Record your wishes
Thinking about your funeral can feel daunting, but recording your funeral wishes brings peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Our Plan of Wishes form lets you set out your preferences clearly – from burial or cremation, music, and readings, to who you’d like to conduct the service.
Recording your wishes ensures your family can focus on remembering you, not guessing what you wanted.
Why recording your funeral wishes matters
Filling out a Plan of Wishes helps you:
- Communicate your preferences clearly with your loved ones
- Include personal touches such as music, readings, or photographs
- Reduce stress and decision-making for your family
- Take control of your funeral planning in a simple, practical way
Even a general conversation is a valuable first step – your wishes can always be refined over time.
How to record your funeral wishes
- Get in touch – Book a consultation with our team at a time that suits you.
- Talk through your wishes – We’ll sit down with you to explore your preferences in a relaxed, no-pressure setting.
- We’ll record your plan – Together, we’ll make sure your wishes are clearly noted and safely recorded.
- Keep your plan up to date – Your wishes can be updated at any time, and we’ll always keep the latest version on file.
Our team is here to guide you through every step, making sure your wishes are clearly recorded and your loved ones have peace of mind.
Optional next step: Pre-paid funeral plan
Recording your funeral wishes can also be the first step toward a pre-paid funeral plan. Once your wishes are clear, you can choose to arrange and pay for your funeral in advance with Golden Charter – but there’s no obligation.
Guidance for Recording Your Wishes
Recording your funeral wishes helps your family know what you want and ensures your preferences are followed. These FAQs offer guidance on what to consider and how to approach these conversations.
Can I update my wishes later?
Yes, you can update your recorded wishes whenever you like. Your funeral director or family should always have the most recent version.
How can I approach the subject with my family?
- Choose a calm, private time
- Explain your goal is to make things easier for them
- Share your general wishes and ask for input if you feel comfortable
- Keep your choices in writing so everyone is clear
What kind of choices should I record?
Consider noting:
- Burial or cremation
- Type of service and officiant
- Music, readings, or hymns
- Flowers, decorations, and personal touches
- Venues for the service or reception
- Memorials such as headstone, book of remembrance, or tree planting
- Charities for donations
Why is it important to record my wishes?
Having a record of your choices removes uncertainty for your loved ones and helps ensure your funeral reflects your preferences.
Support every step of the way
We understand this can feel overwhelming. Our compassionate team is here to answer any questions you have, guide you through completing your Plan of Wishes, and discuss any personal preferences you want to include.