Funeral Wishes

When people arranging a funeral know what the person who died wanted, they describe feeling a great sense of relief and consolation at being able to fulfil those wishes.  These wishes do not need to be detailed or complex and simply knowing a preferred flower, music choice or poem is more than enough.

People who know the funeral wishes when they are arranging a funeral say they have a more positive experience and this will help to promote a sense of control and wellbeing.  This is also supported by the findings of a large research project that we recently conducted with academics from University of York.

Some people choose to document their funeral plans and wishes because they know exactly what they would like, or because they would like to give some directions to make the funeral arrangement process easier for their families.  So, if you know what your wishes are then please share them with someone close to you (or write them down).  We have a Funeral Wishes document that you can use to prompt you, if you think that would be helpful.  It is not designed to be completed in full, but for you to just fill in an sections that feel important to you.  Funeral wishes can be completed separate to, or in conjunction with, purchasing a pre-paid funeral plan.  Expressing funeral wishes is a process of writing down (or telling people) what you want, a pre-paid plan involves paying money towards a funeral which will take place in the future.

Everyone is different and sometimes people express their wishes as part of organizing their estate, because they recently attended a funeral or because they know that they have a life-limiting condition.  Regardless of your specific circumstances, we could meet with you to discuss your wishes and help you to share them in a simple funeral wishes document.  There is no charge for this meeting – we understand how important funeral wishes can be and it is a privilege to be able to help.  You might also find our book “Funerals Your Way” a helpful resource.

Not everyone feels confident that they know what their options are, or what they would like.  If that is the case then please get in touch.  We can help over the phone, via Zoom or in person (if practical) and there is absolutely no obligation to use our services thereafter.  We genuinely believe that funeral wishes are really important and are very happy to do anything we can to help.