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:

Fantastic everything we wanted was done nothing put them out there way they did everything we asked for my mam was well looked after amazing people and very helpful

Review by Stacey K left on 28 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

Lorna was great and very professional, we had a lovely service. She listened to what we wanted and carried it out accordingly. Thanks to all the team

Review by Ann S left on 28 Nov 2023

Google

The relatively sudden death of my best friend who was 48 years old was one of the hardest things to bear. Levingtons made arranging his funeral so easy, the staff felt like friend who listened and understood with no pressures I’d like to thank pippa and Michael for bringing comfort at such an awlful time. Keep up the good work and never change

Review by Peter C left on 25 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

I was very impressed from first to last with the way in which Kathryn at Leverton handled the arrangements. Very sensitive and professional indeed.

Review by Paul G left on 24 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

Levertons dealt with the funeral of our dear aunt with respect and tenderness. Kathryn at the Hampstead branch was very helpful and personable and explained the process and was considerate of our wishes. She communicated regularly and was there on the day to assist and reassure.

Review by Anne S left on 10 Nov 2023

Google

With respect and tenderness. Kathryn at the Hampstead branch was very helpful and personable and explained the process and was considerate of our wishes. She communicated regularly and was there on the day to assist and reassure.

Review by Anne S left on 10 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

I had a very positive experience with Leverton in Belsize Park. Kathryn made the whole experience of organising my husband’s funeral very easy, and in assisting me to obtain the desired ceremony. The result was faultlessly beautiful.

Review by Alice F left on 07 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

Dear Kathryn, Thank you for your invaluable care and support during the dark days following Richard’s passing. You were a great comfort to us as a family and your ability to coordinate all the various aspects involved was nothing short of a miracle. The funeral, although traumatic, went smoothly. We received nothing but wonderful comments from all involved. We send you very best wishes.

Review by Julie R left on 06 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

The service that Levertons (Golders Green) provided, cannot be faulted. From beginning to end and through every aspect of the arrangements, they were: professional, supportive, kind and extremely patient. I would recommend this company very highly

Review by Catherine D left on 23 Oct 2023

Google

Kathryn was brilliant - she was thorough, efficient, friendly - everything from preparation to the actual day went very well. It was so nice that this old, established firm, continued to serve their customers with a personal touch. Can't recommend more. Thank you Kathryn!

Review by Kumiko M left on 18 Oct 2023

TRUSTist

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