Have you talked to your family about your funeral or memorial wishes? Would you like to save them the added burden of trying to guess at how you might have wanted them to celebrate your life after you’re gone? Pre-planning and pre-arranging funeral services offer many benefits.

However, the two terms are not interchangeable. Do you know what each means and if it’s necessary to always do them both at the same time?

If you want to know more about pre-planning versus pre-arranging funerals, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about this necessary topic.

Talking about funeral plans and arrangements can be an upsetting topic for our loved ones. This interview is your opportunity to learn ways to discuss the topic of making final wishes known.

Pre-Planning Versus Pre-Arranging Funerals

Valerie begins the episode by explaining the difference between pre-planning versus pre-arranging funerals or memorials.

Next Valerie shares whether or not the two things have to done at the same time.

You’ll hear Valerie use the same phrases and terms in this episode that she uses with families who come into the funeral chapel in Vancouver.

Talking to Loved One about Funeral Wishes

Then Valerie acknowledges that pre-planning versus pre-arranging funerals is not an easy topic to bring up to your loved ones. During the interview she answers questions like:


- When should I talk to my elderly parents about funeral pre-arrangements?
- What are some good conversation starters about pre-planning funerals?
- How can I bring up the topic of my final wishes to my adult children?

Now ask yourself these two things: Could I use more information about pre-arranging a funeral? Do I need help talking with my family about funeral pre-planning?

If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then use the information below to reach out to Martin Brothers. Valerie can offer publications to help you in this situation as well.

Healthy Communication with Families about Funerals

Next Valerie points out that not everyone in your family will want to talk about anyone’s final wishes. She offers advice for how to ease into the topic without causing hurt feelings.

Gathering information beforehand can be a huge help when it comes time to write an obituary or eulogy that is worthy of celebrating the life of your loved one lost.

Valerie goes on to explain what someone should do with the information they gather from a loved one about their funeral wishes and how a complimentary service from Martin Brothers might help.

The episode concludes with Valerie sharing some final thoughts about pre-planning versus pre-arranging funerals.

Are You Ready to Begin Talking about Your Final Wishes?

Do you want more information about the difference between pre-planning versus pre-arranging funerals? Are you ready to share your final wishes? Listen to the whole episode now and then leave your comments and questions below where we can talk with you about them.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1