Planning ahead for peace of mind

You might have a Will in place and feel prepared, but have you thought about your funeral?

Research shows that one in three people who have had to arrange a funeral worry most about not knowing what their loved one wanted*. So, while funerals might not be a popular topic, talking about what you want is important to make sure your wishes are understood when the time comes.

That’s why Golden Charter has launched National Funeral Planning Awareness Week (Sunday 23 February – Sunday 2 March) to encourage people across the UK to reflect on their funeral wishes and talk about them with family and friends.

As one of the UK’s leading funeral plan providers, Golden Charter knows the comfort and reassurance that planning a funeral can bring—not just to plan holders, but to the family and friends they leave behind.

No matter the circumstances surrounding the loss of a family member or friend, having a clear understanding of their funeral wishes helps to alleviate the stress of making funeral arrangements at an emotionally challenging time. It lets those left behind focus on honouring their memory rather than worrying about whether they’re getting it “right”.

So, do it for yourself—but most importantly, do it for them.

What to consider

Start with the basics: burial or cremation? Would you like a formal service or something more personal? You might want to think about music, flowers, or even a dress code. There are no rules—it’s your farewell.

Starting the conversation

Talking about funerals doesn’t have to be intimidating, but the right setting can make it easier and less emotional. You could bring it up when discussing someone else’s funeral or something you’ve seen on TV.

Take it gently – be honest and clear about what you want, but approach the topic in a way that your loved ones can handle. And remember, listening is just as important. Your family’s thoughts might shape your plans, and they may need time to process the conversation.

Golden Charter has created a simple funeral wishes template to help get you started and to record your wishes in a clear and organised way. Download it here – and don’t forget to share a copy with your loved ones.

Planning ahead

You might want to think about how a pre-paid funeral plan could benefit you and your family.

Golden Charter offers a range of funeral plans that can be personalised to meet your individual needs and can help to provide financial peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Then, when the time comes, all your family needs to do is make one call to the funeral director, and they’ll take care of the rest.

To find out more about Golden Charter funeral plans, visit www.goldencharter.co.uk.

* YouGov on behalf of Golden Charter, September 2024 (sample 2,145 adults)

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