Pre-Planning a Funeral for Baby Boomers

May 10, 2016

The baby boomer generation of the 50’s and 60’s is a generation that knows what they want – from organization to planning, hospitality, and comfort. Whatever they could challenge, they did. The “boomer effect” has rocked this country in the best way possible, and now it is being felt in their openness to pre-planning their funerals.

Standard funeral services are making way for more custom memorial experiences, with 80% of funerals today being designed as a healing experience for surviving family and friends.

Tharp Funeral Home gives individuals the ability to personally design their own funeral through a pre-planning guide.

The most popular trends for boomer funerals include slide shows, video tributes, and displaying personal memorabilia such as musical instruments or sports equipment. Whatever inspires them – it can be featured as a vibrant element at their memorial.

Pre-planning is a Gift

If possible, all decisions regarding the memorial should be made in advance of passing. This can be a gift to loved ones so they aren’t under as much pressure when the time comes. Ironing out the details ahead of time will help the family to stay on budget and lessen the chance of disputes over the details and shared costs and expenses of the service. In fact, preplanning can save the family up to 30% off the standard rates.




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Disposition of the Body

For the real disposition of the body, many boomers prefer cremation to burial or internment. They often choose to have their ashes spread over a favorite or exotic location as opposed to preserved in an urn. After dispersal, the urn can then be turned into jewelry or some other unique keepsake.

‘Green burials’ are also gaining popularity with baby boomers. There are plenty of green options such as no-embalming methods, eco-friendly cemeteries, underwater reef memorials, and even shrouds and caskets that are made out of eco-friendly materials.

Baby Boomers Want to Make Their Own Choices

Whether they want a cocktail party, country club, lake home, or back yard funeral, baby boomers want choices and they want control. To best accommodate their wishes, it’s vital to provide a pre-planning funeral guide. This will empower them to fully customize their funeral services to match their specific desires. Furthermore, experienced funeral service providers are invaluable for support and resolving challenges that may arise. By taking these steps, the deceased will get the exact service that they desire while friends, family, and loved ones will enjoy a flawless celebration of their dearly departed.

To pre-plan your funeral now, go to our Pre-Planning Guide.

Forward this article to your loved one today!

March 31, 2026
Planning ahead isn’t always something we naturally gravitate toward—especially when it comes to end-of-life decisions. It’s easy to put off, to say “someday,” or to assume there will always be more time. But preplanning your funeral or cremation arrangements is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can leave behind for the people you love. What Is Preplanning? Preplanning is simply the process of making your final wishes known ahead of time. This can include decisions about burial or cremation, the type of service you’d like, music, readings, and even the small personal touches that reflect your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, even a simple plan written down can provide clarity and comfort when it’s needed most. Why More Families Are Choosing to Plan Ahead 1. It Relieves Emotional Burden When a loved one passes, families are often faced with dozens of decisions in a very short time, many of them while navigating deep grief. By preplanning, you remove that weight. Your family won’t have to wonder what you would have wanted, they’ll already know. 2. It Protects Your Family Financially Funeral costs can add up quickly depending on services selected. Preplanning gives you the opportunity to guarantee certain services and merchandise, avoid future inflation, and prevent overspending during emotional decision-making. 3. It Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored Every life is unique and every service should reflect that. When you plan ahead, you can choose burial or cremation, select meaningful music or readings, and include personal touches that tell your story. 4. It Gives You Time and Control Planning in advance allows you to make decisions thoughtfully and without pressure. There’s no urgency. No rushed decisions. Just clarity and confidence. 5. It Brings Peace of Mind Knowing everything is taken care of allows you to focus on what matters most: living fully and spending time with loved ones. Preplanning Doesn’t Have to Mean Prepaying You have options: document your wishes, set aside funds gradually, or explore pre-need plans or insurance options. Families are guided through these choices with no pressure—just support and information. A Simple Step Today Can Make All the Difference Tomorrow Preplanning is about easing the path for those you love. It gives them space to grieve, remember, and heal—without added stress. Ready to Learn More? Click here to get started. Whether you’re ready to start a plan or simply have questions, speaking with a preplanning specialist can help you explore your options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting. Because the greatest gift you can leave behind isn’t just memories—it’s peace of mind.
By Missy Hardenburg February 9, 2026
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