Plan Ahead
Why Should I Plan Ahead?
Most people who preplan a natural burial don't do it because they're thinking about death. They do it because they're thinking about the people they love.
Planning ahead is one of the most considerate things you can do for your family. It removes the guesswork from an already difficult time, ensures your wishes are honored exactly as you intend, and spares the people closest to you from making hard decisions while they're grieving.
It also happens to make good financial sense.
Ready to Start?
Most people who call us just want to ask a few questions. That's enough. If you have questions, we're easy to reach.
Benefits of Preplanning
Your Wishes, On Your Terms
You make every decision. We document everything, clearly, so there's no uncertainty later.
You've thought carefully about how you've lived. Planning ahead is an extension of that.
A Gift to the People You Love
Families who have preplanned arrangements often describe the experience of losing someone as markedly different — not easier, but clearer. The decisions are already made. The wishes are already known. They can focus on each other instead of on paperwork and phone calls.
That's not a small thing.
Lock In Today's Prices
Funeral costs — like most things — tend to increase over time. When you preplan and prepay, you lock in current prices for the services you've selected. Whatever happens to costs between now and the time of need, your arrangements are covered.
For many families, this is meaningful financial protection — both for the person preplanning and for the family they leave behind.
When Is the Right Time?
If you're here because something prompted the thought — a health concern, a birthday, a conversation with a friend — that's enough of a reason to reach out. You don't have to have everything figured out. A single conversation is a perfectly good first step.
How It Works
Preplanning with Illinois Natural Burials is straightforward:
Start with a conversation. We'll talk through your wishes, your cemetery options, and what decisions need to be made. There's no obligation at this stage — just information.
Document your wishes. Once you've decided what you want, we put it in writing. Your preferences are recorded clearly and kept on file.
Prepay if you choose. Prepayment is optional but available. Your funds are held in a state-regulated trust or insurance policy until the time of need, fully protected.
Common Questions about Preplanning
What steps are involved in prearranging a funeral?
The first step would be to write down your wishes. Indicate if you would prefer burial or cremation. Write down your ideas for the service you would like, cemetery choice, etc. If you've made those choices, or even if you're unsure, schedule a time to meet with one of our funeral directors who can explain the different service options, merchandise choices, as well as the different ways to pay for the funeral.
What information do I need to prearrange a funeral?
You'll need basic information about yourself or the person you are planning for, such as date of birth, marital status, parents' full names, etc. Besides the biological information, you'll need to choose burial or cremation, what type of service you'd like, what cemetery to use, etc. Our caring staff will help you with this process.
Do I have to pay in advance?
Preplanning is merely making your wishes known; however, most families who do this also choose to pre-fund their funeral. Doing so will relieve the financial burden on your family and offer peace of mind to you.
Can I transfer my plans to or from another funeral home?
If you have plans at another funeral home and would like to move them here, we will help you do that. If you move from the area and would like to transfer your arrangements to another funeral home, we will assist you with that as well.
