How to Make Sure Your Loved Ones Know (and Follow) Your Funeral Plans
If there's ever a time for your family and friends to honour your wishes and follow your instructions, it's the very last time that they will be able to do so. Some people have a very specific idea of how they want their own funeral to be planned, and if this is you, you might be concerned that your loved ones might not necessarily adhere to your wishes. How can you make sure that your instructions will be closely followed?
The Importance of Clear Instructions
You need to be sure that your wishes for your funeral are fulfilled with clarity, so you should leave a written list of instructions. This does not need to be part of your final will but can be a separate document that is also filed with your lawyer along with your will. A clear list of instructions provides certainty so your loved ones are not left guessing what you might have wanted, as you have clearly told them what you want. This list of instructions could be given to whoever has been designated as the executor of your will so that a sole person can then take on the necessary responsibility.
This list of instructions can include:
- Your chosen venue for the funeral service.
- A list of people you wish to be invited to the service.
- Whether you would prefer burial or cremation.
- Where you would like to be buried or where you would like to have your ashes scattered or stored.
- The clothing you would like to be buried or cremated in.
- A nominated charity for donations in lieu of flowers (if desired).
Although you cannot plan for each and every eventuality, by leaving a list of fairly basic instructions, you can ensure that your wishes will largely be fulfilled.
Managing the Cost
Perhaps one of the main reasons why your loved ones could be hesitant to follow your instructions is a financial one. They might feel that the cost of some of your instructions can be prohibitive when the time comes, but you can easily overcome this issue. Prepaid funerals allow you to control the costs of planning a funeral, meaning that instead of worrying about the price, your loved ones can just go ahead and follow your wishes.
Planning your own funeral can be a daunting prospect, and yet, if it's important to you that your plan is followed, you need to be sure that you make it as easy as possible for your loved ones.
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