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.

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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:

I can confirm with total sincerity that Levertons, and in particular Julie, are superb. Sympathetic, supportive, honest and direct. After 234 years they really have got the hang of it. I am happy to express my gratitude and praise for a wonderful company……they deserve every one of their five stars. Graham Walker 27 March 2024

Review by Graham W left on 27 Mar 2024

Google

Very kind and professional with great attention to detail. At what is a difficult and sad time, you can rely on them to deal with the arrangements in the best way possible. Thank you in particular to Andrew whose help and advice was invaluable.

Review by Phil G left on 21 Mar 2024

Google

In the most difficult time of our lives Lorna and the rest of team made the process as easy as they possibly could taking a lot of pressure off of us, treating my mum with such dignity that she deserves, and giving her the most beautiful send off, I will be forever greatful for their service.

Review by Kirsty M left on 15 Mar 2024

Google

From start to finish Leverton & Sons provided a superb service. We had used Levertons about 15 years' ago and based on a positive experience then, we chose Levertons again. I can safely say that the exceptional standard of service has been maintained if not surpassed.. I'd like to make special mention of the Fortis Green branch where Deborah Rush dealt with the whole process and our requests both sympathetically and efficiently.

Review by Peter P left on 15 Mar 2024

TRUSTist

Levertons led us through the whole process. They were very professional and knowledgeable. They took away needing to talk to lots of people and acted as the link between everyone involved. We’ve used them before and will use them in the future should the unfortunate need arise.

Review by franc f left on 14 Mar 2024

Google

Thanks to the kind, helpful and professional support from the staff at Leverton's, we were able to put together a funeral for my husband that we think he would have enjoyed! The time between a death and the funeral is emotional and the steady encouragement from Lorna at Leverton's was crucial for helping us through. I am also particularly grateful for the introduction to Rosalie, who proved to be the perfect Celebrant for us. I loved working with a team of family and friends, with Rosalie and the funeral directors providing structure, mechanisms and co-ordination: Lorna was such a responsive and competent person to keep us working towards our goal in a timely way.

Review by Daphne A left on 14 Mar 2024

Google

I highly recommend Levertons

Review by Des C left on 14 Mar 2024

Google

It's not a big place but during the heartbreaking time of my mother's passing Drew and his team at Leverton's made the whole process smooth and effortless.

Review by subhra b left on 12 Mar 2024

Google

Review by Cod M left on 11 Mar 2024

Google

I thought the funeral was very well managed. Everyone was kind and helpful but discreet.

Review by Lorna W left on 07 Mar 2024

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