At Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, we’ve had the honor of serving families in Rochester, New York for decades. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands navigate the difficult journey of losing a loved one, and one thing we’ve learned is that pre-planning a funeral is one of the most compassionate and thoughtful gifts you can leave for your family. We know the idea of pre-planning can feel overwhelming, even uncomfortable at first. But we’re here to guide you every step of the way, offering insight, support, and clarity. In this article, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about pre-planning a funeral service, drawing from our years of experience in caring for Rochester families.
Why Families Choose to Pre-Plan
When we talk about pre-planning a funeral, we’re referring to the process of making funeral arrangements in advance before the need arises. This might include choosing burial or cremation, selecting a casket or urn, outlining the service details, and even paying in advance, if desired. Pre-planning doesn’t mean locking into a rigid structure. It’s actually about giving you and your family flexibility and peace of mind. It’s a roadmap, not a rulebook. \
Families come to us to pre-plan for many reasons. Some want to relieve their loved ones from making stressful decisions during a time of grief. Others want to ensure that their personal values, beliefs, and wishes are honored. For many, pre-planning is simply a way to feel prepared and in control.
No matter the reason, the result is often greater peace of mind for everyone involved. When the time eventually comes, your family won’t have to guess what you would have wanted. You’ll have already taken care of it.
The Benefits of Pre-Planning
It may surprise you to hear that many people find pre-planning a healing experience. It gives us a chance to reflect on our lives, our legacies, and how we want to be remembered. It also opens the door to meaningful conversations with family about values, spirituality, and traditions. When families walk out of our Rochester funeral home after pre-planning, they often express a deep sense of relief. It’s as if a weight has been lifted and we consider it a privilege to be part of that experience.
Another powerful benefit of pre-planning is the opportunity to lock in today’s prices. Funeral costs, like everything else, tend to rise over time. By paying in advance or setting up a payment plan, you protect your family from unexpected financial burdens later on.
At Bartolomeo & Perotto, we offer flexible pre-payment options through trusted providers that ensure your funds are safely held and protected. You can pay in full, make monthly payments, or simply document your wishes without pre-paying. It’s about whatever fits your situation best.
What Can Be Planned in Advance?
When we meet with families to pre-plan, we walk through every aspect of a funeral or memorial service, from the practical to the personal. Some of the key decisions you can make in advance include burial or cremation, casket or urn selection, and religious or spiritual preference. Other important decisions are location of service and your final resting place. Some lesser known options are things such as obituary content, music, readings, and officiants or speakers.
You can plan as much or as little as you’d like. Some families provide full details, while others outline just the basics. Either approach is perfectly okay.
Involving Your Family in the Process
Pre-planning is deeply personal, but it’s also something we encourage you to share with your family. Bringing your loved ones into the conversation ensures everyone is on the same page. It can even spark important discussions about family traditions, cultural preferences, and emotional needs.
We’ve seen firsthand how open dialogue during the pre-planning stage leads to greater unity and comfort when the time comes. It helps avoid confusion, conflict, or second-guessing later on. And, your plans can absolutely change. Pre-planning is meant to provide guidance, not to lock you into something you might want to revise later.
At Bartolomeo & Perotto, we make it easy to update your plans as life evolves. Perhaps your family sparked new ideas. Maybe your preferences change. Maybe you move. Whatever the reason, your pre-arrangements can be revised to reflect your new wishes.
Dispelling the Myths About Funeral Pre-Planning
Over the years, we’ve heard a lot of myths about funeral pre-planning. Some people worry it’s morbid, or that they’re tempting fate by talking about death. Others assume it’s only for older adults or those with terminal illness.
The truth? Pre-planning is for everyone, regardless of age or health. It’s not about fear, it’s about love, legacy, and responsible planning. We help people in their 30s, 40s, and beyond take these steps all the time.
Funeral pre-planning also complements your broader estate planning efforts. Alongside your will, healthcare proxy, and financial directives, pre-planned funeral arrangements help complete the picture. When everything is documented, your family will know exactly where to turn, what to do, and how to carry out your wishes. It removes ambiguity and reduces stress during an already emotional time.
Recent data from Choice Mutual shows that in 2025, 56% of Americans say their family is aware of their burial or funeral plans, yet 27% still have not shared their wishes. This highlights how pre-planning paired with family communication can significantly ease the process for everyone involved. That’s exactly the kind of clarity and compassion we aim to foster at Bartolomeo & Perotto.
Special Options
If you or a loved one is a veteran, pre-planning is an excellent way to ensure that your military honors are properly recognized. Many veterans and their families are eligible for burial benefits through the VA, including cemetery plots, headstones, and ceremonial services. We have decades of experience working with veterans and their families, and we’re proud to guide you through the steps to receive every honor you’ve earned.
Many families today are interested in green burial or environmentally conscious options, and we’re proud to support those values too. From biodegradable urns to natural burial grounds, there are several ways to plan a funeral that reflects a commitment to sustainability. Pre-planning gives you the chance to learn more about these options and make informed decisions that align with your principles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Planning
People often wonder if there is a cost to pre-planning, and the answer is no, there is no cost to simply sit down and create a pre-plan. You only pay if you choose to pre-fund your arrangements. Another common question is, do I have to make all the decisions now? Not at all. You can start with the basics and revisit the rest later. Pre-planning is flexible.
Others wonder if they can pre-plan online. Yes, we offer a secure and simple way to start pre-planning online through our website. Or, we can walk you through it by phone or in person.
Finally, what if I move out of Rochester? Believe it or not, but your plans can travel with you. We work with funeral homes across the country and can transfer arrangements if needed.
We know you have choices when it comes to funeral homes in Rochester. What sets us apart is our deep roots in the community, our multi-generational experience, and our compassionate, personalized approach. We don’t just plan funerals, we care for people. We listen, we guide, and we treat every family as if they were our own. That’s the foundation Bartolomeo & Perotto was built on, and it’s what continues to guide us every day.
Taking the First Step
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already taking the first step toward a thoughtful, caring decision for your family. Pre-planning isn’t about anticipating the end, it’s about planning for peace, for yourself and those you love. We invite you to reach out to us at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home. We’ll answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and walk with you at your own pace.
Whether you’re just beginning to think about pre-planning or ready to get started, we’re here to help. To learn more or begin your pre-planning journey, give us a call or visit us at our Rochester location. You can also start the process online through our website, whenever you’re ready.