Grief can leave you overwhelmed and unsure where to start. You may be trying to figure out how to choose a cremation provider, what paperwork you need, how to coordinate transportation, or whether to plan a memorial.

You shouldn’t have to make complex decisions without guidance. Cremation planning can help bring a sense of order and calm during an otherwise chaotic time.

That’s what we’re going to help you through in this guide:

• What a cremation plan actually includes
• What steps to take when arranging a cremation
• The difference between planning ahead vs. arranging at the time of need

Are you struggling with cremation planning? The team at After is here to explain everything with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at (844) 760-0427.

What Is Cremation Planning?

Cremation planning helps you make decisions about how you or a loved one will receive care after death through cremation. This process requires you to outline your preferences, choose a provider, and gather necessary paperwork ahead of time.

Some people complete cremation planning well in advance as part of their end-of-life preparations. Many of our clients have found it helpful to start cremation planning anytime after their loved one goes into hospice care. 

A cremation plan eliminates uncertainty and gives families the clarity they need to make informed decisions. This planning ensures that you honor your wishes or your loved one's wishes.

Cremation Planning vs. Prepaid Cremation

Cremation planning and prepaid cremation are similar, but they are not the same. You can make a more confident decision when you understand the difference. Cremation planning means deciding in advance what should happen after you or a loved one passes.

You choose a provider, outline service preferences, and make arrangements ahead of time. You don’t need to pay upfront when you create a cremation plan.

Prepaid cremation includes one more step: You pay in advance for cremation services.

‍Let’s break it down further with this chart to show the differences:

Cremation Planning

This option gives you the chance to get organized and make thoughtful decisions without committing financially. It’s a helpful step for anyone who wants to reduce confusion and emotional burden later on.

Pros:

• Planning ahead locks in today’s prices and avoids future increases.
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• Loved ones won’t have to make tough decisions quickly or guess what you would have wanted.
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• In some states, a cremation plan can help with Medicaid eligibility by documenting intended expenses.

Cons:

• If you move or change providers, the plan might not apply unless it was specifically designed to be portable.
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• Some cremation plans are difficult to revise or cancel. This is especially true if the provider has strict or inflexible policies.
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• You might receive bundled items you don’t need or want. This can happen if you don’t review the plan carefully.

Prepaid Cremation

Prepaying locks in your chosen services at today’s prices. It removes financial guesswork for your family.
However, this also requires more commitment upfront.

Pros:

• Prepaid cremation plans protect you and your family from rising funeral and cremation costs.
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• Prepaying relieves financial stress. Your family won’t have to handle surprise costs later.
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• People often use prepaid cremation alongside funeral insurance or other pre-need arrangements. This helps ensure everything is financially covered in advance.

Cons:

• Some prepaid contracts don’t allow you to change providers or locations, which can be limiting if you relocate.
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• Depending on the provider, getting your money back can be difficult or might involve cancellation fees.
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• You could end up paying more than necessary if the prepaid plan includes extras like upgraded urns, memorials, or other items you didn’t want.

A note on flexibility:

With After, you can plan ahead at your own pace without needing to pay anything upfront. There’s no pressure to decide everything right away. Your wishes can be thoughtfully documented now, and you’ll always have the option to pay later or explore prepaid choices when it feels right for you.

It’s about giving yourself one less thing to worry about. Learn more about prearranging with After.

When Should You Plan a Cremation?

There’s no single “right” time to plan a cremation. Some families plan well in advance, while others make arrangements only after a passing. Both paths are valid. What matters is choosing the one that best meets your needs and circumstances.

Pre-Need Planning

This involves starting the pre-cremation process in advance, either for yourself or a loved one.

• When it happens: Before a death has occurred, often as part of long-term planning or during hospice care.
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• Who plans: The individual themselves or close family members make prepaid cremation plans.
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• Emotional pressure: The pressure is lower because decisions can be made calmly and thoughtfully.
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• Payment required: Not always. Some providers allow you to plan now and pay later.
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• Provider flexibility: There’s more time to compare options and find a provider that aligns with your values and budget.
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• Benefits: Reduces stress on your family later, locks in today’s pricing, and allows time for including personal touches or specific wishes.

Immediate Planning

This happens after someone has passed, often with little notice.

• When it happens: Immediately following a death.
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• Who plans: Surviving family members, often while managing grief and logistics.
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• Emotional pressure: High pressure because decisions need to be made quickly, sometimes under stress.
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• Payment required: Most providers require full payment before services begin.
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• Provider flexibility: Limited flexibility because there are fewer opportunities to shop around or consider alternatives.
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• Benefits: Allows families to move forward with the next steps quickly, especially if no prior plans were in place.

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What Do Most Cremation Plans Include?

Every provider structures their cremation packages differently. Most packages include several key services. The table below shows what is typically covered:

Tip: Always check the details of the plan you’re considering. For example, After’s packages (Base, Crest, and Summit) offer different levels of service to meet different needs and budgets.

If you're in Arizona, you can choose ID viewings and witness cremations at After’s own crematory. Our team can help you explore these options and make arrangements that reflect your preferences.

Questions To Ask Your Cremation Provider

Remember to ask a few key questions before you commit to a cremation plan. You should do this whether you're preplanning or arranging after a death. These questions help you confirm the plan fits your needs. They also help you avoid unexpected costs later.

• Is the plan transferable if I move to another state or choose a different provider?
• What exactly does the base price include, and what services cost extra?
• How are the cremated remains returned? By mail, local pickup, or hand delivery?
• Do you include death certificates, and can I request additional copies?
• What is the cancellation or refund policy if plans change?
• Who helps with paperwork and legal authorizations during the process?
• Will I have a dedicated point of contact for questions or support?

How To Arrange a Cremation: Step-by-Step Guidance

Here's what to expect and what to do next. You can contact us at After for more info about any of these steps:

If You’re Arranging a Cremation After a Death (Immediate Need)

• Get a legal pronouncement of death from a licensed medical professional, such as a hospice nurse, doctor, or emergency responder.
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• Choose a cremation provider quickly, as they will handle transport, paperwork, and next steps; After lets you start online in minutes.
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• Sign a release form to authorize the provider to take your loved one into their care.
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• Complete the required paperwork, including cremation authorization, vital statistics, and next-of-kin information.
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• Decide how you want the remains returned, whether by mail, local pickup, or delivery.
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• Request certified copies of the death certificate for legal and financial matters.
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• Make any additional memorial plans or keepsake requests, such as writing an obituary or ordering an engraved urn.

If You’ve Already Planned Ahead (Pre-Need)

• Contact the cremation provider listed in the plan, so they can activate arrangements right away.
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• Ensure you have a legal pronouncement of death, even if the rest of the plan is already in place.
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• Confirm or update any required details, such as time and place of death or next-of-kin contact.
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• Review and finalize how you’d like the remains returned, especially if that wasn’t decided in the plan.
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• Ask for the number of death certificates you need, and check whether the plan includes any copies.
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• Follow up on any extras included in the plan, like fingerprint keepsakes, shipping upgrades, or memorial items.

Planning ahead can make each of these steps simpler and less overwhelming. If you're unsure where to begin, After offers support whether you're facing a loss today or just getting started. Learn more about preplanning or arranging after a passing.

Information and Documents Required for Cremation

We know you’re asking, “What information do I need for cremation?” That’s why we’ve created a list of key documents to help you prepare. You’ll need these whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a recent loss.

You’ll need to provide the following:

• Full legal name and date of birth of the deceased
• Place, date, and time of death
• Legal next-of-kin information, including name and contact details
• Approximate weight and any medical implants or devices (such as pacemakers)
• Social Security number (for filing death certificates)
• Primary care physician or hospice contact, if applicable
• Preferred method for returning the cremated remains
• Number of certified death certificates needed
• Signature on the cremation authorization form
• Completion of the vital statistics worksheet (used to generate the death certificate and permits)

If you're working with a provider like After, we can do much of this process with you online.

Cremation Process: What Happens Behind the Scenes

The exact timeline may vary based on your state and provider, but most direct cremations follow a consistent series of steps.

Step 1: Transportation into care
The provider transfers the deceased into their care once authorized. This transport typically happens from a home, hospital, hospice, or care facility to a licensed crematory or holding facility.

Step 2: Authorization
Before anything else can happen, the provider must receive legal authorization for cremation. This includes a signed cremation authorization form and confirmation of next-of-kin.

Step 3: Document collection and filing
The provider gathers essential information and completes the required paperwork. This includes filing for cremation permits and preparing documents for the death certificate. The provider submits the death certificate to the local vital records office.

If requested, they also order certified copies for the family. If you're planning from out of state, keep in mind that death certificates usually take 3 to 4 weeks to arrive after ordering.

Step 4: Preparation for cremation
The provider verifies the identity of the deceased before proceeding. They remove any medical implants if needed. They then place the deceased in a rigid, combustible container suitable for cremation.

Step 5: Cremation
A licensed crematory performs the cremation according to all legal and procedural guidelines. The cremation itself typically happens within 7 to 10 business days, depending on paperwork and approvals.

Step 6: Return of cremated remains
Once the cremation is complete, the provider places the remains in a basic or selected urn. They then return the remains to the family by mail, in-person pickup, or hand-delivery, depending on the provider and location.

Throughout every step, trusted providers follow strict chain-of-custody protocols. These measures protect your loved one’s identity and ensure transparency and care from beginning to end.

How After Simplifies Cremation Planning

Making cremation arrangements can feel overwhelming, especially because the process is quite unfamiliar for most people. That’s why we aim to make cremation planning as simple, transparent, and compassionate as possible.

If you're planning ahead, you can document your wishes now and choose to pay later. The other option is to select a prepaid cremation plan backed by final expense insurance, which locks in pricing no matter how far in the future you need services.

With After, you can arrange a cremation on your terms, with clarity, compassion, and full support. View plan options or call us anytime to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Information Is Required for Cremation?

The information required for cremation is the full legal name, date of birth, time and place of passing, next-of-kin contact information, Social Security number, and estimated weight.

Some providers may also ask about medical implants or special requests, depending on the circumstances and local regulations.

How Long Does the Cremation Process Take?

The cremation process typically takes 2 to 3 hours once all paperwork and permits are in order. This includes transportation, document filing, and returning the remains. Timing may vary based on your provider and location.

Do I Need To Pay Upfront To Plan a Cremation?

You don’t always need to pay upfront to plan a cremation. With After, you can document your wishes in advance. You only pay when you activate the services. You can also choose a prepaid plan if you prefer to pay ahead of time.

What Documents Do I Need To Complete Before Cremation?

You must complete documents like a cremation authorization form, a vital statistics worksheet, next-of-kin verification, and a request for death certificates. These papers are legal requirements to proceed with cremation.

Can I Plan a Cremation for Someone Who Is Still Living?

Yes, you can plan a cremation for someone who is still living. This type of planning, called pre-need cremation, helps reduce emotional and logistical stress when the time comes. It also allows for thoughtful decision-making.

Is Prepaid Cremation Transferable if I Move?

Not all prepaid cremation plans are transferable if you move. Some depend on specific providers or service areas. Be sure to ask about portability before committing, especially if you think you might move.

What Happens After Cremation Is Complete?

After cremation, you’ll receive the remains in a basic or selected urn. Depending on your provider and plan, you can choose mail, in-person pickup, or hand delivery. You can then hold a memorial at a time and place that feels right for you.

Do you have more questions? We’re here to help you learn more about preplanning and support you with next steps.

Talk to our team today.