🪦My Funeral Wishes

My preference is [burial / cremation / natural burial / donation to science / other]. I feel this way because [your reason, e.g., 'I want to be close to where our family gathers' or 'I love the idea of returning to nature']. Pre-arrangements: [Have you purchased a plot, urn, or prepaid plan? Details and location]. Preferred location: [cemetery name, scattering location, family plot, etc.]. If burial: [any preferences about casket type, vault, headstone inscription]. If cremation: [what to do with ashes, e.g., 'scatter at [place],' 'keep in an urn at home,' 'divide among the children'].

I would like a [type of service, e.g., 'celebration of life rather than a traditional funeral']. The tone should be [describe, e.g., 'warm and even joyful — I want people telling stories and laughing, not sitting in silence']. Setting: [church, funeral home, outdoor location, family home, etc.]. Size: [intimate family only / close friends and family / open to everyone]. Religious elements: [yes/no, and specifics, e.g., 'A brief prayer is fine, but I'd prefer a mostly secular service']. Dress code: [e.g., 'Please, no black. Wear something colorful.']. Special touches: [e.g., 'Display family photos, have the grandkids draw pictures, serve my famous chili at the reception'].

Songs I'd like played: 1. [Song and artist, e.g., 'What a Wonderful World — because it always made me feel grateful'] 2. [Song and artist, with reason] 3. [Song and artist] Readings or poems: - [Title and author, e.g., 'Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep by Mary Elizabeth Frye'] - [A passage from a book, scripture, or personal writing] Who I'd like to speak: [Names and why, e.g., '[Best friend's name] — they know the real stories. [Eldest child] — if they feel up to it, no pressure.']. Anything to avoid: [e.g., 'Please no organ music — it makes everyone cry. I want uplift, not sadness.'].

Family (immediate): [Names and phone numbers — these people should hear the news first, in person or by phone call]. Close friends: [Names and contact info — people who should be personally notified, not find out through social media]. Extended family: [Names and who should contact them, e.g., 'Aunt [name] should hear from [sibling's name]']. Work/Professional: [Employer, HR contact, business partners, clients]. Community: [Church, clubs, volunteer organizations, neighbors]. Online communities: [Any online groups or forums where you're active]. Social media announcement: [Who should post it and on which platforms? Preferred wording or tone?].

Instead of flowers: [e.g., 'Please donate to [charity name] — it's a cause that meant a lot to me because [reason]']. Special requests: - [Request, e.g., 'Play a video montage of family photos — the folder is in [location]'] - [Request, e.g., 'Give everyone a small packet of wildflower seeds to plant in my memory'] - [Request, e.g., 'Serve [specific food or drink] at the reception — it was always my favorite'] What NOT to do: [e.g., 'Please don't spend a fortune on this. Keep it simple and meaningful.']. Final thought: [e.g., 'I want this to feel like a gathering of people who loved each other well. If even one person leaves smiling, you did it right.'].