Funeral Wishes

You may want your ashes buried under the centre spot at Wembley or sprinkled on the top of Mount Everest. Perhaps you want your body launched into the Solent on a blazing Viking longboat (as outlined in a previous posting – putting the “fun” into funeral requests!)

As long as it’s legal, anything is possible – within reason. But bear in mind that a specific funeral request in your will is not legally binding on your executors although most would try to honour your wishes.

Funeral details should be discussed with your executors or family before your death and, perhaps, laid down in a letter of wishes. You may want to be cremated or buried at a specific location. You may want a certain piece of music played. You may want a church service. You may want no flowers but donations to a charity. You may want your friends to wear colourful clothing to celebrate your life.

Leaving these instructions in your will is not a good idea for another reason. The immediate period following your death will be traumatic and frantic for your executors. So much to do; so much to arrange. Your will might not be found or read until after the funeral.

For help and advice on your funeral wishes, contact Heritage Will Writing on 02380 879243.