Pre-planning a funeral isn’t about dwelling on death; it’s about taking control of how your life is celebrated and remembered.
For some, the thought of planning their own funeral can feel daunting. But for many others, it’s a way to find peace of mind—ensuring their wishes will be followed while sparing their loved ones the stress of making difficult decisions at an already emotional time.
Many funeral directors offer prepaid funeral packages, allowing you to pay in advance for costs such as the collection and care of your body, the choice of a coffin, and whether you prefer burial or cremation. Some prepaid plans even cover preferences like music, but they often stop short of addressing the ceremony itself.
That’s where preplanned funerals come in. Preplanning gives you the freedom to design the ceremony itself—choosing not only the tone and content but also who will deliver it. Whether you’d like a Minister, faith leader, friend, civil celebrant, or Humanist celebrant, preplanning ensures your ceremony reflects your values and personality.
This process gives you control over everything from the format of the ceremony to the details that matter most. Do you want something short and straightforward, casual and light-hearted, or a full-on celebration of a life well-lived? Preplanning gives you the opportunity to make those decisions yourself, leaving nothing to chance.
Preplanning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how the process works:
The first step is finding a celebrant in your area who aligns with your vision. Whether you prefer a low-key gathering or a vibrant celebration, I’d be honoured to guide you through the process.
Some people want their family and friends to participate in planning, while others prefer to handle it independently. The choice is entirely yours.
During our meeting, we’ll talk about your life story, the values you hold dear, and the tone you’d like for your ceremony. We’ll also discuss practical details like where you would like the ceremony to be held, who you’d like to be involved and how you’d like your story to be told.
This isn’t about rigid rules or making decisions under pressure. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your life and create something truly meaningful, on your terms.
I know that thinking about your own funeral isn’t the easiest subject to tackle, but pre-planning can be one of the most thoughtful and meaningful things you do - for yourself and for the people you love. It’s a chance to take the weight off your loved ones’ shoulders by making decisions ahead of time, ensuring that when the day comes, they won’t have to worry about the details or second-guess what you might have wanted.
Pre-planning also gives you the unique opportunity to create something deeply personal, a ceremony that reflects your life, your values, and your personality. Whether it’s a joyful celebration of everything you’ve achieved, a quiet and simple gathering, or something in between, it’s your story, told your way.
When we work together, we’ll start with a face-to-face meeting where we’ll talk through your wishes, your life story, and the kind of tone you’d like for your ceremony. Afterward, I’ll follow up with emails or calls as needed to refine the details. You’ll receive a written record of your plan (both a hard copy and a digital version) so that you and your loved ones have everything clearly documented.
If this feels like the right step for you, I’d be honoured to help. Together, we can craft a plan that feels heartfelt and uniquely you. Whether you already know exactly what you’d like or just want to explore the possibilities, we can create something that brings peace of mind to you and comfort to those you leave behind.
Interested in planning your own funeral? You can call me on 07793678581 or email me at katerostancecelebrant@gmail.com.
