Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Phone: 201-891-4770
Fax: 201-621-0032
Email: nicholas@vpmemorial.com
Pre-Planning Funeral Services in Bergen County
Why Funeral Pre-Planning is Important
When a loved one passes away, it can be an incredibly difficult time for those left behind. It can also be a very stressful period, as there are numerous arrangements to be made. Funeral pre-planning can be a great way to make the process a little easier. By planning out the funeral details in advance, you can save your family from the stress and confusion of having to make these decisions during an already difficult time. Not only that, but pre-planning can also help to ensure that the arrangements reflect the wishes of your loved one. In short, funeral pre-planning can be a great way to spare your family the added burden of making decisions during a difficult and emotional time.
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Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist
Get a Copy of Our Pre-Planning Checklist
How to Pre-Plan Your Funeral
Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when pre-planning your own funeral:
- Make note of all the details you want to be mentioned in your obituary. You could even take this one step further and write your own obituary.
- State, in writing, your preferences for burial or cremation.
- If burial is preferred, provide the details of the cemetery arrangements. If you have not purchased a burial plot, this is the time to do so.
- If you have chosen burial, what type of casket would you like? Should it be made of wood, metal, or composite materials?
- If you choose cremation, what do you want to be done with the ashes?
- Would you like a traditional funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life?
- What location would you suggest for this event if you'd like a celebration of life?
- What special activities would you prefer at a celebration of life?
- What music or special readings would you prefer?
- What type and colors of flowers would you prefer?
- Would you like to select a charitable organization to receive donations in your name?
- If you're a veteran, would you like to receive full military honors as part of your service? Would you like to be buried in the grounds of a veterans' cemetery?
Taking Care of Finances and Property
- Create a contact list of everyone who should be notified in a medical emergency or death, including the name of your funeral home.
- Give your executor(s) a copy of your will and the contact list.
- Give your executor(s) a list of bank and investment accounts, creditors, mortgage or lien information, insurance policies, retirement plans, safe deposit boxes, real and personal properties of value, and all related telephone numbers.
- Suppose you are receiving benefits from Social Security or the Veterans' Administration. In that case, your executor needs that information to suspend benefit payments.
- Select someone you trust to deal with your online accounts: email, online memberships, and social media. Include all relevant information and whether or not they should delete, close, or keep any accounts.
Taking Care of Your Pets
Funeral Pre-Planning Final Tasks
In addition to your will, your contact list, online account login details, and any related documents should be provided to your executor.
Finally, you may consider paying ahead of time for your funeral choices. Please speak to us about how your pre-payment monies will be handled.
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Why families put their trust in
Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home
“The Vander Plaat Funeral Home arranged my mother’s funeral service last month. Nicholas and his team did such a wonderful and seamless job for us that we didn’t have to as much as lift a finger! Nicholas was kind enough to set up YouTube live streaming to enable friends and family overseas to virtually attend the service. From dealing with social services to booking the cremation time, every detail was timed and smooth! Most importantly, the Vander Plaat family were very sensitive to our every need at the time of our grieving!!! I cannot thank them enough!”
“My husband passed away after a short illness, Jim and Nick and all the staff were very supportive of my family during this difficult time in our lives. they were so helpful and attentive to what ever we needed. They handled everything with care and kindness and empathy. They were very respectful and handled everything with dignity. I am grateful to have them even support me after the funeral with guidance and care for our grief with books to help us through this period of time and the follow ups from them are so appreciated to me and my family. I would recommend Vander Plaat Vermeulen Franklin Lakes for anyone, they take the care needed to help the family through the most difficult time to care for their loved ones.”
“Would definitely want my family member and loved ones to have the services provided by Nick, Elizabeth and staff during the difficult time of a loved one passing. They are extremely professional yet compassionate, knowledgeable, helpful and go above and beyond to help you through such prices. Services are simple to extensive and made to your preference. Cost was very fair. Having the services by Vander Plaat-Vermuelen Memorial Home really helped get through this difficult time a little easier. I did not feel like a customer to a business but comforted by family.”
Before You Leave
Proudly Serving the Communities of North Haledon, Haledon, Prospect Park, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Wayne, Allendale, Oakland, Mahwah, Hawthorne and the Bergen, Passaic and Morris Counties
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