How to Make Sure Your Funeral Wishes Are Honored By Your Loved Ones

Many people have very strong and specific wishes as to the nature and conduct of their funeral but they won't be around to know if those wishes are carried out. Under the present law, the executors appointed under the Will have ownership of the body and are, technically, the decision makers for funeral arrangements. They are not obliged to follow any funeral wishes expressed in the Will.

When you outline your funeral wishes, you expect them to be fulfilled. Whether it's something as small as a specific song you want played, or the option to be buried or cremated, honoring these details is of the utmost importance when paying last respects to someone.

To help your loved ones follow your wishes after you are gone, you can write out detailed funeral preferences as well as the requested disposition of your remains. In addition to explaining where you want your funeral to be held, the document can include information about who should be invited, what you want to wear, who should speak, what music should be played, and who should be pallbearers, among other information. Making these decisions ahead of time can not only let everyone know what your wishes are, but it can also help your family members during their time of grief.

It may be tempting to include this information in your will, but a will may not be opened until long after the funeral is over. A will is best used for explaining how to distribute your property, not for funeral instructions. You can write your funeral and burial directions in a separate document or you may be able to put your wishes in your health care directive. Whatever you do, make sure your family knows where to find the information.

If you cannot afford to pre-pay for your funeral, make a funeral wish list. Include all the details that are important to you and attach this to your Will. Although not legally binding, it is a way to express to your family members and loved ones how important your wishes are to you. You can call for help from a funeral director company to help you prepare the funeral in Sydney and make your will list.

Additionally, your loved one might personalize their service based on some specific memories they want people to share together. This can include requesting specific music, photos, or personal items to be displayed during their viewing or Memorial Gathering. It's one way that you can help them celebrate their life one last time. It's not uncommon for a bit of humor to be included to help lighten the mood.

Nobody knows your family as you do. Assess whether the direct approach or an indirect approach is the best way to start the conversation.

The direct approach works best with families that prefer to speak frankly and are highly practical. By scheduling an appointment to have the conversation, you are giving your family members time to prepare themselves mentally.

You may even request a formal gathering of all adult family members. In other families, an indirect approach works best. You can create opportunities to have this conversation by first mentioning someone's death and subsequent funeral or memorial service.

At the end of the day, a funeral is giving a beautiful send-off to a loved one. If they have specific requests such as an outfit they want to be buried in or a specific song to play, making sure those wishes are met is your final chance to respect and do right by the deceased.