Planning Your Funeral in Advance: A Gift to Your Loved Ones
Planning ahead isn’t always easy. But when it comes to arranging your own funeral, it can be one of the most thoughtful, practical and compassionate things you ever do for the people you love.
This isn’t about buying a funeral plan. It’s about something deeper. Taking time to think, talk and write down your wishes. It’s about easing the emotional and practical burden on your family and making sure your farewell feels right to you.
In this guide, we’ll explore what advance funeral planning really involves, why it matters, and how we can help you create a clear, personal and flexible plan that brings peace of mind now – and makes life that little bit easier for those you leave behind.
What Is Funeral Planning (and What It’s Not)
Funeral planning is not the same as purchasing a funeral plan. While a funeral plan usually involves paying upfront for a fixed package, funeral planning is more personal and flexible.
It means:
- Thinking about the type of funeral you would like
- Writing down your preferences
- Sharing your wishes with those close to you
- Leaving clear guidance for when the time comes
It’s not legally binding, and it doesn’t tie you to a specific provider. But it does make an enormous difference to your loved ones, giving them direction, clarity and confidence when they need it most.
Why Plan Ahead?
There are lots of reasons people choose to plan their funeral in advance. These are some of the most common:
- To reduce stress for loved ones – Making arrangements in the days after someone dies can feel overwhelming. Your plan gives your family a starting point.
- To ensure your wishes are honoured – You might have a favourite piece of music, a particular location in mind, or specific views on burial or cremation. Putting your wishes down on paper helps them be heard.
- To avoid guesswork and disagreements – Without guidance, families often struggle with decisions. Having a written plan prevents confusion or conflict.
- To make financial sense – Planning doesn’t mean paying in advance, but it can give you a clear idea of costs, help with budgeting, and lock in today’s prices for three years.
- To bring peace of mind – Many people say they feel a sense of relief once their funeral plan is in place. It’s one less thing to worry about.
What Can You Include in a Funeral Plan?
Your plan can be as simple or detailed as you like. Some of the things people choose to include are:
- Whether you would like a burial, cremation or natural burial
- Your preferred funeral location (crematorium, church, woodland, etc.)
- The kind of ceremony you’d like (religious, humanist, celebrant-led, informal)
- Any music, readings or poems you would like
- Thoughts about flowers, dress code, donations, or a memorial
- Who you’d like to be involved in the service
- Any personal touches that reflect your life or personality
You don’t have to know all the answers. We can guide you through the questions and help you create something that reflects who you are.
How the Process Works
At Wells Funeral Services, we offer a simple, supportive way to plan your funeral:
- Free consultation – Book a no-obligation meeting with one of our friendly team to discuss your wishes. This can be at our office, over the phone or in your own home.
- Plan drafting – We write up your funeral preferences clearly and simply.
- Your approval – You can review, add or remove anything, and we’ll make sure it’s exactly right for you.
- Secure storage – We keep your plan safely on file, ready for when it’s needed. We recommend letting your next of kin know we have it.
- Guaranteed costs for three years – While you don’t need to pay anything up front, if you do want to fix today’s prices, we can hold your quote for three years. A small admin fee may apply if you update your plan after that time.
Importantly, there’s no commitment. You can cancel or change your plan at any time. You’re not tied into any contract, but your family will have our details and everything they need when the time comes.
Why People Choose Us
We’re not a large chain. We’re a small, local, independent team based in Wells, Somerset. When you plan with us, you’ll talk to the same person throughout. You won’t be passed around or pressured to buy anything.
Here’s what our approach offers:
- Personal service – You’ll have a single point of contact who listens and supports you without judgement.
- No hidden fees – We’re committed to transparent pricing. You’ll know exactly what your funeral will cost.
- No pressure to pay – This is about planning, not pre-paying. If you want to make financial arrangements later, that’s up to you.
- Peace of mind – Your plan will be ready and waiting, clearly documented, whenever it’s needed.
Common Questions About Funeral Planning
Is this the same as buying a funeral plan?
No. This is about recording your wishes and having a clear plan in place. You don’t pay anything unless you choose to.
Can my family change the plan later?
Yes. Your plan is a guide, not a legal contract. It helps your family know your wishes, but it can be adapted if circumstances change.
What if I move or change my mind?
No problem. You can update your plan at any time.
What if I want to pay in advance later?
That’s absolutely fine. We can discuss options for pre-payment if and when the time is right for you.
Is there a fee?
Planning your funeral with us is free. If you want to fix today’s prices, we can hold your quote for up to three years. A small admin fee may apply if changes are made after that.
Start Planning Today
Funeral planning isn’t morbid. It’s meaningful. It’s one of the kindest and most empowering things you can do for the people you love. And it’s easier than you might think.
If you’re in your 70s (or even a little younger) and thinking about how you’d like to be remembered, we’re here to help. Whether you already have clear ideas or you don’t know where to begin, we’ll meet you where you are.
There’s no obligation and no pressure. Just a gentle, supportive conversation and practical help to put your wishes in place.
Call us today on 01749 670100 to arrange a friendly chat, or send us a message through our website. Let’s make it easier for those you love – and give you peace of mind.