Pre-Need vs At-Need Monuments What’s the Difference?

Choosing a monument is a meaningful part of honoring a life. Some families make these decisions in advance, while others do so after a loved one has passed. The terms pre-need and at-need refer to the timing of when the monument is planned and purchased.

Understanding the difference can help you or your family make choices with greater peace of mind and less pressure. At McCall Monument, we support families across Iowa with both approaches, always with care and respect.

1. What Is a Pre-Need Monument?

A pre-need monument is selected and designed in advance, often as part of overall pre-planning for final arrangements. This can be done by an individual who wants to ease the burden on loved ones, or by a couple or family preparing together.

Choosing a monument ahead of time allows for more thoughtful decisions, flexible budgeting, and personalization. It also ensures your wishes are clearly understood and followed.

Many families find comfort in knowing everything is prepared, allowing loved ones to focus on remembrance rather than logistics during a time of grief.

2. What Is an At-Need Monument?

An at-need monument is chosen shortly after a person passes away. In these situations, families are often making decisions under emotional stress and time constraints. The monument becomes part of the arrangements that need to be addressed along with services and burial.

Even though the timeline is shorter, at-need monuments can still be beautifully personalized. At McCall Monument, we guide families through the process gently, helping with design choices, cemetery requirements, and installation timing.

3. Key Differences Between Pre-Need and At-Need

Here are some of the main differences between the two:

• Timing: Pre-need is planned ahead of time. At-need is arranged after a death.

• Decision making: Pre-need allows for personal input and careful planning. At-need is often handled by surviving family members.

• Budgeting: Pre-need may offer more financial flexibility or the ability to lock in prices in advance.

• Emotional state: Pre-need planning happens in a calmer setting. At-need decisions are often made during a time of grief.

Both options can result in a meaningful and lasting tribute. The best choice depends on your family’s preferences and situation.

4. Can a Pre-Need Monument Be Installed Right Away?

Yes. In most cases, a pre-need monument can be installed as soon as the cemetery allows. Some families choose to install the monument immediately, while others prefer to wait until a final date can be added.

Our team helps you coordinate with your chosen cemetery and ensures the monument meets all placement guidelines.

5. How McCall Monument Can Help

We understand the emotional and practical sides of both pre-need and at-need monument planning. Whether you are thinking ahead or facing a recent loss, our role is to listen, guide, and support.

With decades of experience serving families across Iowa, we bring professionalism, care, and craftsmanship to every monument we create.

Thoughtful Planning Brings Peace

There is no right or wrong time to choose a monument. What matters most is that it reflects the person’s life and brings comfort to those who remember them. If you would like to explore your options or begin planning ahead, we are here to help.

Reach out to McCall Monument to speak with one of our caring advisors and take the next step in creating a lasting tribute.