Cremation preplanning means making your final arrangements before you pass away. You decide what you want, choose a provider, and either pay now or leave instructions for later.

Planning ahead lifts a huge weight off your family. They won't face confusing choices or surprise costs while they're grieving. Instead, they'll know exactly what you wanted and how to make it happen.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about cremation preplanning. If you have more questions, the team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427.

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What Is Cremation Preplanning?

Cremation preplanning is when you arrange your cremation before you die. You write down what you want: the type of service, what happens to your remains, and who handles everything. Then you either pay for it now or tell your family how to pay later.

Many people start planning during retirement or when they're thinking about their estate. Some plan years ahead. Others start after a loved one enters hospice care. There's no perfect time. The important thing is making thoughtful choices without pressure.

What cremation preplanning covers:

• Choosing direct cremation or cremation with a memorial service
• Deciding what happens to your remains (urn, scattering, burial, jewelry)
• Picking a cremation provider
• Adding special requests (music, readings, where people gather)
• Choosing whether to pay now or later

Prepaid vs. Non-Prepaid: Understanding Your Two Options

You have two main choices: pay now or document your wishes for later.

Prepaid Cremation Plans

Prepaid cremation means you pay for your services today. You can pay all at once or make monthly payments. Your money goes into a protected trust or insurance policy until your family needs it. This locks in today's prices.

Why people prepay:

• You protect against price increases: Cremation costs continue to rise over time. Paying now means your family won't face higher prices later.
• You remove the financial burden: Your loved ones won't scramble for money during an emotional time.
• You document your wishes: A signed contract means providers must follow your exact instructions.
• You may get estate benefits: Some prepaid plans offer tax advantages or help with Medicaid eligibility.

Drawbacks of prepaying:

• Moving gets complicated: Some plans don't transfer between states easily. Canceling might cost you fees or lost money.
• Your money gets locked up: You can't use these funds for emergencies or invest them elsewhere.
• Provider problems matter: If a cremation company closes, getting your money back can be hard (though most states have protections).
• Extra fees might appear: Some plans don't cover every cost. Permits, long-distance transportation, or death certificates might cost extra later.

Non-Prepaid Cremation Preplanning

Non-prepaid planning means you write down all your wishes, but don't pay upfront. Your family or estate pays when the time comes.

Why people document without prepaying:

• Your money stays flexible: You keep your funds available for other needs or investments.
• You avoid provider risk: You won't lose money if a company closes or you change your mind.
• Updates are easy: You can change your plans without paying penalties.
• You might save money: If cremation costs drop or stay flat, your family could pay less than today's rates.

Drawbacks of documenting without prepaying:

• Prices might jump: Cremation could cost much more later with inflation, leaving your family with a bigger bill.
• Your family handles the cost: Someone needs to find money quickly, usually from insurance or savings.
• More logistics: Even with written wishes, your family still handles many decisions and payments during a tough time.
• Enforcement is weaker: Without a binding contract, family might not follow your wishes exactly.

Which works for you? Choose prepaid if you want locked-in costs and guaranteed execution. Choose documented planning if you want flexibility and available funds.

The Benefits of Cremation Preplanning

Cremation preplanning offers advantages that go far beyond just "getting it done." When you plan ahead, you're making decisions with a clear head and enough time to research your options. 

You Stay in Control

Cremation preplanning puts every choice in your hands. You pick the provider, the service style, what happens to your remains, and how people remember you. Your family won't guess what you wanted or argue among themselves.

You Spare Your Family Hard Decisions

Loss brings overwhelming emotions. Planning ahead removes the burden of complex choices during grief. Your loved ones can focus on supporting each other and celebrating your life instead of handling cremation details, comparing prices, or debating what you would have wanted.

You Lock In Today's Prices

Cremation costs keep rising. When you preplan with a provider like After, you can choose direct cremation packages starting at $995 and lock in those rates if you prepay.

Our cremation packages show transparent pricing with no hidden fees, something traditional funeral homes rarely offer. Even without prepaying, researching costs now means your family won't make quick, expensive choices under pressure.

You Personalize Everything

Maybe you want your family to scatter your remains somewhere meaningful. Perhaps you prefer a casual gathering over a formal service. Cremation preplanning lets you specify every detail, from the urn style to memorial preferences, so your farewell reflects who you are.

How to Start Cremation Preplanning: Step-by-Step

You don't need to complete your entire cremation plan in one sitting. Most people tackle this process over several days or weeks, researching options when they have time and making decisions as they feel ready. 

Step 1: Research Cremation Providers

Start by finding providers in your state. After offers affordable direct cremation in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

Compare these things:

• Base cremation cost and what it includes
• Extra fees (death certificates, transportation, rush services)
• Customer reviews and reputation
• Payment options (full payment, monthly plans, insurance)
• What happens if you move

Get quotes from 3-5 providers so you can compare.

Step 2: Choose Your Service Type

Direct cremation costs the least. It includes transportation, cremation, and returning your remains in a temporary container. There's no embalming, viewing, or formal service beforehand. After specializes in this, with packages starting at $995.

Cremation with services includes a viewing, memorial, or funeral before or after cremation. This costs more but allows traditional elements if that matters to you.

Think about:

• Whether you want a formal service, or should your family gather informally later?
• Whether your remains should be present at any gathering?
• What would comfort your loved ones most?

Step 3: Decide What Happens to Your Remains

Where do you want your remains? Common choices include:

• Scattering somewhere meaningful (check local rules first)
• Burial in a cemetery or scattering garden
• Columbarium niche in a memorial wall
• Kept at home in an urn your family chooses
• Divided among family in smaller urns or jewelry
• Eco-friendly options like memorial reefs or trees

Be specific. "Scattered at the coast" is vague. "Scattered at Carmel Beach in California" gives clear direction.

Step 4: Choose Your Payment Method

Decide if you'll prepay or leave payment instructions for later.

If you're prepaying:

• Pick between full payment, monthly installments, or insurance funding
• Make sure your plan goes into a protected trust or account
• Confirm what happens if you move or change your mind
• Keep copies of all contracts with your estate documents

If you're not prepaying:

• Tell your family about your preferences
• Set aside money in savings or make sure life insurance covers final expenses
• Update your will to mention your cremation wishes

Families who need flexible payments can use LilyPay through After. LilyPay spreads payments across 3-12 months for a flat fee. LilyPay also offers crowdfunding through Community Gardens to help cover costs.

Step 5: Write Everything Down and Share It

Put your cremation plan in writing. Include:

• Provider name and contact information
• Package or service level you picked
• Payment status (prepaid, insurance policy number, or estate instructions)
• Specific wishes for remains, services, and memorials
• Names of people making decisions

Share copies with:

• Your spouse or partner
• Adult children or next of kin
• Your executor or estate attorney
• The cremation provider (if prepaid)

Keep the original with your will and estate documents.

Step 6: Choose Someone to Handle Your Plan

Pick someone trustworthy to oversee your arrangements. This person will:

• Contact the cremation provider when you pass.
• Provide legal authorizations.
• Make sure your wishes happen.
• Handle unexpected decisions if they come up.

Talk to this person about your wishes in detail so they understand your reasons and priorities.

Step 7: Review Your Plan Every Few Years

Life changes. You might move, your family situation might shift, or your preferences could evolve. Review your cremation plan every 5-10 years or after major life events like moving to a new state, or a change in finances or preferences.

If you prepaid, contact your provider to learn how to update your plan without penalties.

What If You Move After Planning?

If you move after planning and have a prepaid contract, then reach out to your provider right away to ask about portability. Some plans transfer to other states or let you switch providers with small fees. Others require cancellation, which might involve penalties or lost money.

If you only documented wishes, simply update your plan with a provider in your new location. We serve eight western states, so if you're moving within our service area, your planning stays simple.

Pro tip: Before signing a prepaid plan, ask about moving policies. A good provider explains transfer procedures clearly in writing.

Planning Ahead vs. Immediate Services: The Differences

The main difference is control and clarity. Preplanning means your wishes are documented and your family has a roadmap. Immediate services mean relatives make their best guesses under pressure.

This chart illustrates the differences:

Why After Makes Cremation Preplanning Simple

After simplifies prepaid cremation with transparent pricing, and a straightforward online planning process. You can explore packages, compare what it includes, and complete your plan entirely online.

What makes After different:

• Transparent pricing starting at $995 with all costs upfront
• No hidden fees or surprise charges later
• Flexible payment plans through LilyPay (3-12 months)
• Dedicated care specialists available 24/7 to answer questions

Ready to start cremation preplanning? The team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427.

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Common Questions About Cremation Preplanning

Can I Change My Mind After Prepaying?

Yes, you can change your mind after prepaying for cremation. Many prepaid plans allow cancellations, but you might pay administrative fees or lose earned interest. Read the cancellation policy carefully before signing.

Ask: What percentage of my payment comes back? How long does the refund take? Could I lose money in any situation?

What If I Can't Afford to Prepay Now?

If you can’t afford to prepay for a cremation now, you have options. After offers payment flexibility through LilyPay to spread costs across 3-12 months. 

You can also document your wishes now and set up a savings account or make sure life insurance covers final expenses.

Do I Need to Prepay to Lock in Prices?

Generally, yes, you need to prepay to lock in prices. Price protection only comes with prepaid plans. But documenting wishes without prepaying still provides huge value by giving your family clear direction and preventing rushed decisions.

How Do I Know My Prepaid Funds Are Safe?

To know if your prepaid funds are safe, ask where your money will be held. Good providers use irrevocable trusts, insurance policies, and escrow accounts. Check that your state requires these protections and verify the provider has proper licenses.

What Happens to Prepaid Plans If the Provider Closes?

If the cremation provider closes, most states require them to put prepaid plan funds in protected trusts or insurance policies specifically to prevent loss to customers. 

Your funds should transfer to another provider, or you should get a refund.

Check your state's protections and ask the provider about their financial stability and how long they've been in business.