Although thinking about your own funeral might not be easy, it’s becoming increasingly important – and can make things easier for your loved ones when you die. Recording your funeral wishes ensures that your family and friends aren’t left making difficult decisions while grieving. With emotions high, making funeral decisions without direction can cause unwanted conflict, stress and upset. However, by recording your funeral wishes, you bring clarity while ensuring your final farewell is a true reflection of the life you lived.
Here, we explore in more detail why you should record your funeral wishes.
It relieves the burden for loved ones
If a person dies without recording their funeral wishes, then the responsibility of arranging the funeral tends to fall on close family members and loved ones. If a death is straightforward, then the funeral will probably take place within weeks, which means people are often forced to make quick decisions. This can be an overwhelming time and, as mentioned, can lead to disagreements between family members who might have different opinions on what their loved one would have wanted.
By recording your funeral wishes, you are eliminating any guesswork and preventing potential conflict.
Ensuring that your funeral wishes are met
Every funeral or celebration of life should be a true reflection of the person who has died. From cultural traditions to religious beliefs, everyone will have their own personal preference. By documenting your funeral wishes, you guarantee that these preferences are honoured.
This might include whether you wish to be cremated or buried, if you’d like specific songs or readings included in the service and your flower requests, for example. All of these details might seem small, but they all matter, and writing them down will ensure your personality is reflected.
Financial planning
Funerals can cost a lot of money, and without a plan in place, your loved ones might end up spending more than necessary. By recording your funeral wishes, your loved ones can plan better – and you might even choose to contribute financially yourself.
By recording your funeral wishes and allowing you or your loved ones to financially plan it can relieve a huge monetary burden that often comes with planning a funeral.
Peace of mind
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits to recording your funeral wishes is the peace of mind you get from doing so – and the peace of mind it can bring your loved ones. Knowing that everything is in place can allow you to live, reassured that your legacy and wishes will be honoured.
Record your funeral wishes and plan ahead
Easily record your wishes with help from our sister company, Fiesta Farewell. Offering you a one-stop online planning service that makes pre-planning your funeral or celebration of life simple and stress-free.
In addition to recording your funeral wishes, you should also consider your Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) and make sure you have a will written. Having a will and a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is essential for protecting both your future and your loved ones.
A will ensures that your money, property and belongings are distributed according to your wishes after you die. It also allows you to appoint guardians for your children if necessary. An LPA, on the other hand, lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions about your finances, health, or care if you cannot do so yourself due to illness or injury.
Together, these documents – along with a funeral plan – will give you peace of mind and ensure your wishes are met. For more information on putting your funeral wish list together, creating an LPA, writing a will or to speak to a probate expert, contact Julie Hughes at Hughes Probate Services.
