Funeral plans and funeral planning what is the difference?

Some people may think that these two terms are one and the same thing, but there is a big difference.  

Funeral Plan

A funeral plan is a financial product or service that allows you to prepay for your funeral expenses, either by lump sum or monthly payments. Over the last couple of years, several funeral plan companies have gone out of business leading to the loss of thousands of pounds for the customers.  

As a result, Wells Funeral Services have taken the decision not to sell funeral plans anymore. An article from Money Saving Expert gives some excellent guidance on whether a funeral plan is right for you. It can be found online here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/prepaid-funeral-plans/ 

While funeral plans suit some, they are not for everyone.  

Funeral Planning

Funeral planning refers to the process of making decisions regarding your funeral, but not having to make any advance payments. While discussing death and planning your own funeral might seem uncomfortable, taking proactive steps in funeral planning can alleviate stress on your family after you are gone. Forward planning means you are in control in making the decisions of what you want for your funeral.   You can choose your own funeral director, what type of coffin you want, whether you want a funeral service, if you want to be cremated or buried and the location of the cremation or burial.

 If there is to be a funeral service or ceremony what do you want? A traditional religious service, maybe a celebration of life with a little bit of religion, something more spiritual or maybe no religion at all.  You can specify if you want a minister or celebrant to lead the funeral. You can advise on what music you want played, if you want any hymns included, whether there are to be any readings or poems. You can go into finer details too, would you want to be dressed in your own clothes, would you want flowers, if so what kind.  

Do you want the people attending to wear a particular colour?  Would you want printed orders of service and is there a particular charity that you would like donations to go to?  And if you are being cremated where would you like your ashes to go?  These are all questions that would be asked of your family or friends who are organising your funeral, often they are unsure, by planning in advance and recording your wishes can help them immensely at what is a highly emotional time.  

Ensure Your Wishes Are Respected

By engaging in thoughtful preplanning, you can ensure that your final wishes are respected and ease the emotional burden on your family or friends during a difficult time. If you would like some guidance with your funeral planning Wells Funeral Services are more than happy to help, please call us on 01749 670100 or email rod@wfs.me.uk or nicky@wfs.me.uk