Planning Your Funeral in Advance? | Expert Tips from Celebrants

Why is it good to think about my funeral before it happens?

Thinking about your funeral ahead of time can be helpful. It can make things easier for your family. They won't have to make quick decisions during a sad time.

Planning helps you decide what you want. You can choose how you want to be remembered.

It can save money, too. When you plan, you can make sure to stick to a budget.

Try using a notebook or talking to someone who knows about funerals for help.

What should I put in a funeral plan?

How can I plan my funeral in the UK?

Planning a funeral can seem hard, but you can do it step by step. Here is a simple way to start:

• Think about your wishes: Write down what you want for your funeral. Do you want a big event or a small one? Where do you want it to be?
• Talk to family and friends: Let them know your plans. They can help and support you.
• Choose a funeral director: A funeral director is a person who helps plan funerals. They can make everything easier for you.
• Set a budget: Decide how much money you want to spend. Funerals can cost different amounts, so it's good to plan ahead.
• Consider a funeral plan: A funeral plan is a way to pay for your funeral early. This can help your family later on.

If you need extra help, you can:

• Ask someone to explain things to you.
• Use pictures or drawings to help understand.
• Look for simple guides or videos online.

What is a prepaid funeral plan?

A prepaid funeral plan is a way to pay for a funeral before it happens. You pay money now to cover the cost of the funeral in the future. It helps your family when you die because they don't have to worry about paying for the funeral.

To understand more, you can:

• Ask someone you trust to explain it to you.
• Use pictures or videos to help you learn.
• Talk to a funeral director for information.

Is it good to plan my funeral before I die?

Should I ask my family to help plan my funeral?

Funerals can be important. It's okay to ask your family to help. They can tell you what they think and what they want. This can make everyone feel better because they all know the plan.

Here are some tips to help:

• Talk to your family. Tell them what you want.
• Listen to what they have to say.
• Write down the plan together so everyone remembers.
• Use picture cards or a chart to help understand the plan.

Talking with your family can make the plan easier and help everyone feel good.

Can I change my funeral plans after I make them?

Yes, you can change your funeral plans after you make them. If you need help, you can talk to someone who works there. They can help you make new plans. It's a good idea to ask a family member or friend to help you too.

What do I do if I paid for a funeral, but the company closes?

If you have paid for a funeral, but the funeral company shuts down, here are some steps you can take:

• Check your documents: Look for any papers or contracts you have from the company.
• Contact the company: Try calling or emailing them to see if there is more information.
• Contact local authorities: Get in touch with your local government office to ask for help. They might know what to do.
• Use support services: You can ask a friend or family member for help. There are also community services that support people in these situations.

Remember, you are not alone. There are people and tools that can help you find a solution.

How can I make sure people do what I want for my funeral?

It's important to tell people what you want for your funeral. Here are some steps you can take:

• Write your wishes down. You can ask an adult to help you.
• Talk to your family and friends about what you want.
• You can also make a plan with a funeral director. They are people who help with funerals.
• Keep your written wishes in a safe place. Tell people where to find them.

If you need help writing down your wishes, you can use tools like speech-to-text on a computer. This lets you say what you want, and the computer will write it for you. Ask someone you trust to help if you get stuck.

Can I have a funeral that is good for the Earth?

What does a celebrant do at a funeral?

A celebrant is a person who helps lead a funeral. They tell stories about the person who died and help everyone remember them. The celebrant might also say prayers or read poems.

If you find reading hard, you can ask someone to read with you. You can also use audiobooks or apps that read out loud.

Can I plan a funeral without paying now?

Yes, you can plan a funeral without paying right away. This means you can decide what you want for the service ahead of time.

Here are some things to do:

• Write down your wishes for the service.
• Talk to a funeral home to learn your choices.
• Tell a family member or friend about your plans.

If planning feels hard, ask someone you trust to help. They can go with you to talk to the funeral home.

What are the good things about having a special funeral just for someone?

How much does a funeral cost in the UK?

Funerals can cost different amounts of money. Here is what you should expect:

• On average, a funeral costs about £4,000 to £5,000.
• Some funerals might be cheaper, around £1,500.
• Other funerals can be more expensive, over £6,000.

Costs can change based on:

• The type of funeral you want (simple or a big ceremony).
• Where in the UK the funeral takes place.
• Extra things you might want, like flowers or a special coffin.

Here are some tools and tips to help:

• Ask funeral directors for a list of prices.
• Compare prices from different places.
• Talk to family and friends for support and advice.

What if my family does not like my funeral plan?

If your family does not agree with your plan, try talking to them. Explain why it is important to you.

You can ask someone to help you talk with your family. A friend or a helper might be a good choice.

It is a good idea to write down your plan. Having it on paper can make things clearer.

If needed, you can talk to a counsellor or a funeral planner. They can give you advice.