Planning Your Funeral: Why It’s Important to Prepare in Advance

Planning a funeral used to be a taboo topic, but dying is a natural part of life that eventually touches us all.

Have you ever asked yourself, “What if I pass away suddenly?” Would your family know what to do? Who would take charge of organising your final farewell? Who has all your important personal details—like your date and place of birth, or those of your spouse and children? Who needs to be contacted?

Having recently helped organise a funeral for a friend’s spouse, I can say it’s an intense time filled with grief, differing opinions, and complex arrangements. We were fortunate to have had discussions beforehand and knew the deceased’s wishes clearly.

Burial or Cremation?

Deciding between burial and cremation can be difficult, especially if family members disagree. Make your wishes clear by including them in your will and communicating with your family.

Personalising Your Funeral

Consider who you want as pallbearers, any preferred music or hymns, religious traditions to observe, or special readings or poems to include. Are there people you want to speak at your service? Writing these down can ease the burden on your loved ones.

Costs to Consider

Funeral packages don’t always include extras like flowers or catering. Think about these additional costs and whether friends or family might help with arrangements to reduce expenses.

Helpful Resources

Your local funeral home or the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (http://www.fdanz.org/planning-your-own-funeral) offers a useful booklet, My Life, My Funeral, where you can record your personal details and funeral preferences—a valuable resource for your loved ones.

Need Legal Assistance with Funeral Planning?

If you’re in South Auckland, Pukekohe, Waiheke Island, Auckland CBD, or surrounding areas, Arnet Law can help make funeral planning and ensuring your wishes are legally documented easier. Whether preparing your will or organising your funeral plans, our experienced Pukekohe lawyers are here to assist.

Visit Arnet Law to schedule a consultation and ensure your wishes are clear and legally binding.