Arranging and planning for a funeral
No one wants to think about arranging a funeral when a loved one dies, it simply adds to the stress of what is, without doubt, a difficult time. There is a lot to think about, this blog is aimed at helping you so you can navigate the process with a little less stress and understand what is involved.
Arranging the funeral
Before a funeral can be arranged there are a number of key decisions that need to be made. The main points to think about are:
- Where the funeral will take place – did the deceased have a preference? Does location need to be considered if people have far to travel?
- Will it be a cremation or burial – did the deceased have any wishes about this?
- Will there be flowers or donations to charity? If there are flowers, is there a preference?
- What type of funeral will it be? sombre with traditionally dark clothing or bright and colourful? Did the deceased have a preference?
- What sort of readings and music will there be at the service?
It is important to check the Will and ask the deceased’s immediate family and friends (if applicable) to find out if there were any preferences or written directions regarding the funeral.
While it is not a pleasant thing to think about, many people do write their wishes into a Will so it’s important to find out. It can also save a lot of family arguments!
Funeral arrangements can still start before the Will has been seen through.
If you decide to use a Funeral Director to make the arrangements for you (which most families do) we advise that you look around and ask for detailed quotes and prices can vary greatly.
It is also worthwhile checking to see if the Funeral Director is a member of a trade association. Most Funeral Directors will be a member of either the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) or the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD).
Funeral costs
While the cost of a funeral did reduce in 2021 it was still averaging at £4,056 which is a significant sum for people to find if there is no provision. The cost is likely to keep rising so it’s important to consider the costs and how they can be paid for.
In many cases, the cost of the funeral will come from the deceased’s estate if there are enough funds, this can sometimes be accessed by the person arranging the funeral. It is not guaranteed though and every situation is different and sometimes, complex, making accessing the deceased’s bank account difficult. In most cases, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed later when things are settled.
You may also find that none of the above is an issue as the deceased may have a funeral plan or put away funds for the funeral. When this happens the Executor (where there is a Will) or the Administrator (when there is no Will) should take care of paying the funeral bill.
When none of the above is possible there are other options available. When there are no relatives or friends to make the arrangements and no money in the estate to cover the costs it could be that a Public Health Funeral is arranged. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-health-funerals-good-practice-guidance/public-health-funerals-good-practice-guidance.
Public Health Funerals are usually a cremation and a short service and the time and date are decided by the local authority. Loved ones are able to attend but extras such as cars and flowers will not be included.
There is a government scheme available to help people on low incomes to cover the cost of a loved one’s funeral called Funeral Expenses Payment. Be aware, that if you are a beneficiary of the deceased any funeral expenses payments that have been awarded will be taken from your inheritance and also the payment may not cover the full cost of the funeral. Claims should be made within 6 months of the funeral or beforehand if an invoice is received from a Funeral Director.
Plan for your own funeral
Planning for your own funeral means that you will have the send-off you want and it takes away a lot of stress for those you leave behind.
You could take out a pre-paid funeral plan. This enables you to pay for your funeral in advance and at the current price point, thus negating any future inflation.
You could also consider an over 50s plan/over 50s life insurance is a type of policy. This is for those of us who are aged 50-80 and is an affordable way to leave funds for the cost of a funeral. A monthly premium is paid until you reach a certain age or pass away and the funds are paid out to your named loved one upon your death.
If you would like any advice on planning for the cost of your funeral, Will writing or estate administration, please get in touch. https://beesandco.com/contact/
