Plan ahead for your funeral
Planning ahead for a funeral ensures your wishes are respected and reduces stress for your loved ones. At Thomas Brown & Sons, we offer guidance on the choices available and ways to record your preferences, helping you and your family have peace of mind.
Your choices, your way
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to funeral arrangements. Planning ahead allows you to:
- Decide whether you would like a burial or cremation
- Choose the type of service and any personal touches
- Record your wishes clearly so your family can follow them
You can take things at your own pace and update your choices as your preferences change.
Record your funeral wishes
Recording your wishes is a free service we provide. It’s a simple way to capture your preferences so your family knows exactly what you want. Once recorded, our team can guide you through the next steps if you decide to arrange a pre-paid funeral plan.
Pre-paid funeral plans
A pre-paid funeral plan allows you to arrange and pay for your funeral director’s services in advance, giving you and your family peace of mind. These plans include an allowance for essential third-party costs and are provided in partnership with Golden Charter, one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers.
Planning Ahead FAQs
Planning ahead for a funeral can feel overwhelming, but thinking about your wishes early helps reduce stress for your family and ensures your choices are respected. These FAQs offer guidance on the types of decisions you might want to consider.
What if I’m unsure about some decisions?
It’s okay not to have all the answers immediately. Start with the areas that matter most to you, and revisit your choices over time.
How can I start the conversation with my family?
Talking about funerals can be sensitive, but open conversations make things easier. Consider:
- Choosing a calm, private moment
- Explaining that your goal is to ease their burden later
- Sharing general wishes and inviting input if comfortable
- Recording your choices in writing so everyone is clear
What choices might I need to consider for my funeral plan?
Some areas to think about include:
- Burial or cremation
- Type of service (religious, humanist, celebrant-led, or other)
- Music, readings, or hymns
- Flowers, decorations, and personal touches
- Venues for the service or reception
- Memorials such as a headstone, book of remembrance, or tree planting
- Charities you might wish donations to go to
Why should I plan ahead for my funeral?
Planning ahead gives your loved ones clarity, helps avoid difficult decisions during a stressful time, and ensures your personal preferences are honoured.
Record your funeral wishes today
Capture your choices in one place – free, simple, and helps your family.