How to Prepare

In our community, we take care of our loved ones, both in life and after. When we choose to pre-plan our end-of-life care, we’re giving our families a gift: a map to upholding our most sacred traditions, letting them grieve with fewer questions and more togetherness. But today, more than 80% of Hispanic and Latino adults don’t have a will or estate plan, with funeral planning following very similar patterns.

Why Pre-Plan

Protect your family from financial strain.

The average funeral in the U.S. costs between $7,000 and $12,000. When you add last-minute arrangements, families can be left scrambling and comparing options in the midst of grief. When you pre-plan, you can lock in pricing and pay over time through flexible payment options.

Honor traditions that matter.

Extended overnight wakes, full Catholic funeral rites, and gatherings that bring the whole family together for days. We know our funeral customs matter, but they take coordination and people who see the value in the little details. Pre-planning with our experienced team ensures that no detail is spared.

Bring families together.

Families in our community come together in times of need, and when big decisions are made, they’re made together. But when clear wishes aren’t written down, a time for togetherness can lead to division. Pre-planning removes the guesswork.

Plan in the language you trust.

You deserve to make such important plans with people who understand you, speak the language you speak, and value the traditions you value. Our bilingual, bicultural staff will walk you through every step of pre-planning so your wishes are fully understood and documented for your family.

What to Know About Pre-Planning

Below are some commonly asked questions about pre-planning. 

  • Do I have to pre-pay at the same time as pre-planning?

    No, you do not have to pre-pay and pre-plan at the same time. While we offer multiple flexible payment options for pre-paying for services, families and individuals can come together to pre-plan without needing to pay for services until they occur.

  • What should I do if I have already planned with another funeral home?

    There are a number of reasons why someone may want to transfer their pre-planning arrangements from one funeral home to another. The initial funeral home may no longer exist or have been purchased by another company. The person who made the plans may have changed locations, or they may simply have found that another funeral home is a better fit.


    If you’ve already planned with another funeral home but wish to work with Celebración de Vida, we make it simple to transfer your arrangements. We’ll honor your arrangements and ensure that all decisions are upheld.


  • Can I lock in payment costs now?

    While pre-planning alone does not lock in payment costs, choosing from our pre-payment options does. Pre-payment ensures that you’re paying today’s costs, rather than your family paying tomorrow’s prices, which will likely rise over time.

    What do I need before a pre-planning appointment?

    Before a pre-planning appointment, we ask that you have:


    • Prearrangement papers already made, if applicable
    • Your birth certificate
    • Marriage certificate, if applicable
    • Military service documentation, if applicable
    • Cemetery property information, if applicable

  • What information do I need for an obituary?

    In order to ensure that all paperwork is properly completed and obituaries are accurate, we will need the following information:


    • Your full name
    • Your Social Security number
    • Parents’ names
    • Maiden name of mother
    • Spouse and children’s names
    • Marital status
    • Educational history
    • History of military service
    • Work history 
    • Hobbies and interests
    • Church affiliation
    • A list of organizational and club memberships
    • A recent photograph

  • Who will I be working with?

    Our experienced, empathetic team understands the importance of tradition and has helped countless families honor their loved ones. During the arrangement process, one of our compassionate funeral directors will guide you each step of the way, ensuring the decisions you make are the right ones for your family. 


    If you have any questions after your arrangement session, your funeral director will be available to answer them. 

Schedule a Consultation

Contact our Director of Advanced Planning, Andrew Linthicum, at andrew@celebraciondevidacares.com or click below to schedule a pre-planning consultation.