For many people, planning their funeral in Chelmsford or anywhere else in Essex is very much the last thing on a very, very long list of things that they know that they should do, but never actually get around to doing. However, as Laura Richardson’s account of a funeral that she recently attended goes to show, the value of planning your funeral in Chelmsford or anywhere else in Essex cannot be overstated for both you and your loved ones . . .


I recently attended a funeral in Chelmsford of Mr D, who died suddenly from a heart attack, in his late thirties. This was a great shock, despite the fact that he suffered a heart condition. On attending the funeral, the mourners were informed that the entire funeral had been planned by Mr D himself prior to his death. This may seem morbid but there are many reasons why planning your funeral can be beneficial.

The funeral service itself felt extremely personal, Mr D had chosen the readings, hymns and the music to be played. The music chosen was a selection of his favourite songs, which had great meaning to him. This brought smiles as well as tears, but overall the music was chosen to remind the mourners to be joyful for the life that Mr D had led, rather than mourn his death. Mr D’s personality shone through the service, and his friends and family were moved and comforted by the fact that, although Mr D did not welcome his death, he was content that he was living his life knowing that each day was a gift. This was particularly noticeable in the Order of Service which Mr D had also designed. Within the centrefold were photographs of special events and memories that he had shared with his friends and family. It was clear that in planning his own funeral, he wanted his loved ones to remember him as someone who grasped life each day and made the most of his short life.

Most noticeable was the effect on his wife and young children. As Mr D had planned the entire funeral, it meant that his wife and family had not had to make the many decisions regarding the funeral. They were free to grieve, and comforted that Mr D would be given his funeral as he wished it to be.

There are other benefits to pre-planning your funeral as well as allieving your family of the stress and sorrow of making the many decisions regarding the service arrangements, including prepayment for your funeral to ensure that your loved ones do not have to worry about the costs involved in your funeral.

If you would like to discuss making arrangements in advance for your funeral, contact Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services now via www.andrewdouglaswills.co.uk. We offer a wide range of prepayment options and will be happy to discuss your options for planning your funeral in Chelmsford or anywhere else throughout Essex with you today.


If you would like to keep up with our latest posts and advice about estate planning through the regular advice that we provide to our clients in this regard, then please also feel free to –

Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ADouglasWills.
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AndrewDouglasWills.
Follow us on Google+ at https://plus.google.com/b/117915389310253337582/+AndrewdouglaswillsCoUk/posts.