Pre‑planning a funeral: what you should know

Funeral services serve various purposes. In some societies, funerals help maintain social order, while in others they reinforce belief in life after death. Farewell ceremonies also help people cope with grief and provide an opportunity to express emotions. However, one thing is clear — every funeral needs to be planned. By planning your farewell ceremony in advance, you not only relieve your loved ones of a significant burden, but also gain the opportunity to reflect on your life and the path you have taken. Through various symbols — music, flowers, and other details — you can express yourself and leave a final memory for those you love.

More and more people are choosing advance funeral planning, especially after the global pandemic, which prompted a new perspective on death and funeral services. “Vilniaus laidojimo namai” are ready to answer the most frequently asked questions about advance funeral planning.

Why Should I Choose a Prepayment Plan?

When a loved one passes away, family members experience a wide range of emotions: shock, grief, and confusion. They are also required to make many decisions very quickly, which can cause significant stress. An advance funeral plan helps reduce the concerns associated with organizing a funeral. After discussing your wishes with our staff and creating a plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that your family will not have to handle numerous issues or make rushed, unconsidered decisions.

Planning your funeral in advance means you can think through every detail and express your wishes: what music should be played at your memorial service, which flowers you would prefer, and which burial method suits you best — cremation or traditional burial. You can specify the type of urn you would like and determine many other details.

However, some people believe that an advance funeral plan is unnecessary because they have already expressed their wishes verbally to family members. The truth is that, when the time comes, loved ones may interpret those wishes differently and struggle to reach agreement. This can lead to misunderstandings and uncertainty. Therefore, we recommend not only expressing your wishes verbally but also documenting them in writing. If you have chosen a specific funeral home, make sure to write down its name so your family knows where to turn when the time comes.

Do I Have to Pay for the Services in Advance?

It is not mandatory. After creating a funeral plan, you can decide whether to sign a prepayment agreement or entrust this responsibility to a loved one. We recommend informing your close relatives about your decision and arranging a notarized authorization for the person responsible for organizing the funeral, especially if that person is not a family member.

Can I Change the Plan?

If needed, you may adjust the details of your prearranged funeral. “Vilniaus laidojimo namai” strive to provide the highest quality service to every family that turns to our professionals. With many years of experience, our staff offer expert consultations and help find the best solutions. However, do not rush your decisions — take time to carefully consider your plan and its details. If you have any questions, feel free to consult our experts.

When Should I Start Planning My Funeral?

It may be difficult to accept, but death is inevitable. Therefore, it is important to prepare for it. Although many people prefer not to think or talk about death — especially funeral planning — everyone, regardless of age, should consider it. If not for your own peace of mind, then for the well-being of your loved ones. An advance funeral plan provides reassurance to your family: they will know that everything has been prepared when the time comes. Many relatives agree that a loved one’s decision to plan their final farewell in advance is an expression of love and care for those they leave behind.