We all plan ahead for important events, from holidays and birthdays to weddings to christenings. But most people are reluctant to think about the one event none of us can put off – our own passing.

Funeral arrangements might seem like the last thing you want to think about, but planning your memorial or burial can save your loved ones huge amounts of stress and, often, money.

In short, as confronting as it might be, it pays to plan your own send-off. It’s the best way to ensure that you are remembered and sent off exactly how you specified, on your own terms.

White Dove Funeral Care offers two main ways to put your affairs in order long before you die: pre-arranged and prepaid funerals.

Pre-Arranged Funeral Contracts

When it comes to funeral arrangements, consider the benefits of putting your final wishes down on paper:

• It will be invaluable to family and friends, who often struggle with the mind-boggling array of information required after a loved one dies.
• It means tough decisions are made calmly and rationally, rather than when emotions are running high.
• Pre arranged funerals give you peace of mind today and lift some of the burden from your family and friends at some point in the future.

We’ll collect the required personal and official information now, so others don’t have to go searching when the time comes to make funeral arrangements. This includes the personal details needed to register a death and obtain a death certificate.

You can also tell us the funeral service you want rather than expecting others to guess or assume how you would like to go or be remembered.

Details are important, from the music you’d like played to the pallbearers you’d like to carry your coffin.

Who Can Take Out Pre-Arranged Funerals?

There’s no limit on who can take out a pre-arranged funeral contract. You can complete it at any time, and copies of the contract are held by you and/or a family member and White Dove. It’s essential to inform next of kin and/or your executor of the contract, and don’t forget to tell them where it is kept. Upon death, we’ll arrange the funeral as specified by your prepaid funeral plans.

One other detail to bear in mind with this arrangement – the cost of the funeral is not fixed at the time of signing the contract.

Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

White Dove has partnered with Funeral Plan Management (FPM) to offer prepaid funeral plans to our clients, enabling them to pre-pay and lock in the price and arrangements.

Your money is invested by FPM into a capital-guaranteed Friendly Society Funeral Fund. You can pay the full amount up-front or set up a monthly repayment scheme from as little as $25 a month.

We only receive payment from FPM once they are satisfied the funeral service has been provided as agreed.

The Benefits of Prepaid Funerals in Melbourne

1. No more to pay – The price of our prepaid funeral plans is fixed at today’s prices.
2. Anyone is eligible – No matter your age or health, you can obtain a pre-paid funeral plan.
3. Better than a bank account – Unlike money in the bank, a pre-paid plan is not regarded as an asset, which means it doesn’t affect your pension up to a stated amount.

It’s important to be aware that if death occurs before the contract has been paid in full, the family will be required to pay the balance and any price increases since the signing of the contract.

To discuss everything from funeral arrangements to prepaid funerals in Melbourne, get in touch with White Dove Funeral Care today.