Pre-planning your funeral is one of the most considerate things you can do for the people you love. When a death occurs, families are thrust into making dozens of complex, expensive decisions — often within 24 to 48 hours, while in shock and grief. By documenting your wishes in advance, you lift an enormous burden from the people who matter most to you. This guide provides a comprehensive pre-planning checklist tailored specifically for Canadians.
Why Pre-Plan? The Case for Getting Ahead
Pre-planning a funeral is not a morbid exercise — it is an act of love and practicality. Research consistently shows that families who have pre-planned arrangements experience significantly less stress during bereavement than those who must make all decisions at once.
Pre-planning also protects against emotional overspending. When grieving, families are vulnerable to upselling by funeral providers. Having a clear plan in place means your family can simply follow your wishes, rather than guessing and potentially over-spending out of guilt or uncertainty.
Additionally, if you choose to pre-fund your funeral, you lock in today’s prices against future inflation — a meaningful financial benefit given the rising cost of funeral services in Canada.
Step 1: Record Your Personal Wishes
Start by writing down your preferences for the following. You do not need to have all the answers immediately — this is a living document you can refine over time.
- Burial or cremation (and if cremation, what you wish done with the ashes)
- Type of service: traditional funeral, celebration of life, graveside service, no service
- Religious or secular preferences for the service
- Music, readings, or tributes you would like included
- Any specific wishes regarding the funeral home or celebrant
- Preferences regarding flowers, charitable donations in lieu of flowers, or other tributes
- Where you would like to be interred, scattered, or memorialized
Step 2: Gather and Organize Important Documents
Ensure the following documents are organized, up to date, and that your executor or a trusted family member knows where to find them.
- Your will (and the name and contact of your solicitor if applicable)
- Life insurance policies — policy numbers, insurer, and beneficiaries
- CPP, OAS, and pension records
- Bank account details and investments
- Property deeds or rental agreements
- The contact details of your executor
- Any existing pre-arranged funeral plans or pre-paid funeral contracts
Step 3: Research and Choose a Funeral Provider
Take time to research funeral homes or cremation providers in your area while you are not under time pressure.
- Compare prices — all licensed funeral homes in Canada are required to provide a General Price List on request
- Consider whether you want a traditional funeral home, a direct cremation provider, or a natural burial specialist
- If considering a direct cremation, look for transparent pricing and an established local provider
- Ask about pre-arrangement options and whether prices can be guaranteed
Step 4: Consider Pre-Funding Options
Pre-funding means setting aside money in advance to cover your funeral costs. In Canada, pre-funded funeral arrangements are typically held in a trust fund regulated by provincial legislation.
Important questions to ask: Is the money held in a guaranteed trust? What happens if the funeral home goes out of business? Can I transfer the plan to a different provider if I move provinces? What costs are included and are they fixed?
Alternatives to formal pre-funding include a dedicated savings account, a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) designated for funeral costs, or a life insurance policy with sufficient coverage.
Step 5: Tell Your Family and Store Your Plan Somewhere Accessible
A pre-plan is only useful if the right people know it exists and can find it when needed. Store a copy with your will, with your executor, and consider telling a trusted family member where it is kept.
Some families also leave a copy with their funeral provider if they have made a pre-arrangement. Avoid storing the only copy in a location that would be inaccessible at the time of death (for example, a safety deposit box that requires a key only you hold).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pre-funded funeral plan protected if the funeral home closes?
In Canada, pre-funded funeral plans are regulated by provincial legislation, which typically requires that funds be held in a regulated trust. However, the level of protection varies by province. Always ask your funeral provider specifically how your pre-funded amounts are protected, and read the pre-arrangement contract carefully.
Can I change my pre-arranged funeral plan later?
In most cases, yes. Pre-arranged plans can be updated to reflect changing wishes. If you move to a different province, ask whether your plan can be transferred to a provider in your new location.
Do I have to pre-fund my pre-arranged plan?
No. You can document your wishes through a pre-arrangement without pre-paying. However, pre-funding locks in current prices and ensures funds are available. Underfunded wishes put the financial burden on your family at a difficult time.
Should I include my funeral pre-plan in my will?
Your will can reference a pre-arranged funeral plan, but note that wills are often not read until after the funeral has already taken place. It is more effective to keep your funeral wishes in a separate, accessible document and ensure your executor and a trusted family member know where to find it.
