Pre-Planning FAQs
Everything you need to know and want to ask about pre-planning.
You've taken an important step by choosing to pre-plan. Congrats. By taking steps to arrange these important plans now, you've taken a large burden off of your beloved family, providing them with greater peace of mind. You're relieving your family of the cost that can be associated with planning a funeral, allowing them to celebrate and honor your life. And finally, you're ensuring that every last detail is planned according to your own wishes and needs.
You might have some questions as you begin the path towards pre-planning. We're here to help answer them.
Here are some questions that often come up from others at the same stage:
Pre-planning versus pre-funding? I've heard both terms, what is the difference?
Pre-planning is making all of your arrangements ahead of time so that everything can be conducted according to your wishes, for peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Pre-funding is taking care of all costs for your pre-planning, so that everything is taken care of for you and your family.
Can I move a previously planned arrangement?
Yes. If you choose to move your arrangement to another cemetery, we can help transfer your plans to any cemetery in the United States that accepts the contract. You should never have to feel stuck in your decisions.
Can I take care of the costs now?
Yes and no. Interment cost are often in multiple parts. You are welcome to take care of the cost of your plot and marker, but the interment fee will need to be paid at the time of need.
If I pre-plan with Athens Memory Gardens, what are my options if I change my mind later on?
When you pre-plan with Athens Memory Gardens, your contract is transferable within cemetery grounds. Your selection of a final resting place is a personal decision and we are happy to accommodate.
I want to approach my family and talk to them about my plans. Do you have suggestions for doing this in the best way possible?
You are truly helping your family and doing a great deed by taking care of planning something that is so personal and important to you. Remember to respect their feelings and emotions, as this can possibly be a difficult subject to broach with them. Assure them that you are making these plans because you love them and want them to feel free to celebrate life and heal together when the time comes. Find additional resources here.
What do I do when I have completed all my pre-planning? Is there anything else I should be aware of or need to do?
Relax and rest assured knowing that your wishes will be met, your needs have been taken care of and there's a capable team at Athens Memory Gardens that is always available to answer your questions or thoughts.
I’ve heard of Perpetual Care - what is it?
In short, Perpetual Care refers to the funds that keep the cemetery grounds beautiful and well-kept, ensuring that your loved one will be taken care of each and every day over the long term. Once the service is over and those in attendance have left the grounds, we want to ensure that peacefulness and beauty are permanent parts of our grounds and Perpetual Care makes this possible.
We know that you may have other questions, so feel free to call us at any time at (706) 543-1076 so that we can walk you through your options and help you create the best possible plan for you.
(706) 543-1076
