How Do I Make My Funeral Plan Known?
How Do I Make My Funeral Plan Known?
At Funera.Sydney, we understand the importance of ensuring that your funeral wishes are known and honoured. When it comes to estate planning, it's crucial to have a clear plan in place for your funeral and final disposition. Your funeral or memorial service is the last opportunity to celebrate a life well-lived, and making your funeral plan known can help ensure that your wishes are carried out in the way you desire.
For many individuals, specifying their funeral preferences can be challenging, and they may not know how to effectively communicate their wishes to their loved ones. To address this, we've created a comprehensive guide to help you articulate your funeral instructions and make your plan known. By doing so, you can alleviate stress for your loved ones when the time comes to arrange your funeral or memorial.
Consider the Type of Funeral You'd Like
Before you start outlining your funeral plan, it's essential to contemplate the type of funeral you envision. Do you see yourself having a traditional funeral, perhaps in a church or chapel? Alternatively, would you prefer a more informal gathering, such as in a park, at a relative's home, or in your favourite natural setting?
In today's world, many Australians are well-informed and cost-conscious, often leaning towards non-traditional funeral options. More people are choosing simple, non-traditional services over expensive traditional funerals. However, without specific wishes documented in their Will, individuals may receive a traditional, costly funeral instead of the service they truly desire.
One innovative and cost-effective option gaining popularity is direct cremation. This choice allows families to separate the cremation arrangements from a traditional funeral or chapel service, providing freedom and flexibility in personalising the memorial according to their loved one's unique personality. Funera.Sydney offers direct cremations, ensuring flexibility and affordability without compromising on service quality. Additionally, we offer the option to pre-pay for your funeral to ease future stress on your family.
Making Your Funeral Plan Known
The more specific you are about your funeral plan, the easier it will be for your Executor and loved ones to carry out your wishes. Depending on the type of Will you are using, you may need to write out your funeral wishes on a fresh sheet of A4 paper, either by hand or by typing out your instructions.
Start with a heading like 'Funeral Instructions' and then list information about your funeral plan. Mention whether you prefer burial or cremation, specify if you have a preferred funeral director, and indicate your burial location or, if you choose cremation, where you'd like your ashes to be placed. It's crucial to include details about any prepaid funeral plans you've arranged, including the company's contact information, as well as any other relevant information.
Below is a sample Funeral Instructions page that serves as a reference. You don't need to include all of the options listed; simply write down the preferences that apply to you and record your wishes.
Once you've completed your Funeral Instructions page, store it alongside your Will, possibly in an envelope, but avoid stapling or attaching it to your Will in any way, as that could invalidate the Will as a legal document.
Additionally, it's advisable to provide a copy of your instructions to your Executor or at least inform them of the document's existence and where it can be found. Since funerals often occur shortly after a person's passing, having this readily accessible document will be immensely helpful to your Executor.
Sample Funeral Instructions Form
Whether you've pre-planned your funeral with a funeral director or wish to make your funeral plan known, you can create a Funeral Instructions document to assist your Executor. You can choose to handwrite it or type it up, using the sample funeral instructions form below as a guide. You don't need to include all of the options listed; they are provided as prompts for you to complete your instructions. Include any preferences or instructions that apply to your situation.
FUNERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR BURIAL
If you prefer burial, use the instructions below as a guide. Remove or amend any options that don't apply:
I have created this document to provide instructions regarding my funeral and final disposition arrangements and/or requests. I, ______________ of ______________, have a prepaid funeral plan for burial arranged through ______________. The location of my signed agreement is ______________. Alternatively, if you haven't made funeral arrangements yet, use this line instead: I have not yet made funeral arrangements, but I direct the use of the services of ______________ at ______________ upon my passing. Please contact ______________ to make the necessary arrangements. I request that my funeral service be held at ______________ <church, chapel, or other location>, with the following observances conducted: ______________. I direct that my body, or the remainder of my body, be buried at ______________. If I passed away in a different state, I direct that my body or the remainder of my body is/is not disposed of near the location of my passing through burial/cremation. My remains should be returned to my home state or territory for burial/cremation at ______________. I prefer that my ashes be ______________. Signed: ______________ Dated: ______________.
FUNERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREMATION
For cremation, use the instructions below as a guide instead. Remove or amend any options that don't apply:
I have created this document to provide instructions regarding my funeral and final disposition arrangements and/or requests. I, ______________ of ______________, have a prepaid funeral plan for cremation arranged through ______________. The location of my signed agreement is ______________. Alternatively, if you haven't made funeral arrangements yet, use this line instead: I have not yet made funeral arrangements, but I direct the use of the services of ______________ at ______________ upon my passing. Please contact ______________ to make the necessary arrangements. I request that my funeral service be held at ______________ <church, chapel, or other location>, with the following observances conducted: ______________. I direct that my body, or the remainder of my body, be cremated. I prefer that the cremation occurs at ______________. I'd like my ashes to be <include only the relevant option> buried at ______________ / kept at ______________ / scattered at ______________. If I passed away in a different state, I direct that my body or the remainder of my body is/is not disposed of near the location of my passing through burial/cremation. My remains should be returned to my home state or territory for burial/cremation at ______________. I prefer that my ashes be ______________. Signed: ______________ Dated: ______________.
Final Thoughts on Funeral Wishes
We hope that this guide will assist you in communicating your funeral plans, supporting your estate planning process. Reflecting on your funeral wishes and informing your family or Next of Kin of your intentions can ensure that you receive the farewell that best celebrates your unique life. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at www.funera.sydney/contact.
Funera.Sydney is here to provide guidance and support for funeral planning, prepaid funerals, and funeral services in Sydney. We specialise in affordable funerals, memorial services, burial services, and cremations, and our aim is to ensure that you and your loved ones receive compassionate and professional care throughout the entire process. Our team includes experienced funeral directors in Sydney who are dedicated to honouring your wishes and providing compassionate services.