MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is simply an opportunity to think about what matters to you, understand your options, and make your wishes known. You can make decisions now, leave some for later, or simply start the conversation.


At O’Connell Funeral Home, we’ll walk you through the process at your own pace. Whether you’re ready to put your wishes on file, interested in funding options, or just have a few questions, we’re here to provide clear information and honest guidance—without pressure or obligation.

Benefits of Preplanning

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Your Wishes, Clearly Understood

Planning ahead gives you the opportunity to think about what matters to you and make your wishes known. From the type of service you prefer to the smaller details that make it personal, your choices can be documented ahead of time and changed whenever life changes.

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More Confidence For Your Family

When your wishes are already known, your family has fewer decisions to make during an already difficult time. Instead of wondering what you would have wanted, they can feel confident knowing they’re honoring the choices you made for yourself.

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Flexible Funding Options

Preplanning doesn’t necessarily mean prepaying. We’ll explain the funding options available, answer your questions, and help you decide whether setting funds aside ahead of time makes sense for you. There’s never pressure to choose an option that isn’t right for your situation.

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A Conversation, Not a Commitment

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you meet with us. Preplanning can simply start with a conversation about your questions, your options, and what you may want someday. You can make as many—or as few—decisions as you’re comfortable with.

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Common Questions about Preplanning

  • What steps are involved in prearranging a funeral?

    You don’t need to have anything figured out before you begin. Prearranging starts with a conversation. We’ll sit down with you, answer your questions, and walk through the choices that may be important to you—from burial or cremation and service preferences to cemetery arrangements and other details.


    You can make as many or as few decisions as you’d like. We’ll document your wishes, explain your options, and, if you’re interested, talk through ways to fund those arrangements ahead of time. Your plans can also be updated as your wishes or circumstances change.

  • What information do I need to prearrange a funeral?

    You don’t need to gather everything before meeting with us. We’ll guide you through the information we need and can always fill in details later.


    It can be helpful to have basic personal and family information, any cemetery information you may already have, and an idea of whether you prefer burial or cremation. If you’ve thought about a service, music, readings, clergy, or other personal details, we can document those wishes as well.


    Most importantly, don’t let not having all the answers keep you from getting started. That’s what we’re here to help with.

  • Do I have to pay in advance?

    No. You can prearrange your funeral and document your wishes without paying for services in advance.


    If you’re interested in setting funds aside, we can explain the options available and how they work. Some people choose to fund their arrangements ahead of time, while others simply want their wishes on file. There’s no obligation to prepay, and we’ll help you decide what makes the most sense for you.