for the ashes and a service at the funeral home or a place of worship. These services can happen before, immediately following or long after the cremation has taken place.

This option is an increasingly popular choice. We see it chosen most among families without a strong desire to follow specific rituals, instead favoring remembrance of the good times and celebration of the life lived. Families don’t feel as rushed to schedule services immediately, giving more time to plan travel.

A cremation with a funeral service. In addition to transportation of the loved one and the cremation itself, this usually includes embalming, hair and makeup services, a casket, a viewing at the funeral home, and a funeral service before the cremation takes place.

We see this option chosen most often for individuals with a preference to follow traditional religious rituals. Viewing or presence of the full body at the visitation or funeral sets this option apart.

Can you prepay for burial or placement of cremated ashes?

Yes, many people choose to prepay to have their ashes buried in a cemetery or placed in an outdoor or indoor niche. Along with traditional urns, cremation containers and scattering tubes, more contemporary memorial options, such as cremation jewelry, glass and other keepsakes, ocean memorials or cremation spaceflights can also be prepaid. Do-it-yourself options like ash scattering typically cannot be prepaid.

What are the benefits of prepaid cremation?

Paying for cremation in advance has many important benefits, including:

Makes a difficult time easier for survivors. Many people choose prepaid cremation because they want to reduce the burden on their family. By taking care of the details ahead of time, you minimize the number of potentially overwhelming decisions your loved ones face after your death.
Eases a financial burden. Funding a funeral shortly after a death can be a financial hardship for many families. A prepaid cremation plan allows you to cover costs ahead of time, so your family doesn’t have to think about money. Plus, you get the option to pay in affordable monthly installments.
Ensures your wishes are honored. By making arrangements in advance, you can be confident that you’ll get the service you envision.
Protects against rising costs. Most prepaid cremation plans include guaranteed pricing, which means that today’s costs are locked in, protecting your loved ones from potentially higher costs in the future.
Gives you peace of mind. Similar to insurance for the unexpected, a prepaid cremation can provide a sense of comfort. When you prepare in advance, you rest easier at night.

How to prepay for a cremation

Here’s how to prepay for a cremation:

Start by contacting one or more funeral homes or cremation providers.
Set an appointment with a pre-planning advisor, who will meet you at your home, at their location, or online or by phone. The advisor will explain their services, benefits and associated costs in about an hour. If you wish, you can make selections and make payment during the meeting, but it’s not expected.
When you have decided which provider to use, you can then discuss payment options—usually a lump sum or installment payments—and whether to use insurance or a trust. In any case, the funds are protected from business disruption or bankruptcy.

Plan an unforgettable tribute

Whether you’re planning a cremation for a loved one or pre-planning for yourself, start with a story, passion or pastime to provide inspiration. We’ll help you weave those very special memories into a beautiful service with personal touches and lasting impressions.

Contact us today to find out more about the special savings and benefits available to Houston Police Officers’ Union members and their families. Visit www.DignityMemorial.com/HPOU or call 844-502-5901 to get started.