What to Include in Funeral Wishes?

## 1. Type of Service

Funeral or Memorial Service: Do you want a formal funeral service, or would you prefer a more informal memorial service? Specify whether the service should be religious or secular.

Religious Service: Specify the religion, type of ceremony (e.g., Christian, Jewish, Hindu, etc.), any specific prayers, scriptures, or rituals.

Non-religious Service: A celebration of life, possibly with eulogies, music, or reflections from family and friends.

Public or Private: Do you want the service to be open to the public, or should it be a private family gathering?

Officiant: Do you have a specific person in mind to officiate the ceremony? (e.g., a priest, religious leader, or celebrant).

## 2. Location of Service

Venue for the Service: Specify where you would like the service to take place. Some examples: Church, temple, mosque, or synagogue; Funeral home, chapel, or crematorium; Family home or a special location (e.g., a favorite park, beach, or garden); Outdoor service (if preferred) with a specific venue.

Visitation/Wake: Would you like there to be a visitation or wake before the funeral? Specify the location and any instructions regarding the time or length.

## 3. Cremation or Burial

Cremation or Burial: Clearly state your preference.

Cremation: Do you want your ashes scattered, stored in an urn, or kept by a specific person? If scattered, where would you like them scattered?

Burial: Do you have a particular cemetery or burial site in mind? Do you have a specific type of coffin (e.g., eco-friendly) or plot preference?

## 4. Funeral Arrangements

Casket or Urn: Do you have a specific preference for a casket or urn, such as material, design, or eco-friendly options (e.g., biodegradable urns)?

Transportation: Would you like a procession from the service to the burial or cremation site? Specify if you want a hearse or other forms of transportation.

## 5. Music, Readings, and Tributes

Music Preferences: List songs, hymns, or pieces of music you’d like played during the service.

Readings or Poems: Include any specific readings, poems, or quotes you want read during the service.

Eulogies and Tributes: Would you like specific people to speak during the service? You may also indicate whether you'd like family and friends to share memories or tributes.

Eulogists: List names of individuals who should speak.

Open tributes: Whether you want guests to offer personal memories during the service.

## 6. Flowers, Donations, and Memorial Contributions

Flowers: Would you like flowers at the service? Specify your preference if you want certain flowers or if you prefer no flowers.

Donations: Do you want family and friends to donate to a charity in lieu of flowers? If yes, list the name of the charity, foundation, or cause you care about (e.g., cancer research, animal welfare, environmental conservation).

## 7. Obituary and Announcement

Obituary: Include any specific details you'd like mentioned in the obituary, such as your accomplishments, life story, or any messages you'd like to communicate to the public. You can also specify who should handle the writing and submission of the obituary.

## 8. Personal Messages and Remembrances

Personal Notes: You can provide guidance on what you'd like people to remember or focus on when they think about you.

## 9. Gravesite or Memorial

Memorial Plaque/Headstone: If you are being buried, specify any inscription or wording you would like on your gravestone, plaque, or memorial marker.

Memorial Tree or Bench: If you prefer a more environmentally friendly memorial, you may want a tree planted in your honor, or a memorial bench at a park, beach, or other meaningful location.

## 10. Post-Funeral Gatherings

Reception or Wake: Specify if you’d like a gathering after the service to share memories and have refreshments.

Location: Home, restaurant, or other gathering place.

Type of Event: Formal reception, casual gathering, or celebration of life.

Food and Drinks: Any preferences for the type of food or drink served (e.g., light snacks, a buffet, or a sit-down meal).