If you are considering preplanning your funeral, it can be a good idea to know what to expect. This article will discuss the different aspects of the preplanning process, including what to bring to your appointment. 

What to Bring: Important Information

Generally, there are a number of vital statistics that the funeral home will require from you. These will help the funeral home arrange for your death certificate, as well as permits for burial or cremation. By pre-filing this information, the funeral home can get started on these processes as soon as they are notified of your passing. This can also help them produce an obituary soon after your passing. Generally, the vital information will include:

• Legal name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Race
• Gender
• SSN
• Occupation
• Marital Status
• Spouse’s name (when applicable)
• Maiden name (when applicable)
• Parent’s names
• Education information
• Names of surviving family members
• Armed Forces information (when applicable)

Choosing Your Preferences for the Funeral Arrangements

There are a number of choices to make for your funeral arrangements. Your preplanning specialist will walk you through all of the different choices available to you. They will work with you to help find funeral arrangements that fit your needs and budget. This process can be in-depth, but the funeral director can help you choose what is best for your family. Some of these choices will include:

• Final disposition (burial, cremation, anatomical donation)
• Funeral services
• Where you want the memorial service to take place
• Purchasing a plot, columbarium spot, or mausoleum spot
• Choosing eulogists
• Choosing a church or other religious organization to lead the services (if applicable)
• Whether you would like a repast or similar gathering afterward

Your funeral director will guide you through these choices and many others. The more choices you make during your preplanning, the easier it will be for your loved ones when you do pass away.

Personalizing Your Funeral Service

Funeral services can be personalized to fit your desires and create a space that will comfort those mourning your passing. By pre-planning your services, you can have a personal role in making choices for your funeral. This can include making choices regarding your urn, casket, and more. During the preplanning process, many people like to choose flower arrangements to be displayed. Some individuals like to choose arrangements that will come from certain family groups. This may include your spouse, children, or grandchildren, for example. 

Veteran’s Benefits for Funeral Services

If you are an honorably discharged veteran, your preplanning specialist will discuss burial benefits that you are eligible for. This may include partial or full coverage of your arrangements. Generally, veterans may be eligible for a burial allowance, interment in a national cemetery, a headstone or grave marker, a burial flag, military honors, and a presidential memorial certificate. Your funeral preplanning specialist will help you with understanding the full extent of your benefits. If possible bring your DD-214 document with you to the preplanning appointment. The DD-214 document is the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If you do not have this document, you can request it. The VA has instructions for requesting your military records, including the DD-214, here.

For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.