At Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services, we know that talking about funeral planning isn’t always easy. It’s a subject many people prefer to avoid and/or to think about later. But in our experience working with families throughout the BC Interior, one thing is always clear: funeral pre-planning brings peace of mind, and the best time to do it is often earlier than you think.
So when is the right time to start planning a funeral? Let’s explore that together.
Why Funeral Pre-Planning Matters
When a loved one passes away, families are left making dozens of emotional and financial decisions—often under pressure and without knowing exactly what their loved one would have wanted. That’s where funeral pre-planning becomes a true act of kindness. It removes guesswork, eases stress, and ensures your personal wishes are honoured.
At Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services, we see time and again how much comfort a pre-arranged funeral brings to grieving families. It’s one of the most thoughtful and considerate steps you can take for those you love.
When Should You Start Planning a Funeral?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer, but here are some of the most common and meaningful times to consider beginning the funeral pre-planning process.
1. You’re 50 or Older
Your 50s are a great time to begin planning. Most people are in good health and have clarity about their values and preferences. It’s also a time when many are organizing their estates, reviewing insurance policies, and thinking about retirement, making pre-arranging your funeral a natural part of that process.
2. You have a Health Condition
Facing a health diagnosis often leads to deeper reflection about the future. While it’s never too late to begin planning a funeral, starting early while you’re able to make informed decisions allows for more control, personalization, and comfort.
3. You’ve Recently Lost a Loved One
Losing someone close can be a powerful reminder of how important it is to prepare. At Cypress, we often meet families who say, “I wish we’d had a plan in place.” If you’ve experienced this, now may be the right time to ensure your loved ones won’t be in that position when your time comes.
4. You’re Organizing Your Affairs
Are you updating your will, setting up a power of attorney, or getting your documents in order? Adding funeral pre-planning to your checklist helps round out your end-of-life planning and gives your family one less thing to worry about.
5. You Simply Want Peace of Mind
You don’t need to wait for a milestone birthday or a life event. Many people choose to start planning a funeral simply because they want to take control of their legacy and ease the burden on others. If the thought has crossed your mind, that’s often the best sign it’s time.
Common Myths About Funeral Pre-Planning
Even though it’s practical, many people put off pre-arranging a funeral due to some common misconceptions. Here’s the truth:
- “I’m too young to think about this.”
Funeral pre-planning isn’t just for seniors. Many people in their 30s and 40s take the step simply to be prepared and ensure their wishes are known. - “Talking about death is bad luck.”
In reality, starting the conversation brings peace, not fear. Planning ahead is empowering, not ominous. - “My family will know what to do.”
Even the closest families may not be sure what you’d want. Making your wishes clear is a gift of guidance during one of life’s most difficult times.
How to Start the Conversation with Loved Ones
At Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services, we understand how delicate these conversations can be. Here are a few ways to make them easier:
- Pick a Calm Moment
Choose a relaxed setting when everyone is open to talking, not during a crisis or family event. - Explain Your Intentions
Let them know that you’re pre-planning a funeral because you care. It’s about easing their future burden, not anticipating anything immediate. - Make It Personal
Share why you’re considering this step. Maybe you attended a service recently or want to ensure your values are reflected in your arrangements. - Involve Them in the Process
Invite your family to be part of the conversation. You might even visit Cypress together to learn about options and ask questions. - Reassure and Normalize
Remind them this is just smart, thoughtful planning, like creating a will or setting up insurance.
Getting Started with Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services
If you’re wondering what the first step is, don’t worry—we’re here to guide you. Whether you’re just gathering information or ready to create a full pre-arranged plan, we’ll support you every step of the way.
Some of the key things we’ll help you explore include:
- Burial vs. cremation preferences
- Service style (traditional, celebration of life, religious, etc.)
- Special touches (music, readings, photos, keepsakes)
- Payment options
- Documenting your plan for your family’s peace of mind
Final Thoughts
So, when is the right time to start planning a funeral? If you’re reading this, the answer might be “now”. Whether you’re 40, 65, or somewhere in between, funeral pre-planning isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about loving your family enough to plan for the inevitable in a calm, clear, and respectful way. At Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services, we believe every person deserves a service that reflects who they are. Every family deserves support and simplicity during their time of grief.
Want to begin your pre-planning journey?
Reach out to Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services today to learn more or start pre-planning with our online form. We’re honoured to help you put your wishes in place.
Your Plan. Your Legacy. Your Way.
Have you ever thought about how you’d like to be remembered? It’s not an easy topic to discuss, but planning your funeral in advance is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your loved ones. At Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services, we understand that making these decisions can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through the process with care and compassion. Funeral pre-planning ensures that your wishes are honoured while easing the emotional and financial burden on your family.
What is Funeral Pre-Planning?
Funeral pre-planning is the process of making arrangements for your funeral or memorial service in advance. By documenting your preferences ahead of time, you ensure that your final wishes are known and respected. Pre-planning a funeral allows you to take control of how you are remembered; it’s an opportunity to make decisions based on your values, beliefs, and personal preferences rather than leaving these choices up to family members.
The Benefits of Pre-Planning
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the grieving process can be overwhelming for most. Pre-planning your funeral allows you to choose the way you want to be remembered. By having a plan in place, you remove any uncertainty and provide clear guidance to your loved ones on how you would like to be honoured. Whether you have a preference for a traditional service, a celebration of life, or a quiet, private gathering, pre-planning allows you to ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly as you envision. You can choose specific music, readings, or personal touches that reflect your personality and beliefs. Some people also use this opportunity to write letters to their loved ones, select photos to be displayed, or arrange for special mementoes to be included in their service.
Pre-planning a funeral also provides financial benefits. By planning ahead, you protect yourself and your family from rising costs, and our flexible plans allow you to pay over time with no interest or financing charges. This can significantly reduce the financial strain on your loved ones, ensuring that they do not have to worry about covering the costs of your arrangements.
What is Included in a Pre-Planned Funeral?
When pre-planning a funeral, you can make decisions about various aspects of the service, including:
- Burial or Cremation: Decide whether you prefer to be buried or cremated and choose a burial plot or urn.
- Funeral Service Details: Select the location, type of service, and any specific elements you’d like included, such as religious or cultural traditions.
- Casket or Urn Selection: Choose a casket or urn that aligns with your personal style and budget.
- Music and Readings: Pick meaningful songs, poems, or scriptures to be included in the service.
- Obituary and Memorial Tributes: Write your own obituary or leave instructions for how you’d like to be remembered in published notices.
- Final Resting Place: If choosing burial, select a cemetery and discuss options such as a headstone or memorial plaque.
- Financial Arrangements: Ensures that funds are available the moment they are needed.
Additional support with Travel Insurance and Executor Assistance is also available.
How to Start the Pre-Planning Process
At Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services, we are here to make the pre-planning process as simple and comfortable as possible. The first step is to fill out our online form or download a PDF version to drop off at one of our offices. This form is then submitted to our Advanced Planning Specialists who will be in touch with you to complete the pre-planning process. We will walk you through the available options, answer any questions you may have, and help you create a plan that reflects your wishes.
Our Specialists will discuss your personal preferences with you and provide information about different service options. You will have the opportunity to make decisions at your own pace, with no pressure. Whether you prefer a simple arrangement or a more detailed plan, we will tailor our services to meet your needs. Once your plan is in place, we will keep a record of your choices on file, ensuring that they are easily accessible when needed. You will also receive a copy for your own records, and we encourage you to share your wishes with a trusted family member or executor.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
Funeral pre-planning is a gift of love and consideration for your family. It allows you to make informed choices, alleviate financial concerns, and ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly as you envision. While it may feel difficult to start the conversation, taking this step now will provide lasting peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
At Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional support to individuals and families throughout the pre-planning process. We understand that discussing end-of-life arrangements can be difficult, but our team is here to offer guidance and reassurance every step of the way. We take pride in offering personalized services that honour the unique lives of those we serve. Whether you are pre-planning for yourself or assisting a loved one, we are committed to providing a supportive and respectful experience. Our funeral home offers a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your plans with our caring staff.
If you’re ready to begin the pre-planning process or have questions about how it works, Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services is here to help. Contact us today and take the first step toward a well-prepared future. Learn more with our planning ahead brochure.
At our family-owned funeral homes, we focus on honouring your loved ones. We provide compassionate, personalized care to families in our communities. With locations in Vernon, Armstrong, Lake Country, and Kamloops, our BC funeral homes offer full support during this challenging time, ensuring your loved one’s service is handled with the care and respect they deserve.
Vernon Funeral Home: Serving the Heart of the Okanagan
Located in the heart of the Okanagan, our Vernon funeral home has been serving families since 2001. Whether you’re planning a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, cremation, or a personalized memorial, our experienced team guides you through every step.
For those seeking funeral homes in Vernon, we offer a warm, welcoming environment. From arranging services to offering grief resources, our Vernon team helps you create a meaningful tribute that reflects your or your loved one’s life.
Armstrong Funeral Home: A Legacy of Care
Our Armstrong funeral home serves the smaller, close-knit community with the same level of care and respect that we bring to all of our locations. Whether it’s a small gathering or a larger memorial, Armstrong families can trust us to handle their funeral needs with sensitivity.
We offer a wide range of services, tailored to your family’s preferences, ensuring a meaningful farewell for your loved one.
Proudly Serving Lake Country, Kelowna and Beyond
Located off Highway 97 in Lake Country, we serve families from both our community and the Kelowna area. Many searching for Kelowna funeral homes choose us for our personalized services and central location in the Okanagan.
For over 20 years, we’ve been a trusted resource for families in the Kelowna and Lake Country areas, offering compassionate care and support.
Kamloops Funeral Home: Trusted by the Community
For over a decade, our Kamloops funeral home has supported families in need. We offer in-house arrangements, pre-planning guidance, and customizable services. Our team provides the care and professionalism Kamloops families trust.
Families searching for Kamloops funeral homes can trust us because of our dedication to professionalism, compassion and care. Whether you’re looking for traditional or personalized services, we are here to guide and support you.
Why Families Choose Us
Across all four of our BC funeral homes, we provide full-service funeral options with compassion. Our staff offers guidance to help you plan a service that reflects your wishes or your loved one’s. Whether planning ahead or seeking immediate assistance, we are always ready to support you.
Contact Us
Our team is here to help 24/7, whether you’re in Vernon, Armstrong, Lake Country, or Kamloops. Contact us for any information or support you need at any time.