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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Hannah Leverton

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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:

Levertons took care of my dad’s funeral arrangements recently. They literally took care of everything & everyone. Special mention must go to Julie Avery who was the funeral director who looked after us. Nothing was too much trouble for Julie. She went above & beyond to help us sort the perfect funeral for my wonderful dad & in a relatively short space of time. Thank you does not go far enough to show how much we appreciate everything that was done to make a sad time run as smoothly as possible. I would highly recommend Levertons to anyone.

Review by Geraldine K left on 18 Jun 2025

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So incredibly efficient, they took all the stress out of a very difficult and sad situation. Michael Cooney was absolutely brilliant as were the rest of the team. The price was very competitive and I can’t thank Leverton’s enough!!! Not once was I under any pressure thanks to them. Can’t thank you enough Michael, and your entire team

Review by nadine o left on 18 Jun 2025

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Very professional and curtious, friendly and efficient

Review by Michael A left on 18 Jun 2025

Google

I can highly recommend Leverton. They are both very professional, sympathetic and supportive. They handled my darling Mum's funeral with dignity, grace and most importantly kindness and understanding. Nothing was too much trouble. Thank you very much.

Review by Corinne E left on 17 Jun 2025

TRUSTist

Leverton & Sons funeral directors were extremely supportive, friendly, and totally professional. They went above and beyond in all respects, and I can't recommend them highly enough.

Review by Nicky B left on 16 Jun 2025

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Very, very compassionate and helpful efficient service

Review by chrismeg left on 11 Jun 2025

Google

After my husband's death and dreading the proceedings ahead,my son and I arrived at Levertons in Camden in an inner state of shock and grief.There we met James and his calm,reassuring professionalism.Everything was organised,with us informed,step by step to the day of the funeral,which in the end,became a beautifully orchestrated event.Our most grateful thanks to Levertons.

Review by Helen A left on 10 Jun 2025

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Review by Yoko F left on 05 Jun 2025

Google

Thank you for organising Ron’s funeral. From looking after us as a family, to organising flowers, the Order of service, the chapel…Thank you…please can you also extend our thanks to the drivers who took great care of us all on the day.

Review by Annette C left on 05 Jun 2025

TRUSTist

Throughout the process for my Uncles funeral, Lorna and the team were amazing. Having never organised a funeral, let alone for someone who didn't have a will or specific wishes, Lorna walked me through the process excellently, and the team on the day were extremely professional too.

Review by Chris L left on 05 Jun 2025

TRUSTist

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