Funeral Planning: Your Wishes, Your Way

Overview

Planning your funeral in advance is not a morbid task. It is one of the most practical and loving things you can do for the people you care about. When someone dies, their family must make dozens of decisions quickly, often while in shock and grief. Having your wishes recorded clearly means your family can focus on supporting each other rather than guessing what you would have wanted.

Key Facts

• ✓The average cost of a funeral in the UK is now over 4,000 pounds.
• ✓You can pre-pay for your funeral through a funeral plan, locking in today's prices.
• ✓Your wishes recorded in a will may not be read until after the funeral.
• ✓Families have the legal right to choose a funeral director and make arrangements.
• ✓You can choose burial, cremation, or a natural burial.
• ✓You can specify music, readings, flowers, and other personal touches.
• ✓Organ donation wishes should be registered on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
• ✓A funeral director can help with all the practical arrangements.

Step by Step

1. 1

   Decide on burial or cremation

   The first and most fundamental decision is whether you want to be buried or cremated. You might also consider a natural or woodland burial, which is becoming increasingly popular. Record your preference clearly and tell your family. This is one decision they will need to make quickly.

2. 2

   Think about the type of service you would like

   Consider whether you want a religious or non-religious service, a traditional funeral or a celebration of life, a large gathering or a small, private occasion. Think about where you would like the service to be held and whether you have any preferences about the venue.

3. 3

   Record your personal wishes

   Think about the music you would like, any readings or poems, flowers, charitable donations in lieu of flowers, and any other personal touches that reflect your life and personality. These details make a significant difference to the people attending and help create a meaningful farewell.

4. 4

   Consider a pre-paid funeral plan

   A pre-paid funeral plan lets you pay for your funeral at today's prices, protecting your family from future cost increases. Make sure you choose a plan from a provider regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Read the terms carefully to understand what is and is not included.

5. 5

   Register your organ donation wishes

   In England, Wales, and Scotland, the law has changed to an opt-out system for organ donation. However, registering your wishes on the NHS Organ Donor Register ensures your family knows your decision and can support it. You can also specify which organs you are willing to donate.

6. 6

   Record everything in your vault and tell your family

   Write down all your wishes and store them in your vault. Tell your family and your Trusted Person where to find them. Do not keep your wishes only in your will, as the will may not be read until after the funeral. A separate wishes document, stored somewhere accessible, is the most practical approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include my funeral wishes in my will?

You can include your wishes in your will, but this is not ideal as the will may not be read until after the funeral has taken place. It is better to record your wishes in a separate document and tell your family and Trusted Person where to find it. You can also store it in Legacy Vault Kit.

What is a pre-paid funeral plan?

A pre-paid funeral plan lets you pay for your funeral in advance at today's prices. This protects your family from future cost increases and means the financial arrangements are already in place. Since July 2022, all funeral plan providers must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Always check that any plan you consider is FCA-regulated.

What is a natural or woodland burial?

A natural burial involves being buried in a woodland or meadow setting, often without a traditional coffin, to minimise environmental impact. The grave may be marked with a tree or a simple marker. Natural burials are becoming increasingly popular and are often less expensive than a traditional burial.

What happens if I have not recorded my wishes?

If you have not recorded your wishes, your family will need to make all the decisions themselves. They will do their best, but they may not know your preferences. This can cause stress, disagreement, and regret. Recording your wishes, however briefly, makes a significant difference.

How do I register as an organ donor?

You can register your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register at organdonation.nhs.uk. In England, Wales, and Scotland, the law has moved to an opt-out system, meaning adults are assumed to consent unless they have opted out. However, registering your wishes ensures your family knows your decision.

What is the difference between a funeral director and a funeral planner?

A funeral director is a professional who arranges and conducts funerals. They handle all the practical aspects, from collecting the body to organising the service. A funeral planner is someone who helps you plan your funeral in advance, often as part of a pre-paid funeral plan. Many funeral directors also offer pre-planning services.

Official Resources

These links go directly to official government and trusted organisation websites.

• NHS Organ Donor Register

  Register your organ donation decision

  NHS
• Financial Conduct Authority funeral plan regulation

  Check if a funeral plan provider is FCA-regulated

  FCA
• GOV.UK funeral arrangements

  Official guidance on arranging a funeral

  GOV.UK
• Natural Death Centre

  Information on natural and woodland burials

  Natural Death Centre
• Citizens Advice funeral costs

  Guidance on funeral costs and financial help available

  Citizens Advice