Most people don’t love thinking about funerals. But many families later say the same thing: “I wish we’d talked about this sooner.”
Pre-arranging your funeral doesn’t have to be complicated or confronting. It can be a quiet, practical gift to the people you love; removing guesswork and stress at a time when they’re grieving.
At Keith Logue & Sons, families in Coffs Harbour have trusted our team for generations. We’re a family-owned funeral home established locally since 1967, and we’ve helped families plan services that are personal, respectful, and genuinely “them.”
What does “pre-arranging” mean?
Pre-arranging (also called pre-need planning) is simply writing down your preferences for your funeral or memorial service, so your family knows exactly what you want.
As our own pre-need page puts it: setting out your wishes can bring comfort to your family and remove the burden of difficult decisions during hardship.
Importantly, you can record as little or as much as you like and you can usually update it if your preferences change over time.
Why families choose to plan ahead
1) It reduces stress for your loved ones
When someone dies, families often have to make many decisions quickly while they’re in shock or exhausted. Having your wishes written down gives them clarity and confidence.
2) It prevents disagreements
Even close families can have different ideas about “what Mum would have wanted.” A plan reduces second-guessing and family tension.
3) It helps you stay in control of costs
Planning ahead lets you think clearly, compare options, and make choices based on what matters most (not what feels “expected” in the moment). NSW guidance also encourages people to check whether any financial arrangements already exist (bond/insurance/pre-paid plan) when a death occurs.
4) It creates a more personal farewell
The best services reflect a person’s life: music, readings, photos, stories, faith (or no faith), and small details that feel right.
What you can decide in advance (and what can wait)
You can pre-arrange big-picture choices like:
- Burial or cremation
- Religious or non-religious service
- Celebrant or clergy
- Preferred venue (chapel, church, graveside, crematorium, or another location)
- Music, readings, and the tone of the service (traditional, simple, celebratory)
- Whether you’d like a viewing
- Notices, flowers, photos/video tribute, and other personal touches
Some things can be left flexible, and your family can still adapt the details to the circumstances when the time comes.
Pre-arranged vs pre-paid: what’s the difference?
People often mix these up:
Pre-arranged (pre-need plan)
You record your wishes and preferences. This is about decisions.
Pre-paid (financial plan)
You may also choose to put money aside specifically for funeral expenses, or enter a prepaid agreement. NSW consumer guidance encourages families to check for things like funeral bonds, insurance, or prepaid funerals.
If you’re considering the financial side, it’s wise to read any contract carefully and make sure your family/executor knows where the paperwork is stored. (And if you receive certain pensions, funeral bonds and prepaid plans can interact with assessments, so it’s worth checking official guidance.)
Note: This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. For personal advice, speak with your solicitor/financial adviser.
A simple 6-step way to pre-arrange your funeral
Step 1: Start with your “must-haves”
Ask yourself:
What matters most: faith, simplicity, music, family speaking, a wake?
Do you want burial or cremation?
Any cultural or family traditions you want honoured?
Step 2: Write it down (even rough notes help)
A one-page list is a great start.
Step 3: Tell the right people
At minimum: your next of kin, executor, or the person you trust most.
Step 4: Keep documents easy to find
NSW guidance suggests checking the home or Will for funeral arrangements; so make sure your plan is stored somewhere discoverable.
Step 5: Talk to a funeral director (no obligation)
A planning chat can help you understand options and avoid surprises later. Keith Logue & Sons provides guidance on pre-planning arrangements, funeral planning, and funeral costs as part of its services.
Step 6: Review every few years
Life changes; your plan can too.
If you’re in Coffs Harbour, we can help you plan calmly and clearly
If you’d like to pre-arrange your funeral (or simply have an exploratory conversation), Keith Logue & Sons can guide you through the options at your pace so your family isn’t left guessing later.
Keith Logue & Sons Funeral Directors
42 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone: (02) 6652 1999
Email: [email protected]
