What to Expect During a Funeral Pre-Planning Meeting

March 20, 2026

For many people, the thought of meeting to talk about funeral pre-planning is intimidating, and maybe even a little uncomfortable. Some worry they’ll be pressured to make decisions on the spot. These are very understandable. However, if you’re considering having this conversation, know you’re among a thoughtful, but still minority, group of people. At LifeSource, we’ll never pressure you, at any point of the ongoing conversations. We will instead act as a guide as you explore options, no matter where you are at in the process. For many people, a pre-planning meeting is just a starting point. It’s very common to begin the planning process, gather information, share it with family members, and then make decisions later. Our goal is to provide clarity and information, simply. 

What Happens During the Meeting

We’ll start by asking what brought you in

Some people start the conversation because they or someone they know recently experienced a loss and had to make arrangements without a plan in place. Others are planning ahead after attending a service or helping a parent with arrangements. And sometimes people simply want peace of mind for the future. Understanding what prompted the visit helps guide the conversation.

We’ll explain how pre-planning works

Many people are surprised to learn that pre-arrangements are funded through an insurance policy. Funds are set aside specifically for funeral expenses so that when the time comes, the financial responsibility and decision-making is already made. We’ll walk you through how the process works and answer any questions you may have.

We’ll talk about your preferences

If you already have ideas about your service or disposition, we’ll discuss them. If you’re not sure yet, that’s completely okay. We can explain different options and help you understand what each one involves.


Some people already know they prefer terramation, aquamation, cremation, burial at sea or natural burial. The meeting is simply a chance to learn.

We’ll outline estimated costs

Based on what you’ve shared, we can develop an estimated price for your plan. This allows you to understand the financial side of your choices and explore payment options, if you choose to move forward. Again, there is no obligation to finalize anything, especially during the first meeting.

What to Bring to a Pre-Planning Meeting

What you bring depends on where you are in the planning process.

If you're gathering information

You don’t need to bring anything at all, just your questions. Many people attend their first meeting simply to learn more before deciding if they want to move forward.

If you’re ready to set up a plan

If you decide you’d like to finalize a plan, we’ll need some basic information, including:

  • Your father’s name
  • Your mother’s maiden name
  • Your highest level of education
  • Your Social Security number
  • A DD214 if you are a veteran

This information is used for documentation and to help ensure that the time that you and your family are in our care is as smooth as possible. We won’t have to ask for these details from your family as they’re experiencing their loss.


We encourage families to include as many details as they’d like in their plan. This can include things like:

  • Music selections
  • An officiant or speaker
  • Readings or poems
  • Service location
  • Personal touches that reflect your life

However, these details don’t have to be decided right away. Many people choose to document their wishes gradually using resources like our free Green Funeral Planning Guide, which allows you to write down ideas and update them over time. 


Pre-planning doesn’t have to happen all at once. It can unfold at your own pace. At LifeSource, we encourage you to approach pre-planning as a process rather than a single event. Each step you take brings clarity and peace of mind, and is ultimately a gift to those you love. 

This blog is a part of a series on pre-planning: 



Part 1: Why Families Choose to Pre-Plan End-of-Life Arrangements

Part 2: What to Expect During an End-of-Life Pre-Planning Meeting (this blog) 

Part 3: Spring and Tax Season: A Natural Time to Think About End-of-Life Planning

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Green Burial and Natural Burial: Are There Differences?

November 4, 2026
If you’re learning about green burial and natural burial, you may wonder if there are any differences between these terms. In most contexts, they mean the same thing: returning the body to the earth using biodegradable materials, without conventional embalming or a burial vault. Both allow for a simple return to nature, allowing the body to become part of the living landscape once again. The language can become confusing because “Green Burial” is sometimes used broadly to describe other options such as terramation (aka human composting) and aquamation (aka water cremation) . When discussing eco-friendly options that do not involve burying a body, “Green Funerals” or “Green Death Care” are more accurate terms. What is Natural Burial Natural burial is the practice of allowing the body to decompose naturally in the earth. With minimal intervention, the body’s nutrients return to the earth through the work of naturally occurring decomposition. Though practices vary by cemetery, you’ll generally see natural and green burial outlined as: Avoiding conventional embalming or toxic preservation fluids. Forgoing vaults or concrete liners. Using caskets or shrouds made of renewable, natural, & biodegradable materials. Choosing simple natural markers that complement the landscape. The surrounding landscape may look different from a conventional cemetery, too. In some natural burial grounds, native grasses, wildflowers, and trees take the place of meticulously manicured lawns. A natural burial can take place in: An uncertified natural burial ground or cemetery. A Green Burial Council-certified cemetery. A hybrid cemetery- a conventional cemetery that allows natural burial in dedicated sections. Private property burial may also be an option in some locations, depending on state and local requirements. In California, in limited rural areas, a small private or family cemetery can be established through strict licensing and approvals. You can learn more about establishing a private cemetery here. Is Green Burial Different from Natural Burial? In most cases, no. Both terms describe a full-body burial that allows for natural decomposition in the earth. The use of the term “natural” emphasizes the process of returning to the earth with limited intervention, while “green” emphasizes environmental considerations. The priorities go hand in hand: simpler burial materials and fewer interventions allow for a more eco-friendly and direct return to the earth. The key distinction here is the word burial. Aquamation, Cremation, and Terramation are not forms of burial, but dispositions that reduce the body with an alkaline solution, fire, or natural decomposition. They transform the body in a controlled environment before returning the resulting remains to the earth. Cremation and aquamation produce remains from bones, commonly called “ashes”, while terramation produces “soil” or compost (you’ll also hear the term reduced remains- we cover this in this post about terramation terminology here ). Families may choose to bury or scatter these remains, but this is a separate step. With natural and green burial, the body’s transformation takes place within the earth. Green Burial and Green Death Care You’ll see that “green burial” is occasionally used interchangeably with “green death care”. However, green death care is an umbrella term for environmentally conscious funeral options, and green and natural burial fall underneath this umbrella. Aquamation and terramation are separate processes that can also fall within green death care. Think of green death care as a broad spectrum- caring for someone after death while considering the resources used, materials left behind, and the impact on the environment. Green death care can encompass both disposition choices and individual practices, including: Natural or green burial. Aquamation (water cremation). Terramation (human composting). Full-body burial at sea using appropriate biodegradable materials. Choosing simpler, biodegradable funeral products. Avoiding conventional embalming or choosing less toxic body-care options when preparation is desired. Reducing the environmental impact of conventional services through changes in materials, transportation, or energy use. Supporting carbon-offset projects. What Does Green Burial Certification Mean? The Green Burial Council has different certification standards for cemeteries, funeral homes and products. Certification provides a framework for evaluating specific practices and helping families understand what a provider offers. For cemetery certification, cemeteries undergo an evaluation and are scored based on outlined criteria. It is important to note that the Green Burial Council does not conduct compliance checks after initial certification. Certification can help families find providers and compare their practices. However, Green Burial Council certification is voluntary and not required to arrange a natural burial. An uncertified cemetery may still allow a burial that follows natural burial practices. See a beautiful example of a Los Angeles’ family’s experience of natural burial here . LifeSource had the honor of guiding this family in preparing a natural burial for their loved one, Maria. LifeSource had the honor of guiding this family in preparing a natural burial for their loved one, Maria. Her wishes were inspired by the simplicity of Jewish burial traditions and the meaning she found in returning directly to the earth. Her story illustrates how natural burial can reflect both personal beliefs and a connection to nature.  Considering Green or Natural Burial in Southern California? Whether you are planning ahead or caring for someone who has died, LifeSource can help you explore a return to the earth that reflects your values. Our team can explain natural burial arrangements, discuss available cemetery options, and help you understand each step. Exploring other paths? LifeSource offers the following dispositions: Terramation Aquamation Flame Cremation Burial at Sea Natural Burial (covered here)