Planning Ahead: The Benefits of Funeral Pre-Planning in the Great Lakes Region

Many people don’t realise the peace of mind and practical benefits of funeral pre-planning until after a loss. Undertaking the process early, while health and clarity are intact, ensures your choices are respected and eases burden on loved ones. At Great Lakes Funerals, we encourage families in Forster, Tuncurry, Taree and the wider Great Lakes area to consider pre-planning.

What is funeral pre-planning?

Pre-planning (sometimes called pre-arrangement) means making key decisions ahead of time, choosing your burial or cremation, type of service, casket or urn, music, and other ceremonial details. Some clients also cover costs in advance.

Key benefits

Relieves emotional burden on family
Loved ones won’t be left guessing your wishes in a difficult time.
Locks in your preferences
You ensure the style, tone, music, readings and more reflect your wishes.
Financial clarity and budgeting
You can understand costs upfront, avoiding surprises later.
Peace of mind
You can face the future with assurance that your farewell reflects your desires.

How pre-planning at Great Lakes Funerals works

Consultation
We begin with a conversation. Our compassionate staff discuss your wishes, what matters to you, and your ideas for a meaningful service.
Options explained
We walk you through burial vs cremation, coffins & urns, venues, music, multimedia, etc. See Your Burial Options and Your Cremation Options.
Documentation
We record your wishes, supply documents, and ensure clarity so your family can follow your plan.
Review & update
Because life changes, you can revisit and amend your plan if your views or circumstances shift.

Pre-planning myths and truths

Myth: It’s morbid to talk about death early.
Truth: It is a gift to those you love, allowing clarity and peace in future decisions.
Myth: It removes flexibility.
Truth: You often retain the ability to adjust as needed.
Myth: It’s only for the elderly.
Truth: Anyone of any adult age can benefit, especially those wanting to reduce pressure on family.

Planning steps you should consider

Decide whether you’d prefer burial or cremation.
Choose a casket or urn — from traditional to custom options.
Select readings, music, visuals, and funeral tone (celebration, religious, secular).
Pick a location — Our Chapel, local church, hall, garden, lakeside.
Determine guest participation and multimedia options (e.g. livestream).
Document your wishes and store them where your loved ones can access.

Supporting your family

Once you pre-plan, we can provide an information booklet or formatted guidelines for your next of kin. They can rely on that when they are in grief, avoiding confusion or conflict.

Local considerations in the Great Lakes area

Because we’re locally operated, we offer options suited to our region — lakeside venues, community halls, local cemeteries, indigenous acknowledgements, coastal services, etc. We also understand local council and cemetery rules to guide you effectively.

Why choose Great Lakes Funerals

Our commitment is to transparency, excellence in care, compassion — principles that guide every interaction. We ensure that pre-planning is handled with dignity, clarity and support.

Tips for families

Keep your documentation safe and share with your executor or family.
Revisit your plan periodically, especially after major life changes.
Inform your family or legal representatives where your plan is stored.
Ask questions — at Great Lakes Funerals we are always ready to explain, adjust or support.

Funeral pre-planning can lift a profound weight from those you care about, while ensuring your farewell reflects your values. If you’d like to start the process, contact us. At Great Lakes Funerals, we’ll walk you gently through each decision, with local knowledge and heartfelt support.