Planning your own funeral: guide

Introduction

Making plans for your funeral can take the pressure off family and friends after you die.

Those arranging a funeral for a family member or friend often have little idea of what kind of funeral the person wanted. This can cause stress, anxiety and arguments as people do their best to work out what the person would have chosen.

It can also mean the person arranging the funeral ends up spending money they don't have trying to give their family member or friend a good send off. This can lead to debts which can be hard to manage, and make grieving more difficult.

Planning ahead for your own funeral can help to keep costs down and give family and friends peace of mind that they are following your wishes.

This leaflet explores some of the choices you can make, and offers a chance to record your wishes.

You can record your choices in the table at the end of this leaflet (an online version is also available). You can share your funeral plan with family and friends either via this leaflet or by email. You may want to store a copy of the table with your other important papers.