Including Funeral Wishes in Your Will: What You Should Know

Introduction
Including funeral wishes in your Will is something many people overlook, but it can make a significant difference to your loved ones. While funeral wishes are not legally binding, they provide helpful guidance at a time when family members are often overwhelmed and unsure what you would have wanted. Clear instructions reduce stress, prevent disagreements, and give you confidence that your preferences will be known and respected.

This blog explains why funeral wishes matter, what you can include, and how best to record them.

Why Including Funeral Wishes in Your Will Matters

Reduces stress for loved ones
At a time of grief, making decisions about funerals can feel overwhelming. Written guidance removes much of the guesswork.

Prevents family disagreements
Different family members may have different views about what you would have wanted. Clear wishes help avoid conflict.

Ensures your preferences are known
If you feel strongly about burial or cremation, religious or non-religious services, or personal touches, documenting these helps ensure they are followed.

Supports cultural or religious practices
Funeral traditions vary widely. Written guidance helps your family follow what matters most to you.

Helps executors make quick decisions
Executors are often responsible for arranging funerals. Clear instructions make it easier for them to act promptly and with confidence.

What Funeral Wishes Can Include

Burial or cremation preferences
This is one of the most common instructions. You can keep it simple or add additional detail depending on your wishes.

Funeral type or tone
Some people want a traditional service, others prefer a celebration of life or something minimal and private.

Location and resting place
This may include a preferred cemetery, burial plot, or guidance on where you’d like ashes to be scattered.

Religious or cultural elements
You can specify prayers, rituals, customs, or traditions that are important to you.

Music, readings, or personal touches
Many people include favourite songs, poems, or themes to reflect their personality.

Attendance preferences
This may include whether you want a public funeral, a small gathering, or no service at all.

Special instructions
This could include dress codes, charity donations instead of flowers, or instructions about the tone of the event.

How to Record Your Funeral Wishes Properly

Include them in your Will, but also tell your executor
Funerals often take place before the Will is read, so it’s important to communicate your wishes verbally as well.

Be clear but flexible
Provide enough detail to be helpful but avoid overly strict requirements that may be difficult to fulfil.

Avoid placing financial responsibility on individuals
Funeral costs should usually come from your estate, not individual family members.

Review your wishes over time
Preferences may change, especially following major life events. Update your Will if needed.

Consider cultural or religious context
If traditions are important to you, specify what matters most so your family can follow them appropriately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying only on verbal instructions
Verbal wishes are easy to forget or misinterpret. Written guidance provides clarity.

Using a separate letter that no one knows about
Letters of wishes are useful, but only if someone knows where to find them.

Being too vague
Statements like “keep it simple” mean different things to different people. Provide helpful detail.

Including instructions that may be restricted
Some countries have rules around burial sites, cremation, or scattering ashes. Keep instructions realistic.

Not considering financial impact
If you have specific or unusual requests, ensure your estate can cover the cost.

Practical Example
Emily, a 62-year-old teacher, wanted a simple, non-religious cremation with a small family gathering. She wrote her wishes clearly in her Will and also told her executor where to find a short letter with additional details such as preferred music and readings. When she passed away, her family knew exactly what she wanted. There was no uncertainty or disagreement, and the executor arranged a respectful, intimate service aligned with her wishes.

To learn more about choosing the right people to manage your estate, see our guide on How to Choose the Right Executor for Your Will.

Conclusion
Including funeral wishes in your Will is a simple but meaningful step that reduces stress for your loved ones and ensures your preferences are respected. Whether your wishes are detailed or minimal, documenting them clearly provides reassurance and guidance at a difficult time.

Next step: If you’d like clear, step-by-step guidance on creating your own Will, read our free guide How to Make Your Will with Confidence.