Fosters Funeral Directors: time to talk about your funeral
In 2021 an independent report on the Cost of Dying found that only 1% of the 1,500 people surveyed had talked to their next of kin about what happens when they’re gone. As many as 58% didn’t know if their loved one wanted a cremation or burial, while 38% were unsure if their relative preferred a religious or humanist service.
That’s why the compassionate team at Fosters is encouraging families to have a chat about the inevitable as they see first-hand how comforting it can be for a bereaved family to know that they’ve honoured a loved one’s final wishes.
Understandably, some people avoid talking about funeral planning but having a chat with your nearest and dearest can feel like a weight off your shoulders and it makes it that little bit easier for those that you’ll leave behind.
If talking isn’t your style, then Fosters recommends jotting down your final wishes on a piece of paper and putting it somewhere for safekeeping. To get started, create a list with your preferences for cremation or burial, religious or humanist service, hymns or songs and any personalised details that matter the most to you.
Another option is to take out a pre-paid funeral plan with Fosters Funeral Directors which records all of your preferences and can be paid in small monthly instalments or in one lump sum. For many people this is an appealing option as it means your loved ones aren’t left with a hefty funeral bill to pay once you’re gone.
Three reasons to buy a pre-paid funeral plan
The top three reasons customers give for buying a Fosters funeral plan are:
- Pre-paying for a funeral means their family don’t have the financial burden when the time comes.- Peace of mind – having made their wishes clear they feel comforted, knowing that everything is arranged and will be taken care of.- It’s cost effective – buying a plan now locks in today’s prices and protects against the rising costs in the years ahead.
Request a brochure by calling 0131 263 0264 or make an appointment to speak with a member of the Fosters team at its Edinburgh, Leith, Livingston, Alloa, Stirling or Perth parlours via www.FostersFuneralDirectors.com
Making decisions
Stevie Mackie, area manager from Fosters, said: “A funeral is a really important part of the grieving process. We look after bereaved families 365 days a year and find that those who have had a chat about their final wishes with their next of kin, found it easier to make decisions in comparison to those who didn’t know their loved one’s preferences.
“It’s such a personal choice. Some people choose direct cremation because when the time comes, they want a low key funeral whilst others opt for a larger Celebration of Life, with flowers, readings and family and friends gathering for a service.”
Stevie added: “We recommend making your wishes known because sometimes it’s the simplest of things that can bring the greatest comfort. It could be knowing that your mum wanted a Beatles song instead of a hymn or that your brother wanted to take his final journey in his tartan trews. Knowing these little details and incorporating them into the final farewell can be comforting long after the service has taken place.”
Fosters Funeral Directors has a range of pre-paid funeral plans to fit an individual’s needs and budget, including: Scotland’s lowest cost direct cremation plan at £1,195 and personalised pre-paid funeral plans which cost as little as £17.77 per month.
Learn more by visiting www.FostersFuneralDirectors.com/Pre-PaidFuneralPlans or book an appointment by calling 0131 263 0264.