How easy is it to pre-plan a funeral?
                     
TABLE OF 
CONTENTS
Do Many People Pre-Plan Their Own Do I Need A Legal Representative 
Funerals? Page 04 Even Page 09
If I Pre-Plan My Own Funeral? 
What Age Is Too Early To Pre-Plan Page 05 What Are The Essentials To Cover In Your Funeral? Page 10A Funeral Reception? 
If I Pre-Plan My Funeral, How Easily How Long After Someone Dies 
Can I Make Changes To The Page 06 Should Page 11
Arrangements I’ve Made? The Funeral Be Held?
If I Pre-Planned My Funeral, Can My What If Some People Can’t Travel 
Family Change The Arrangements Page 07 But Want To View Or Be Part Of The Page 12
I’ve Made After I Die? Funeral? 
What If Prices Go Up Or Down After I 
Have Pre-Paid For My Funeral? Page 08 Why Is A Wake Called A Wake? Page 13

Do Many People Pre-
Plan Their Own 
Funerals?
The Funeral Service Association of Canada 
estimates that about one-third of people pre-plan 
their funeral. It’s difficult to talk about death, 
especially your own. While some experts 
recommend starting to discuss the topic with 
your family, it can be easier to open the 
discussion after you speak with a funeral home 
about pre-planning your funeral. You can have 
time to think about your wishes before you bring 
it up with your loved ones. 
04
What Age Is Too Early To 
Pre-Plan Your Funeral? 
Nowadays, it is normal to see people of all ages start 
planning their funeral. When you’re in your 20s and 
30s, you may want to think about the future of your 
family and what would happen if you weren’t around. 
As you get older, you may have friends who have 
unexpected deaths, which can make you think about 
your own mortality. Pre-planning alleviates some of the 
burden on your family in case of your death. It’s a gift 
you can give your loved ones, whether you’re young or 
old.
05
If I Pre-Plan My 
Funeral, How Easily 
Can I Make Changes To 
The Arrangements I’ve 
Made? 
Most changes to your pre-planned funeral are 
easy to make by discussing your new decision 
with the funeral home. However, some choices 
may be more difficult, such as deciding to be 
buried instead of cremated. You may be required 
to make some changes in writing. Ask the funeral 
home where you made your plans to understand 
how to make changes. 
06
If I Pre-Planned My 
Funeral, Can My Family 
Change The 
Arrangements I’ve Made 
After I Die? 
Your legal representative or executor can change 
arrangements after your death. We encourage you 
to discuss your plans with your family to let them 
understand your wishes and to avoid problems 
after your death. Pre-planning relieves your family 
of many burdens on your death, but it’s also 
important to share that information with them. 
07
What If Prices Go Up Or 
Down After I Have Pre-
Paid For My Funeral?
This largely depends on how the prepaid money 
is handled. If you pre-paid a funeral, you signed a 
contract which should explain how your money 
and price changes are handled. Some pre-paid 
contracts lock in prices, but your representative 
may have to cover any balance still on the 
contract. If there is any money left after the 
contract is paid, it will be distributed according to 
the terms of your contract.
08
Do I Need A Legal 
Representative Even If I 
Pre-Plan My Own Funeral? 
Although your funeral arrangements were 
planned, you should have a legal 
representative who ensures that your wishes 
are carried out. Your legal representative is 
your voice to the funeral home. If there are 
unforeseen circumstances or decisions to be 
made, a legal representative can step in and do 
their best to make the choices you would want. 
09
What Are The 
Essentials To Cover In 
A Funeral Reception? 
A funeral reception takes many forms, 
depending on your religion and traditions. You 
may host a small luncheon or dinner at a local 
restaurant where friends and family can come 
together to remember the deceased. Some 
churches may host the dinner, or you may 
decide to have it at home. While this time is less 
formal than the funeral, you should still plan to 
give a thank-you speech to those who planned, 
prepared, and attended the reception.
10
How Long After 
Someone Dies Should 
The Funeral Be Held?
Traditionally, funerals are held within two 
weeks after death, but there may be 
circumstances that preclude this timeframe. 
Many cultures want to hold the funeral very 
quickly, within one to three days after 
death. If the body is cremated, the funeral 
service can be held at a more convenient 
time, if that is what the family prefers. 
11
What If Some People 
Can’t Travel But Want To 
View Or Be Part Of The 
Funeral?
A virtual funeral is a popular option for people 
who have concerns about traveling or attending a 
gathering. Friends and family can use a 
computer, tablet, mobile phone, or another 
device to view a service through our live-
streaming service. We recommend finding a quiet 
place to view the service to avoid distractions. 
You will also appreciate the peaceful setting to 
pay your respects to your departed loved one.
12
Why Is A Wake Called
A Wake? 
A wake is an Irish tradition. Centuries ago, 
diseases plagued the country and made people 
appear dead. The bodies would be laid out in the 
home and “watched” overnight by family and 
friends. Over time, the wake became a way to 
pay respect to the deceased by keeping vigil over 
the body and sharing stories and food. Today, a 
wake is considered a viewing or visitation, but it 
can take many forms. 
13