Funeral Wishes Template Ireland: A Simple Guide to Writing Your Own
If you want to write down your funeral wishes but aren't sure where to begin, a simple set of headings can help you organise your thoughts.
You don't need to download a template or complete a lengthy form. You can start with a blank page, write the headings below and add your preferences in your own words.
You might already know exactly what you want, or you might only have decided on a few things. Either approach is fine.
This guide gives you a practical structure for creating your own funeral wishes document in Ireland.
How to create your own funeral wishes document
Start with a blank page and give it the title My Funeral Wishes.
Add your name and the date, then work through the headings below. You can copy the headings directly into your document, change their order or leave out anything that doesn't apply to you.
You don't have to answer every question. Where you have no particular preference, you can simply write, "I am happy for my family to decide."
1. My personal details
Include enough information to identify the document as yours.
- Full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Date the document was completed
You can also include the name and contact details of the person you would like your family or funeral director to speak to about your arrangements.
2. My chosen funeral director
Write down the name and contact details of the funeral director you would like your family to contact.
If you've already spoken to them about your funeral, mention this and record any arrangements you've discussed.
If you haven't chosen a funeral director, you can leave this section until later.
3. My preference for burial or cremation
Begin with a simple statement of your preference.
For example:
"I would prefer to be buried in my family grave."
Or:
"I would like to be cremated, with my ashes returned to my family."
You can then add any relevant details.
For burial, consider recording the cemetery, family grave information and where any burial documents are kept.
For cremation, you might name a preferred crematorium and explain whether you have any wishes about your ashes.
If you have no preference between burial and cremation, you can record that too.
4. My wake or reposing
Think about whether you would like your family and friends to have an opportunity to visit before the funeral.
Questions you might answer include:
- Would I prefer to repose at home or in a funeral home?
- Would I like a public wake or private family reposing?
- Would I prefer an open or closed coffin?
- Are there any family or cultural traditions I would like observed?
If you would prefer not to have a wake, you can state that clearly.
5. My funeral ceremony
Describe the type of ceremony you would like.
You might begin with a sentence such as:
"I would like a funeral Mass in my local parish church."
Or:
"I would prefer a non-religious ceremony attended by my family and friends."
You can then record the name of a church, funeral home, crematorium or other venue, if you have a preference.
If there is a particular priest, minister or celebrant you would like involved, you can include their name.
You may also wish to indicate whether you would prefer a public funeral or a private family ceremony.
6. Music, readings and participation
This is where you can make the document more personal.
You might include:
- Music or hymns you would like played
- Poems, prayers or readings
- Family members or friends you would like to participate
- Any particular traditions you would like included
You can be specific or simply describe the type of ceremony you would enjoy.
If you have favourite songs or readings, record their full titles so your family can identify them.
7. Clothing and personal belongings
If you have a preference about what you would like to wear, write it down.
You can also mention jewellery, religious items or other personal belongings.
Be clear about anything you would like returned to your family rather than left with you.
If you have no preference, you can leave these decisions to your family.
8. Flowers, donations and funeral notices
You may have preferences about flowers, charitable donations or how your death is announced.
For example:
"I would prefer family flowers only, with donations to a charity of my family's choice."
Or:
"I would like a funeral notice published so that friends and neighbours know about the arrangements."
If there is a particular charity you would like supported, include its correct name.
You can also record whether you have a preferred photograph for your funeral notice.
9. Funeral costs and arrangements already made
If you've made arrangements towards the cost of your funeral, record where the relevant information can be found.
Include the name of any funeral pre-planning provider, the associated funeral director and the location of your paperwork.
You don't need to include sensitive financial details in a document that may be shared with several people.
If you haven't made any arrangements, you can simply write that no funeral plan is currently in place.
10. Who should receive a copy of my wishes?
Finish your document by recording who has been given a copy and where the original is kept.
For example:
"A copy of these wishes has been given to my daughter, and the original is kept with my important documents at home."
Include the date and your signature.
If you change your wishes later, update the document and make sure anyone holding an earlier version receives the new one.
An example of how your funeral wishes could look
You don't need to write long explanations under every heading. A document could be as straightforward as this:
My Funeral Wishes
Name: [Your full name]
Date: [Date completed]
Funeral director: I would like my family to contact [name of funeral director].
Burial or cremation: My preference is [your preference and any relevant details].
Wake or reposing: I would prefer [your wishes].
Funeral ceremony: I would like [type of ceremony and preferred location].
Music and readings: I would like [any particular choices].
Other wishes: [Anything else important to you].
Arrangements already made: [Details of any existing arrangements and where the paperwork is kept].
Person who has a copy: [Name and contact details].
Signed: [Your name]
Date: [Date]
This is only an example. You can make your document shorter, longer or more detailed to suit your own circumstances.
What if I don't know the answer to some of these questions?
You don't have to decide everything in one sitting.
You might know that you want to be cremated but have no idea which crematorium to choose. You may want a particular type of ceremony but be unsure what venues are available locally.
Leave those sections open and return to them later.
You can also speak to a funeral director before making your decisions. They can explain what is available, answer practical questions and help you understand the likely costs.
When is it worth discussing your wishes with a funeral director?
A document you've written yourself can give your family valuable guidance.
However, if you have particular arrangements in mind, it can be useful to establish whether they are practical and available.
For example, you may want to know whether your chosen funeral home can accommodate a particular type of ceremony, what options are available for cremation or what your preferred arrangements are likely to cost.
Discussing these matters in advance allows you to make decisions with more information.
It also gives you an opportunity to have your preferences recorded with the funeral director who may eventually carry out the arrangements.
Record your funeral wishes with My Farewell Wishes
If you've started writing your funeral wishes and would like to take the next step, My Farewell Wishes can help.
We work with participating funeral directors throughout Ireland, allowing you to discuss your preferences with a local funeral professional and record your arrangements more formally.
You can also obtain an estimate of your preferred funeral and, if you wish, explore the option of putting money aside towards the cost.
You don't have to make a financial commitment to begin planning.
Visit our Register My Wishes page to find out more, or call 042 6039990 to speak to our team.
For a broader explanation of recording your preferences, including where to keep them and their legal status, read How to Record Your Funeral Wishes in Ireland.
