In the first 48 hours after a death, families face roughly 12 expensive, irreversible decisions while in shock. Documenting your preferences in advance is one of the most generous things you can do.
The 12 decisions
1. Burial vs cremation vs alkaline hydrolysis
2. Funeral home selection
3. Cemetery and plot (or scattering plan)
4. Casket or urn
5. Embalming yes/no
6. Open vs closed casket
7. Religious or secular service
8. Officiant
9. Music, readings, eulogists
10. Obituary content and outlets
11. Reception or memorial gathering
12. Charitable donations in lieu of flowers
What to put in writing
- Three preferred funeral homes (in priority order)
- Burial vs cremation, with specifics
- Religious requirements
- People you want speaking — and people you do not
- Where the original copy of these wishes lives
Where this lives
Funeral wishes do not belong in your will — the will is rarely read in time. Document them in a separate "letter of instruction." VoiceWill™'s [legacy letter](/legacy-letter) module captures exactly this in your own voice.
