What is Pre-planning?

Preplanning funeral services can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By making arrangements in advance, you can ensure that your final wishes are honoured and relieve your family of the burden of making difficult decisions during an emotional time.

Preplanning also allows you to take the time to carefully consider all options and customize your funeral to reflect your unique personality and values. Additionally, preplanning can provide financial benefits, as you have the opportunity to lock in prices and make payments over time. Overall, planning funeral services in advance is a thoughtful and responsible decision that can ease the stress of end-of-life planning and ensure that your legacy is carried out according to your wishes.

When preplanning a funeral, there are many options to consider. These may include choosing between a burial or cremation, the type of casket or urn, as well as the details of the service itself, such as music, readings, and even the type of flowers. Some people choose to include special requests, such as a specific outfit or a favourite poem, to add a personal touch to the service.

In addition to the emotional benefits of preplanning, there are also financial advantages. By prepaying for funeral services, you can lock in prices at today’s rates, protecting yourself and your family from rising costs in the future. This can also help alleviate the financial burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.

Ultimately, preplanning funeral services is a thoughtful and proactive decision that can offer peace of mind for both you and your family. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can ensure that your final wishes are honoured and that your legacy is carried out how you want.

“I am convinced that love is the most durable power in the world. It is not an expression of impractical idealism, but of practical realism.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Resources & Support

Grieving Resources

• Canadian Virtual Hospice
• Grief Support Services
• The Dougy Center
• Bereavement Support Groups – BC Bereavement Helpline
• Centre for Grief and Healing
• Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
• Kids Grief
• Living Through Loss Counselling Society of BC
• BC Hospice and Palliative Care Association

Information Guide on Death and Dying

Previously known as the Helpful Information Booklet, an updated version of our booklet is now available to the public through our Member Funeral Homes, and also through our community partners.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of this comprehensive guide to assist you on this journey, please call the BCFA office at 1-800-665-3899 or email to [email protected]. Or you may click the button below to download a pdf version of this important resource.

Mental Health Resources

These organizations are just some that can provide trustworthy resources for mental health across Canada.

• Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies – CACBT-ACTCC increases access to knowledge and training about CBT and promotes education about CBT to the Canadian public.
• Canadian Mental Health Association
  CMHA provides programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.
• Canadian Psychological Association
  CPA advances research, knowledge and the application of psychology in the service of society through advocacy, support and collaboration.

This information cannot replace information from a mental health professional. Always consult a qualified professional about your physical and emotional health.