Planning your funeral in advance
Last reviewed: September 2026
Planning your own funeral can bring real peace of mind for you and for the people who would otherwise have to make every decision at a difficult time. You can plan as much or as little as you like, from a few notes about music to every detail paid for in advance.
The most important step is simple: write your wishes down, and tell your family where to find them. If you're thinking about a pre-paid funeral plan, only buy from a provider authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Related: making a will · natural and woodland burial · direct cremation.
The first week after a death, on one page
A free, printable checklist of what to do and when, checked against GOV.UK this month.
Get the free checklistNeed more? The 19-page organiser has the trackers, letters and budget planner. £9.99. Get the organiser.