You haven’t got to be royal to plan your own funeral

It’s been mentioned many times during the last week that HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, planned the details of his funeral. He had a hand in everything from the hearse to the music, the readings to the fact that there was no eulogy.

Prince Philip thought about his funeral in advance and there’s no reason why all of us can’t write down what we’d like – in as much or as little detail as we want – and so give our families the relief at not having to second guess our wishes.

All you need to do is make some notes and give as many copies as you like to whoever you trust to put the arrangements in place when you die. Don’t forget that if you change your mind or want to add something, you’ll have to make sure that everyone gets a copy of the new version – and do put the date on all of your notes.

You can write the entire order of service if you like, but you could start off by answering these questions:

  • Do you want there to be a funeral service, or do you not want to have any service at all?
  • Burial or cremation?
  • Religious or non-religious?
  • Where do you want the funeral to take place (e.g. which cemetery or crematorium)?
  • What favourite readings or music would you like to have in the service?

We often provide clients with a booklet to think about when planning a funeral for their loved one which may help you further. There are lots more details into which you can go if you want, but any choices that you make in advance will help those closest to you when the time comes.

Planning the details of your funeral doesn’t have to include paying for it, but if you’d like to take this step we can help you with our independent Open Prepaid Funeral Plans.

The main thing is to make a start – put something on a blank page and come back to it as often as you want.

We find that when our clients have some information they are more certain about what they are arranging.

There is one caveat: you might find that your family and friends are not comfortable with your plans. They might be more traditional than you, or simply feel that there should be more or less 'fuss' than you are planning.

For this reason we suggest you have a conversation about what you’ve decided and why. Explain your decisions and try to ensure people to accept your point of view, whatever that might be and even if they disagree with it.

You might find these links helpful in your planning:

https://www.funeralinspirations.co.uk/

https://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/

http://www.naturaldeath.org.uk/

And of course we are here to help with no obligation.

Latest Posts

A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Funeral
Planning a funeral is one of the most meaningful and emotional responsibilities a person can undertake. During a period of grief, it can be difficult to think clearly and make decisions. That’s why having a structured guide is invaluable — it helps you navigate the process with clarity and peace of mind, while honouring the […]
Learn more
Embalming Myths Debunked 
When families visit our funeral home to make arrangements for their loved ones, one topic that often raises questions- and sometimes eyebrows- is embalming. The practice of embalming, despite being a routine aspect of funeral care, is surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can make it an uncomfortable discussion for some people. As a funeral […]
Learn more
Celebrating excellence: gold for being green
Prestigious award highlights Leverton’s dedication and commitment to sustainability. Eco-conscious North London funeral director Leverton & Sons Ltd has achieved a respected industry accolade for its efforts to make send-offs more sustainable. The business, which is renowned for its service to both local families and the Royal family, has attained a gold award from the […]
Learn more
Hannah Leverton

Contact Hannah

For any Media & Press enquiries please get in touch with me.

Immediate Assistance

In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us for immediate assistance out of our office hours, please do call us. We can arrange collection at any time of day or night:

Impeccable service. Very thoughtful, helpful and worry free especially during this difficult time.

Review by Ann E left on 12 May 2025

TRUSTist

I was extremely happy with the funeral I arranged with Levertons. Drew was extremely helpful and efficient throughout the organisation and I would definitely use Levertons again.

Review by Julia C left on 12 May 2025

Google

Over a period of years, this is the third funeral that Levetons have arranged for my family. The standard of service and attention to detail have been outstanding throughout. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Review by steve w left on 11 May 2025

Google

Very helpful, easy process at a difficult time. On the day everything went smoothly and the team from Levertons were great. Thank you

Review by natasha n left on 09 May 2025

Google

Staff in Leverton are highly experienced, very accommodating, sensitive to family needs and always do their best to meet the requirements

Review by Tt C left on 08 May 2025

Google

Excellent service from start to finish of a period of almost unbearable pain

Review by Martin E left on 08 May 2025

Google

Thank you for your excellent service. Your sensitivity and care enabled my husband's funeral to be a true celebration of his life.

Review by Bernadette M left on 08 May 2025

TRUSTist

Exceptional care & compassion always & so helpful with lots of advice

Review by Margaret l left on 08 May 2025

TRUSTist

From our very first meeting to the conclusion of my mother's funeral, the service we received from Levertons (and Drew in particular) was excellent. They were on top of everything, quick to respond, produced an excellent looking Order of Service, handled everything perfectly on the day of the funeral itself, and generally made us feel like we were in very safe hands during an emotional and difficult time.

Review by Toby M left on 07 May 2025

TRUSTist

Review by Pippa R left on 02 May 2025

TRUSTist

When Someone Dies
Our Services
About Us
Useful Links
Here to Help
Close

We're here to help

24 hours a day, 7 days a week for immediate assistance.
envelopephone-handsetmagnifiercrosschevron-down twitter linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram