Whatever Brings You Here,
We're Here to Help.

Whether you need to make arrangements today, expect you'll need our help soon, or are planning for the future, you've come to the right place. We'll meet you where you are and guide you one step at a time.

Planning ahead can mean many things. You may be making decisions for yourself, helping a parent, or preparing because someone’s health has changed.

funeral services raleighSomeone Has Died

Go to Immediate Need information.

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hospice planningSomeone May Need Care Soon.

Learn about planning when a loved one is in hospice care.

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I'm Planning Ahead

(no immediate need)

You're in the right place

Why Plan Ahead?

Planning ahead can give you time to make decisions thoughtfully.

  • Make decisions with time to think. Consider your options without the pressure of an immediate need.
  • Make your wishes known. Leave clear guidance about the choices and details that matter to you.
  • Gather important information. Keep personal, family, and vital information together in one place.
  • Understand your options. Explore burial, cremation, aquamation, green burial, anatomical donation, and service choices.
  • Understand costs ahead of time. Learn what different choices may cost before decisions have to be made
  • Make things easier for family later. Reduce the number of questions someone else may have to answer during a difficult time.

Start With What You Know

The form below is designed to help us get started. Complete as much or as little as you would like. If you do not know an answer, leave it blank. You can always add information later.

Nothing needs to be perfect or final. We will review the information with you, answer questions, and verify the details before anything is used for final arrangements or records.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.

PLANNING AHEAD

Let's gather the information we'll need.

This is preliminary information to help us get started. Complete as much or as little as you'd like. If you don't know an answer, leave it blank and you can add it later. We'll review and verify everything with you before it is used for final arrangements or records.

Has a death occurred? Please call Renaissance at 919-866-1866 first. This worksheet can help gather information, but it does not replace the initial phone call.
Step 1 of 6 Getting Started
1

First, tell us a little about you.

This is the person completing the planning information.

Where are you in the journey?
2

What are you thinking about?

Choose as many as you're considering. You don't need to have made a decision yet.

What are you planning for? (choose all that apply)
Who are you planning for?
3

About the person we're planning for.

These are the basic details a funeral home will eventually need. Leave anything you don't know blank.

4

A few more details.

Some of these questions may feel oddly specific. They're information commonly needed for records later.

Hispanic or Latino?
Has this person served in the U.S. Armed Forces?
5

Who should we work with?

This can be the person filling this out, or someone else who should be our primary contact or informant.

This is just a starting point. If something is missing or uncertain, that's okay. You can add information later, and Renaissance will review and verify the details with you.
A note about privacy: This worksheet does not ask for a Social Security number. Please provide highly sensitive information directly to your funeral director rather than entering it here.
6

Take a look before you finish.

Nothing has to be perfect. You can go back and change anything, or leave unanswered items for later.

What would you like to do with your planning information?

You can send the information directly to Renaissance, print a clean copy, save it as a PDF, or prepare an email copy for yourself.

funeral home raleigh

Questions Families Often Ask About Planning Ahead

Do I have to make every decision now?

No. Planning ahead can be as simple as gathering information and recording a few preferences. You can make more decisions later.

What if I don’t know all of the information on the form?

That’s completely fine. Fill in what you know and leave the rest blank. We can help you add and verify information later.

 

Does filling out the planning form mean I am making a contract?

No. The form is simply a way to gather preliminary information and begin the conversation. It does not obligate you to make arrangements or purchase anything.

Can I complete the form for someone else?

Yes. You may be helping a parent, spouse, partner, or another family member gather information and begin planning.

What areas of Raleigh do you serve?

We regularly serve families throughout North Raleigh, Midtown, Wakefield, Bedford, Falls River, Stonehenge, Brier Creek, Five Points, and neighboring communities.

Can I change my wishes later?

Yes. Plans and preferences can change over time. We encourage people to revisit their information whenever circumstances or wishes change.

Do I need to know whether I want burial or cremation before I begin?

No. You can select that you are unsure, and we can explain burial, cremation, aquamation, green burial, anatomical donation, and other options..

Is preplanning only for older adults or people who are ill?

No. People plan ahead for many reasons. Some want their wishes documented, some want to understand costs, and others simply prefer having important information organized.

We're Here When You're Ready

Whether you need guidance now or are planning ahead, we're here to listen and help you take the next step.