One of the most meaningful and helpful things you can do for your loved ones is planning your funeral in advance. This process isn’t as daunting as it might sound. Here’s how to do it in six simple steps.

Step #1: Communicate your wishes to your family

Having candid conversations with your family about your end-of-life wishes is something that should be normalised. This way, they can ensure you get a send-off you’d be happy with. You can write these wishes in your will and also write them up in a document which you leave in the care of a trusted friend or family member. 

Step #2: Make decisions about the burial + service

There are several ways that a death can be handled. You need to decide if you want to be buried, cremated or even have your body donated to science. It’s also good to consider becoming an organ donor. You can also decide if you’d like a formal religious or traditional service, a simple, laid-back one or even no service at all.

Step #3: Select a funeral home + other services

Choose a funeral home based on its reputation. If there is a specific religious leader you would like to oversee your eulogies, make a note of this. 21st Century Funerals isn’t just an insurer but a funeral home as well, so you know, at the time of your passing, this aspect of your end-of-life service will be covered, based on your custom plan. 

Step #4: Make personalisations to your ceremony

If you have decided to have a service, you must decide how you would like it to look. Write down if you would like to have flowers and decorations, and what kind. Maybe there are certain songs, pieces of music or poems you would like played or read. Gather any photographs you would like to be used for the ceremony.

Step #5: Consider how everything will be paid for

Relying on your family to have the funds to pay for a funeral is, in most cases, unrealistic. This can also lead them to experience financial difficulties when they are in a state of grief. By purchasing funeral cover with 21st Century Funerals, you can create a customised plan that covers things such as your ceremony, catering, repatriation and decor. 

Step #6: Finalise + share your end-of-life plans

Write up an obituary that contains details such as your date and place of birth, your career, your parents’ names, your spouse’s details and any children. Keep your funeral plans in a safe place and let family know where to find them in the event of your passing. You can also include them in your formal last will and testament.