Planning ahead for your final arrangements can feel unfamiliar and emotionally challenging. Many individuals and families are unsure where to begin or worry about making the wrong decision. At Woodlawn Memorial Park in Guelph, our pre-planning sessions are designed to provide clarity, comfort, and support, so you can move forward with peace of mind.
Understanding the Purpose of a Pre-Planning Session
A pre-planning session is a thoughtful and informative meeting where we take the time to understand your preferences, answer your questions, and outline the available options. It is an opportunity to become informed in a calm and private setting. Whether you are planning for yourself or a loved one, this session offers the space to explore meaningful decisions at your own pace.
1. Discussing Your Burial or Cremation Preferences
At the beginning of the session, we will ask a few simple questions to understand your intentions and wishes better.
We may ask:
- Are you considering cremation or casket burial?
- Are you planning for yourself, your partner, or multiple family members?
- Is there a family member already laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park?
These questions allow us to guide the conversation respectfully and appropriately, based on your specific needs.
2. Exploring Resting Place Options
Once we understand your preferences, we will review the types of memorial spaces available throughout the cemetery. Each section has its character and design.
We will help you understand the difference between:
- Flat marker areas, which offer a low-profile, uniform appearance
- Upright monument areas, which provide a more traditional and personalized tribute
- Scattering gardens, for those choosing cremation and wishing for a natural return to the earth
- In-ground plots, available for both urns and caskets
- Columbarium niches, above-ground spaces for cremated remains
- Green burial is an option for those seeking an environmentally conscious approach with biodegradable materials and minimal disturbance to the land
You can share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply listen and reflect. You are not expected to make any decisions or purchase anything.
3. Touring the Cemetery Grounds
If you feel comfortable, we will offer you a guided cemetery tour. Many people find that seeing the grounds in person helps them better understand what feels right for their future place of rest.
During the tour, you can:
- View various sections of the cemetery
- Compare flat marker and upright monument areas
- Explore the scattering gardens or niche walls
- Ask questions about the layout, environment, or future expansion
The goal is to give you the information and perspective to make a thoughtful decision when the time is right.
4. Reviewing the General Price List
Transparency and clarity are essential. We will walk you through a complete price list and explain each section so you can understand how various options align with your needs and preferences.
We will cover:
- Prices for plots, niches, and memorial options
- Fees for interment, memorial installations, and other services
- Available payment plans or pre-payment options
This part of the session is handled with care and professionalism, ensuring you leave with the information needed to make informed decisions.
5. Providing a Personalized Information Package
After our conversation and tour, we will prepare a personalized package for you to take home. This allows you and your family to review everything at your own pace. The package includes a summary of the options discussed, a current price list, maps of the cemetery, and a copy of our cemetery bylaws.
There is no expectation or obligation to move forward immediately. We are here whenever you are ready.
6. Planning for Individuals or Families
Another important part of the conversation involves understanding whether you are planning for just yourself or multiple family members.
We may discuss:
- Side-by-side burial or niche spaces for couples
- Family lots for multi-generational arrangements
- The option to combine cremation and casket burial within the same area
This step allows for future planning and helps ensure loved ones remain together, if that is important to you.
The Second Meeting: Finalizing Your Choices
Pre-planning is typically completed over two visits. After your first session and time to review the package, we will invite you back to finalize your decisions.
In the second meeting, we will:
- Confirm your chosen arrangements
- Walk to the exact location being selected
- Assign the lot or niche
- Complete the paperwork and formalize your plans
This second session ensures you feel confident, supported, and fully informed before anything is finalized. If you require more than two visits, we would be happy to meet with you multiple times until you feel confident and comfortable in your final decision.
A Thoughtful Next Step
Pre-planning is a quiet, generous act that spares your loved ones from future uncertainty and allows your wishes to be known and respected.
If you want to learn more about what to expect, we invite you to schedule a pre-planning session at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Guelph. It would be our honour to walk with you through this important process.
