What is advance funeral planning?
Advance planning is the decision, made ahead of time, about one's own funeral or that of a family member. Instead of the family having to choose everything in the first hours of grief, the important things are already settled.
It can be as simple as a written list of wishes, or a conversation in which we choose a funeral package together. There is no required form — what matters is that the preferences are clear and known.
What can be decided in advance?
Almost every element of a funeral can be decided ahead of time. The table below shows the most important choices and the options for each.
| Aspect | Options |
|---|---|
| Type | Burial or cremation |
| Ceremony | Religious, secular, or simple |
| Casket or urn | Material, style, budget |
| Burial plot | Existing family plot or to be arranged |
| Memorial gatherings | How and where they are held |
| Budget | The package and what falls within the funeral grant |
Why it eases the burden on the family
In grief, decisions become hard. The family must choose, within a few hours, things they have never discussed — type of ceremony, casket, budget. Uncertainty sets in, and sometimes disagreements between relatives follow.
When preferences are already settled, the family has fewer decisions to make and more time to grieve. They know they are honouring the wishes of the person they have lost, without asking themselves 'what would they have wanted?'
How to choose between burial and cremation
This is usually the first decision. Burial preserves a grave that can be visited; cremation is often more accessible and simpler logistically.
If you are unsure, our guide on burial versus cremation compares the costs, timescales, and memorial traditions for each option. The tradition of memorial gatherings remains the same in both cases.
Costs and the funeral grant
Advance planning does not require any upfront payment. You can simply set your preferences and an indicative budget without paying anything now.
Many families want to know what falls within the funeral grant. We explain this and show you our tariffs and packages so the choice is made with full information.
How a planning conversation works
It begins with a phone call or a meeting, at your pace. We ask what matters to you and answer every question — about the ceremony, costs, paperwork.
We record your preferences and keep them on file, ready for when they are needed. There is no pressure and no obligation to choose our services. The aim is clarity, not a sale.
How to get started
If you are thinking about advance planning — for yourself or for an elderly parent — call us for a calm, free conversation.
You can also visit our free consultation page or reach us through contact. We are available day and night.