What Should I Prepare Before Pre-Planning?

The following personal information may eventually be required to complete government records and other documentation:

• Your full legal name
• Current address and telephone number
• Date and place of birth
• Marital status
• Name of your spouse or partner
• Social Insurance Number
• Alberta Personal Health Number
• Driver’s licence information
• Your parents’ full legal names
• Your mother’s birth surname
• Your parents’ places of birth
• Employment or occupation history
• Education information
• Military or veteran information, when applicable

Do not delay your appointment because you are missing a document or piece of information. Our team can tell you what will be needed and help you complete the information over time.

Consider who will be responsible for your arrangements and estate.

Helpful information may include:

• The name and contact information of your executor or personal representative
• Your next of kin
• Your lawyer or estate advisor
• Your insurance representative
• Your religious or spiritual leader
• Family members who should be contacted
• The person who should receive a copy of your pre-planning documents

It is important that at least one trusted person knows that you have created a plan and knows where the documents can be found.

You do not need to select every detail immediately. Begin by thinking about the overall type of arrangement that feels most appropriate.

Would you prefer cremation or burial?

Simply Cremations can explain the differences, the related service options and the decisions that may be involved.

Would you prefer a simple cremation without a visitation or formal ceremony?

You may still choose to have your family hold a private gathering or celebration at another time.

Would you like close family members to have an opportunity to gather privately and say goodbye before cremation?

Would you like a memorial service following cremation?

Consider whether the gathering should be formal, informal, religious, non-religious, public or private.

Would you prefer a structured ceremony, visitation or traditional funeral service?

Knowing the general direction is enough to begin. Our team can help you explore the details.

Personal touches can make a gathering feel more meaningful.

You may want to consider:

• Favourite music or songs
• Poems, prayers, scriptures or readings
• Photographs or video tributes
• Favourite flowers
• Clothing preferences
• Cultural or religious customs
• Favourite hobbies or interests
• Organizations, clubs or community groups
• Charities that could receive memorial donations
• Family members or friends who may wish to speak
• Food or refreshments for a reception

You may also decide that you do not want a formal gathering. That preference is equally important to document.

You do not need to write your complete obituary during pre-planning, but recording key information can help your family later.

Consider documenting:

• Family members you would like listed
• Important places you have lived
• Career accomplishments
• Education
• Military service
• Volunteer work
• Hobbies and interests
• Community involvement
• Special achievements
• A favourite saying, verse or message
• Preferred charities for memorial donations

You may also write a draft in your own words and update it whenever you choose.

When cremation is selected, consider what you would like your family to do with the cremated remains.

Options may include:

• Keeping them in an urn
• Placing them in a cemetery niche
• Burial in a cemetery
• Scattering in a meaningful location, with the required permission
• Dividing them among family members
• Using a portion in memorial jewellery or keepsakes

Because scattering is permanent, it is helpful to discuss your preference with your family and consider whether they may want a permanent place of remembrance.

You may pre-plan without paying in advance.

However, it can be helpful to think about how the arrangements will eventually be funded.

Possible questions include:

• Do you want to discuss prepaid arrangements?
• Have you set aside funds for funeral or cremation expenses?
• Do you have life insurance?
• Will your estate be responsible for the cost?
• Does your family know where the relevant financial documents are kept?
• Are there third-party expenses that should be considered?

Our team can provide an itemized estimate and explain which costs are included in a Simply Cremations package and which may come from outside providers.

Pre-planning is your opportunity to express your wishes, but communication remains important.

Let your family or executor know:

• That you have completed a pre-plan
• Why you made your choices
• Which provider holds your information
• Where copies of your documents are kept
• Who should contact Simply Cremations when the time comes

An open conversation can reduce uncertainty and help your family understand the decisions you have made.

The purpose of pre-planning is to make things easier, not to create another stressful task.

Bring whatever information you currently have. We can guide you through the remaining details and help you build your plan one step at a time.