5 Considerations when you plan your funeral

Talking about your own funeral is never easy, but planning ahead means you can make choices that reflect your values and spare your family uncertainty and expense. Below are five practical considerations to help you plan your funeral in England and Wales, with guidance on how to make your wishes known.

Why you should plan ahead

Funerals are personal and can be costly. Research from the Funeral Planning Authority suggests many people over 40 have not discussed their wishes, which can leave relatives making difficult decisions at an emotional time. By thinking about this now, you can give clear guidance to those you leave behind and consider ways to fund the arrangements so they do not face unexpected bills.

Five key considerations when you plan your funeral

1. Are your funeral instructions in your Will?

You can record your funeral wishes in your Will, but be aware that a Will is often read after the funeral and after probate. That means any instructions in the Will might not be seen in time to influence the immediate arrangements. To avoid this, leave a separate written statement with your nominated contact, or tell your executor and next of kin where to find your instructions.

2. How will the funeral be paid for?

There are a few common options: setting aside savings, leaving money in your estate, or taking out a prepaid funeral plan. Each has pros and cons. Savings remain accessible while you are alive, but could form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. A prepaid funeral plan can lock in certain services at today’s prices, providing peace of mind, but check the provider and terms carefully.

If you already have a Will, speak to your solicitor or Will writer about how best to leave funds or instructions. For simple Wills you can also consider an online will if you prefer a quick route to recording your wishes.

3. What type of funeral do you want?

The main choices are burial or cremation, but there are variations within each option. For burial, think about whether you want a specific cemetery, a family plot, or a woodland burial site. For cremation, decide whether your ashes should be interred, scattered, or kept. The law in England and Wales allows ashes to be scattered in most public places with the landowner’s permission. If you are considering a sea scattering, check local guidance and any practical requirements.

4. Where and how should the ceremony take place?

Decide whether you prefer a religious or non-religious service, and think about elements such as music, readings, dress code and whether you want a wake. Small, personal touches - a favourite song or a reading - can mean a lot to your family. Make clear whether you want a celebrant, a clergy-led service, or a simple graveside or crematorium ceremony.

5. Practical and legal steps to set out now

• Tell someone. Inform the person you trust about your wishes and where to find any written instructions.
• Consider a Lasting Power of Attorney. If you become unable to make decisions, an LPA can allow someone you trust to handle affairs for you. Learn more about LPAs on our Lasting Power of Attorney page.
• Make sure paperwork is accessible. Keep documents such as your Will, funeral plan details, and any cemetery deeds together and let your executor or next of kin know where they are kept.
• Understand registration requirements. When a death occurs in England or Wales, it must be registered with the local registrar. The government has clear guidance on arranging a funeral at GOV.UK: Arrange a funeral.

Practical tips and examples

If you prefer a low-impact option, research local woodland burial sites or eco-friendly coffins. If you want a ceremony close to home, check whether local parks or private landowners allow scattering of ashes. If cost is a concern, write down which parts of a funeral are most important to you, and what you would be happy for family to omit if budgets are tight. Clear, written preferences will help them make choices in line with your values.

If you do not yet have a Will, creating one will also let you appoint an executor and make sure your estate can cover any funeral costs. Visit our Will Writing page to learn about professional options, or our online will service for a simple route to documenting your wishes.

When you want to discuss options with us, we are here to help. Call 01522 500823 or contact us to speak to a member of the Beneficial Family Wills team about recording your funeral wishes, setting up a prepaid plan, or arranging your estate so your family have clarity and support.

Further reading and support: For official guidance on the practical steps after a death, see the GOV.UK page on arranging a funeral. For bereavement support and practical advice, organisations such as Age UK can also be helpful.

We can help you record clear funeral wishes and make sure your Will and estate arrangements support them. If you want a chat about wills, LPAs, trusts or probate, please get in touch.