How to Record Your Funeral Wishes in Ireland
Planning your own funeral might not be something you've considered before, but recording your wishes in advance can make things much easier for the people you leave behind.
Whether you have a clear idea of the funeral you would like or simply want to make a few important decisions, writing down your preferences gives your family a useful guide when the time comes.
In Ireland, you can record your funeral wishes at any age. You don't have to be unwell, have a will in place or pay for your funeral in advance.
Here's how to get started.
What are funeral wishes?
Funeral wishes are a written record of how you would like your funeral to be arranged.
They can be as simple or as detailed as you choose. Some people only want to specify whether they would prefer burial or cremation. Others have particular wishes about the funeral director, ceremony, music, readings or where they would like their funeral to take place.
Recording these details can help your family understand your preferences and reduce the number of decisions they have to make at a difficult time.
What should I include in my funeral wishes?
There is no prescribed funeral wishes form that everyone in Ireland must complete.
However, it can be helpful to consider the following:
Burial or cremation
Would you prefer to be buried or cremated? If you have a particular cemetery, family grave or crematorium in mind, you can record those details.
If you have already purchased a grave or have an entitlement to burial in an existing family grave, include any relevant information.
Your preferred funeral director
You may already know which funeral director you would like your family to contact.
Recording their name and contact details can give your family a clear starting point.
You can also contact a funeral director while you are alive to discuss your preferences and the arrangements available.
Religious or non-religious ceremony
You might prefer a traditional religious funeral, a civil or humanist ceremony, or a simpler gathering without a formal service.
If you have a particular church, venue or location in mind, make a note of it.
Music, readings and personal preferences
Some people have particular pieces of music, prayers, poems or readings they would like included in their funeral.
You can also record preferences about flowers, donations to charity, funeral notices or other aspects of the arrangements.
Family and practical information
It may be useful to include the name and contact details of the person you would like your funeral director to speak to, along with information about any arrangements you have already made.
Remember that your family may need to make some decisions based on circumstances at the time, so it's sensible to allow some flexibility.
How do I write down my funeral wishes?
You can record your funeral wishes in a notebook, a letter or a dedicated funeral wishes document. You can also register them here for free.
The important thing is that your preferences are clear, up to date and accessible to the people who will need them.
My Farewell Wishes provides a Record of Wishes form designed specifically for funeral planning in Ireland.
It guides you through the available options and allows you to record as much or as little detail as you wish.
You can also discuss your preferences with a participating funeral director, who can explain the arrangements available locally.
Are funeral wishes legally binding in Ireland?
Funeral wishes are generally not legally binding in Ireland.
However, they provide important guidance to the people responsible for arranging your funeral.
Where possible, families will usually try to respect the wishes of the person who has died. Practical considerations, legal responsibilities and the availability of particular arrangements may affect what can be carried out.
Recording your wishes clearly and discussing them with your family in advance gives them the best opportunity to understand what you would like.
Should I put my funeral wishes in my will?
You can tell your solicitor about your funeral preferences, but it is advisable to keep a separate, easily accessible record.
A will may not be located or read until after the funeral has taken place.
Keep a copy of your funeral wishes somewhere your family knows about, and let your chosen representative know where to find it.
If you change your preferences, remember to update the document and tell anyone who has an earlier copy.
Where should I keep my funeral wishes?
Your funeral wishes should be kept somewhere safe but accessible.
You might give a copy to a family member, your solicitor or your chosen funeral director.
My Farewell Wishes also offers a service to register your funeral wishes, with copies provided to your nominated representative and participating funeral director.
This helps ensure that your preferences are available when they are needed.
Do I have to pay for my funeral when recording my wishes?
No. Recording your funeral wishes and paying for your funeral in advance are two separate decisions.
You can simply document the arrangements you would prefer and leave the financial arrangements to be dealt with at the time of your death.
Alternatively, you may decide to obtain an estimate of the cost and make payments towards your funeral in advance.
My Farewell Wishes works with funeral directors throughout Ireland to provide both options.
You can record your preferences first and consider the financial arrangements separately.
Can I change my funeral wishes later?
Yes. Your preferences may change over time.
You might move to another part of Ireland, change your mind about burial or cremation, or decide that you would prefer a different type of ceremony.
It's sensible to review your funeral wishes occasionally, particularly following a significant change in your circumstances.
If you have registered your wishes with a funeral planning provider, contact them to discuss updating your record.
How do I get started with My Farewell Wishes?
My Farewell Wishes is an Irish funeral pre-planning service that helps people record their funeral preferences and, if they choose, make payments towards their funeral costs in advance.
We work with a network of participating funeral directors throughout Ireland, allowing you to plan your funeral with a local professional.
You can begin by completing a Record of Wishes, discussing your options with a funeral director or simply speaking to our team.
There is no obligation to make a payment towards your funeral costs just because you enquire about pre-planning.
Would you prefer to speak to someone?
If you're considering recording your funeral wishes and would like some guidance, we're happy to explain how the process works.
Call My Farewell Wishes on 042 6039990.
You can also visit our Start Planning page to learn more about recording your wishes and arranging your funeral in advance.
