What to Know About Planning Funeral in Advance

Planning ahead can bring comfort and clarity. Many families look to funeral homes in Newtown Square, PA, for guidance because they want fewer hard choices during a stressful time and more room for love, stories, and peace. 

At Donohue Funeral Home, we walk beside families with the care of a longstanding, family-run team. Our approach is simple and kind. We listen, explain each step, and help you record wishes so your plans feel personal and thoughtful. 

Why plan ahead in the first place? 

When plans are set in advance, families can focus on being together. It also helps make sure your preferences are honored with clarity and respect. As an independent, family-owned provider with generations of service, we understand how to turn wishes into a clear plan that feels true to you. 

Benefits families value: 

• Fewer urgent decisions for loved ones 
• A clear record of preferences and priorities 
• Space for meaningful personal touches 
• Confidence that details will be handled with care 

What choices come first? 

Think about the kind of gathering that fits your life and values. Your choices can be simple or more detailed, and they can reflect faith traditions, cultural customs, or personal style. 

Key decisions to consider: 

• Type of service or celebration, and where it will be held 
• Readings, music, and people you would like to participate with 
• Keepsakes, memory boards, or video tributes 
• Preferences for faith or cultural elements important to your family 

Who should be involved in planning? 

Though this is your plan, inviting a few trusted people can make it stronger. Share your thinking with those who will help carry out your wishes, and consider naming a point person to keep documents together. 

Helpful steps: 

• Talk with close family or a trusted friend about your wishes 
• Decide who should speak, read, or share memories 
• Choose a point person to keep your plan and contacts in one place 
• Let loved ones know where to find your documents 

What paperwork should you gather? 

A little organization now saves a lot of stress later. Keep your plan in a safe but easy-to-find place and tell at least two people where it is kept. 

Create a simple planning funeral service folder with: 

• A written summary of your service preferences 
• Names and numbers of people to notify 
• Any faith, cultural, or community groups to involve 
• A short list of favorite readings, songs, or values to highlight 

How do we personalize the service with care? 

Personal touches make a service feel warm and honest. Because every life is unique, we help families add details that reflect hobbies, values, and relationships. Our team supports all faiths and backgrounds, so your plan can include the traditions that matter most to you. 

Ideas families often include: 

• A photo display or a simple video of favorite moments 
• Time for friends and family to share stories 
• Music that feels like home 
• A quiet area for reflection and prayer 

Where do we record the plan? 

Write down your decisions and save them in one place. Then, share the plan with loved ones and your funeral director so everyone is aligned. To make this easy, you can start your plan on our website and update it anytime. See our Pre-planning page to begin or to review a checklist of what to decide. 

Good habits that keep plans current: 

• Review your plan each year or after major life events 
• Update contacts and preferences as needed 
• Tell your trusted person about any changes 
• Keep a printed copy and a digital copy for backup 

A caring partner makes all the difference. 

Experience matters. A team that has served families for generations brings steady guidance, calm leadership, and genuine empathy to every step. As a family-owned, independent provider, our focus stays on people first, details second, and pressure never. 

When you are comparing funeral homes in Newtown Square, PA, we invite you to reach out to Donohue Funeral Home. We can help you start a simple plan today, answer questions with patience, and make sure your wishes are easy to follow for the people you love. Begin with our online Preplanning resources when you are ready.