Plan Ahead. Protect Your Family.
Find Peace of Mind.
Our compassionate concierge services guide you through every step of pre-need planning — so your loved ones never have to navigate it alone.
What Is Pre-Need Planning?
Pre-need planning is the thoughtful, intentional process of making your final arrangements before they're needed. It's a gift of love — an act that says, "I care enough about my family to make sure they're never burdened with difficult decisions during their most vulnerable moments."
When you plan ahead, you take control of how you'll be remembered. You choose the details that matter to you — from the type of service you envision to the music that reflects your life. And most importantly, you spare your loved ones from guessing what you would have wanted.
Whether you're just beginning to think about it or you're ready to put a plan in place, pre-need planning gives you something truly priceless: peace of mind — for you and for those you love.
Protect Your Wishes
Ensure your personal preferences, values, and final wishes are documented and honored — exactly as you envision them.
Relieve Family Burden
Remove the weight of decision-making from your family's shoulders during an already emotional and difficult time.
Plan at Your Own Pace
There's no rush and no pressure. Take the time you need to make thoughtful, informed decisions with our guidance.
Understanding Our Concierge Role vs. a Funeral Home Pre-Need Contract
Vawters Funeral Home Concierge Services
What We Do
- Independent guidance and advocacy — we work for you, not for any funeral home
- Help you research, compare, and select a funeral home that fits your wishes and budget
- Organize and prepare all your pre-need documents, wishes, and preferences
- Coordinate and communicate your plan with chosen funeral home(s) and family members
- Annual plan reviews and updates to reflect life changes
- Bereavement support and family communication assistance
- Administrative support throughout the entire process
- We do NOT hold or guarantee funds — we are a planning and coordination service
Funeral Home Pre-Need Contract
What They Do
- Offered directly by a licensed funeral home
- Locks in current pricing for specific funeral goods and services
- Funds are held in trust or insurance policy per Michigan state law
- Guaranteed by the specific funeral home
- May be transferable (varies by provider)
- Does not typically include independent advocacy or coordination services
We strongly encourage clients to establish a pre-need contract with their chosen funeral home. Our role is to ensure you have the guidance, documentation, and support to make that process smooth and meaningful.
Our Services
Comprehensive, compassionate support at every stage of your pre-need planning journey.
Pre-Need Planning Support
We walk alongside you through the entire pre-need planning journey. From clarifying your wishes to selecting the right funeral home, we provide compassionate, expert guidance every step of the way. No question is too small, and no detail is too personal — we're here for all of it.
Document Preparation & Organization
We help you gather, complete, and organize all essential pre-need documents — including personal information forms, obituary drafts, vital statistics records, and wishes statements. Everything is compiled into a clear, accessible binder or digital file your family can rely on.
Funeral Home Coordination
We serve as your liaison with your chosen funeral home, ensuring your wishes are clearly communicated and properly documented. We attend meetings with you, review contracts on your behalf, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Administrative Assistance
From tracking down vital documents to following up on paperwork, we handle the administrative tasks that can feel overwhelming during an already emotional time. We keep your plan organized, current, and easy to access.
Annual Plan Reviews & Updates
Life changes — and your plan should too. We schedule annual check-ins to review and update your pre-need plan, ensuring it continues to reflect your current wishes, family situation, and financial considerations.
Family Communication & Bereavement Support
We help you communicate your plan to the people who matter most. When the time comes, we provide bereavement support and guidance to your family, making sure they know exactly what to do and who to call — so they can focus on grieving and healing.
Service Packages
Transparent, flexible pricing designed to meet you where you are.
Essential
For individuals who need foundational planning support
[Contact for Pricing]
- Initial consultation (60 min)
- Pre-need wishes document preparation
- Personal information & vital statistics compilation
- Referral to our trusted obituary writing vendors
- Resource & funeral home referral list
Comprehensive
For families who want full-service guidance and coordination
[Contact for Pricing]
- Everything in Essential
- Funeral home coordination & meeting attendance
- Pre-need contract review assistance
- Family communication plan
- Complete document binder (physical & digital)
- One annual plan review
Concierge Care
Ongoing support for evolving needs and peace of mind
[Contact for Pricing]
- Everything in Comprehensive
- Annual plan reviews (ongoing)
- Priority response & dedicated support
- Bereavement coordination assistance
- Family liaison services at time of need
- Document update service (as needed)
* Pricing is customized to your unique needs. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Flexible Payment Options
Because Planning Shouldn't Be a Financial Burden
We believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, professional pre-need planning support. That's why we offer flexible payment options through trusted platforms, so you can begin your planning journey today without financial stress.
Pay Later with Square
Split your investment into manageable installments through Square's secure payment platform. No hidden fees, straightforward terms.
Learn MorePay Later with PayPal
Use PayPal Pay Later to get started now and pay over time. A trusted, widely-used option with flexible terms.
Learn MorePay Later with Stripe
Stripe's secure installment options make it easy to begin your pre-need planning with a payment plan that works for your budget.
Learn MoreDirect Debit / Credit Card
Pay directly and securely using your debit or credit card. A simple, straightforward option with no third-party account required — just enter your card details and you're all set.
Get StartedAll payments are processed securely. We never store your financial information.
Why Families Trust Vawters
Independent & Unbiased
We have no financial ties to any funeral home. Our only loyalty is to you and your family.
Compassionate Expertise
With deep knowledge of Michigan's funeral industry and pre-need landscape, we guide you with both heart and expertise.
Confidential & Respectful
Your personal information and final wishes are handled with the utmost discretion, care, and respect.
What Families Are Saying
Working with Vawters gave us something we didn't expect — relief. They took the time to understand what mattered to our mother and made sure every detail was captured. When the time came, our family didn't have to scramble or argue. We could just be together and grieve. That's a gift.
— Margaret T.
Grosse Pointe, MI
I didn't even know where to start with pre-need planning. Vawters walked me through every step, answered every question with patience, and never once made me feel rushed. I now have a plan I feel good about, and my children know exactly what I want. That peace of mind is priceless.
— Robert & Linda P.
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Ready to Start Planning?
You don't have to figure this out alone. We're here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Serving families throughout Metro Detroit and surrounding communities