Funeral wishes not being carried out

27/07/2007

New research by Age Concern shows that 94% of people have decided what they would like once they have passed away. However, less than 2% of the British public has acted on this and made their arrangements.

Many have decided whether they would like to be cremated or buried, although these last wishes are not always carried out as so few have pre-planned their funeral.

Further research also shows that 54% of the British public would like to be cremated and 36% buried. However the number of cremations in the UK (72%) overwhelmingly outweighs the number of burials (28%), which demonstrates the vast disparity between people’s preferences and how they are finally laid to rest.

Sharon Dobson, Age Concern Funeral Plans Manager said, “Planning in advance ensures people know their arrangements are settled and that their wishes are understood. Even personal choices such as selecting hymns for the service, preferred flowers, and the route for the cortege can be arranged.

“Pre-planning can relieve the organisational burdens and stresses from family and loved ones when the time comes, as well as help avoid unnecessary financial distress during a particularly difficult time,” she added.

With the latest figures showing average cremation funeral costing £2,217 and this figure predicted to rise to £3,350 by 2012, it is important for loved ones to know they are arranging the send off that their nearest and dearest would have wanted.