A pre-arranged funeral is an arrangement made by an individual at some point during a lifetime. It is a practical way to set out your wishes for your own funeral or for the funeral of a person for whom you are responsible.

The pre-arranged funeral is part of sensible estate planning. When you discuss a pre-arranged funeral with a funeral director, it gives the opportunity to ask questions and make sure you fully understand what services are performed and the costs involved.

You can make unhurried decisions regarding the professional services which will be required, the type of casket you wish to have, suggestions for the funeral service itself and indicate your preferences for burial, entombment or cremation.

It allows you to make thoughtful, informed decisions which will serve as a guide for family and friends. Pre-arranging is a practical idea that makes sense.

Everyone can consider a pre-arranged funeral, regardless of age. Whether you are a retired couple or young marrieds; a single person with no family connections or someone responsible for the care of another: the time to plan a funeral is now. It will save others that responsibility later, and provides guidelines for your survivors.

Those who wish to arrange their funeral in advance do so by providing the necessary information now, and giving direction about things like the service and the selection of a casket.

If you choose to prepay the funeral, you will be protecting yourself and your survivors against the impact of inflation.

But be sure to ask individuals and funeral homes you are considering using if they are licensed under The Funeral & Cremation Services Act. In Saskatchewan, only those licensed can legally sell prepaid funeral service contracts.

The Act was implemented to address concerns regarding solicitation and the rights of consumers. All money deposited in prepayment are also governed by this legislation, ensuring that 100 per cent of the funds are placed in trust and are available at all times to be used for the prearranged service, or refunded to the consumer or estate.

A licensed salesperson, such as our staff, can discuss the cost of prepaying a funeral with you. Remember, the cost is a matter of your choice. We will explain all your options, allowing you to arrange the service you desire.

We strongly suggest that you discuss your concerns and wishes with your family, because you are creating an experience that will be extremely important to them. Then call us, so we can meet with you to discuss your wishes.

The process of pre-arranging a funeral requires you to gather various pieces of information that are needed. And once the arrangements have been made, you will need to inform your executor or survivors where your written wishes are kept so they can be referred to at the time of need.

Pre-arrangements can also be made without prepayment, in which instance the estate is responsible for the cost of the funeral at the time of death.

Whether you wish to prepay, or simply pre-arrange, please do not hesitate to call us for more detailed information and alternatives available to you. There is no obligation nor consultation fee when pre-arranging a funeral with Bailey's Funeral Home.