It may seem strange to be thinking about your own death and what happens afterwards. But planning how – and where – you’d like to be remembered is part of your legacy. End-of-life planning involves several key components. To help you organise the perfect send-off, we’ve created this simple step-by-step guide on what to consider when pre-planning your funeral and why it’s a beneficial process.

1/ Ease the financial burden on your family

Planning your funeral in advance not only alleviates the emotional and financial burden on your family but can also lead to significant cost savings. No insurance policy covers everything, and with inflation rising each year, paying for your service and plot in advance will save money in the long run. Of course, it also means your family will be free from any financial burden, as well as the emotional cost of having to make important decisions when the time comes.

Pre-purchased plots can now be supported by a 10-month, interest-free instalment plan, available through Direct Debit or a Funeral Safe loan via GreenAcres. For further information, please speak to a member of the team at your local Park.

2/ Get the funeral you want

Everyone deserves to have their wishes honoured when the time comes. By making arrangements early, you’ll ensure that you’re remembered in the way you want and gain peace of mind. Pre-planning also allows you to discuss your wishes with your loved ones, ensuring that you receive the send-off you deserve,  

3/ Ensure you have an up-to-date will

Having an up-to-date will written by a solicitor is essential for ensuring your wishes are respected and followed. A valid will also alleviates the burden of difficult decisions and legal complications from your family.

If you don’t have a will or need to update yours, Free Wills Month provides an opportunity for anyone aged 55 and over to have a simple will written or updated free of charge at designated times of the year by participating solicitors across England, Scotland, and Wales.   

To get involved, simply click here and enter your details on the Free Wills Month website to find participating solicitors near you.

4/ Appoint an individual with durable power of attorney

A durable power of attorney is a crucial legal document that authorises another person to make decisions regarding your finances, health and welfare if you become incapacitated. By appointing a trusted friend or loved one, you can avoid the need for costly and stressful court proceedings should you be unable to make decisions for yourself. This is particularly important if you are dealing with a long-term or terminal illness.

5/ Specify preferences for your funeral, burial, or cremation

Regardless of your spiritual or religious beliefs, deciding between burial or cremation is a significant choice. You may opt for a simple cremation with your ashes scattered in a place special to you, or you may prefer a traditional burial as a more fitting tribute. Taking the time to make this decision early helps take the stress away from your loved ones during a difficult time.

6/ Select your final resting place or memorial

Choosing your final resting place or memorial in advance can provide you and your family with a sense of peace before you pass. You have a range of options, from tranquil, sustainably managed woodlands and beautiful wildflower meadows to meticulously maintained parkland. 

Alternatively, you might prefer a simple oak or granite plaque with an inscription to mark your grave. In GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks, you can place a memorial bench, rose bush, or leaf vault, each with an engraved plaque.

All our prices for each memorial option are the same across our Parks. Speak to a member of our friendly team to explore your options and find the right memorial option for you.

7/ Consider the environmental impact of your funeral

If you’re considering a sustainable funeral to minimise your environmental impact, there are several options available:

• Opt for natural coffin materials, such as bamboo, cardboard, willow or banana leaf,
• Choose not to use a coffin at all, instead select a shroud
• Select a woodland burial
• Using a biodegradable urn for your ashes
• Encourage mourners to plant a tree as a tribute instead of offering flowers
• Request that mourner’s car share or use public transport to attend your funeral

At GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks, we’ve made these choices easier for you by implementing a range of eco-friendly and conservation policies to protect the landscape. Speak to a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team to find out more.

8/ Explore themes, music and colours that you may wish your life to be celebrated 

A funeral or memorial service is a special opportunity to celebrate your life. While traditional etiquette suggests wearing black, you might prefer having your loved ones dress in vibrant colours to say their goodbyes. You can also personalise the service with a customised coffin, your favourite music, or theme that reflects your hobbies, interests, or culture. 

Discuss your wishes with your loved ones, as they can help you plan the perfect send-off and offer ideas you may not have considered. In fact, many families tell us that the conversation they’d been dreading turned into laughter and smiles.

We’re here to help

If you need advice on funeral planning or want a friendly ear to talk through your options, we’re here to help. Click here for more information. You can:

• Download a brochure
• Book a visit to a Park
• Request a telephone call back
• Email us for more information

Whether it’s expected or not, nothing can truly prepare you for the death of a loved one. Organising a funeral is one of the hardest things you’ll have to face. With so much to do and think about, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. To help you during this difficult time, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide on what to do when a loved one dies and where to go for more help and advice. 

1/ Notify friends and family 

One of the first tasks you’ll need to handle after a death is informing the loved ones of the deceased. It’s important to notify close family and friends as soon as possible. You may choose to inform less immediate contacts once funeral arrangements are in place. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from those closest to you if you need additional support in sharing the news during this difficult time.  

2/ Register the death 

When a loved one dies, their death needs to be registered with the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths in the district where the death occurred. Only certain individuals are legally qualified to register a death, and it must be done within five days in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, and within eight days in Scotland. 

Who can register the death? 

• A relative of the deceased
• The person arranging the funeral
• A person present at the death 

What the Registrar will ask you about the deceased: 

• The person’s full name at the time of death
• Any names previously used (e.g., maiden name)
• The person’s date and place of birth
• Their last address
• Their occupation
• The full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner
• Whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits 

What to take with you: 

• Medical Cause of Death Certificate
• Birth, Marriage, or Civil Partnership Certificates 

If you need support with notifying companies of a death or don’t know where to start, you may find the Life Ledger and Tell Us Once services useful. These free services allow you to notify most government organisations and businesses connected to the deceased in one go. Visit Life Ledger or Tell Us Once for more information and assistance.  

3/ Start planning the funeral 

You don’t need the death certificate to begin thinking about and planning the final goodbye. Take your time and don’t feel pressured into making decisions right away. It’s important to remember that the funeral doesn’t have to happen immediately; it can wait several weeks if you’d prefer. While your decision may be influenced by personal beliefs, there’s no legal requirement to rush this process. 

Before planning the funeral, it’s always a good idea to consider what funds are available and how much the funeral will cost. Determine how the funeral will be paid for:

• The deceased may have a funeral plan in place, which could cover some or all of the costs
• If no plan exists, funeral expense can typically be deducted from the deceased’s estate 

If you receive certain benefits and need help covering funeral costs, you might be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment). This payment can cover

• Burial fees
• Cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor’s certificate
• Travel expenses to arrange or attend the funeral
• The cost of moving the body within the UK (if over 50 miles)
• Death certificates or other necessary documents 

In addition, you may also receive up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, flowers, or the coffin. For more information and to find out if you qualify, click here.  

4/ Burial or cremation? 

Deciding between a burial or cremation is a deeply personal preference, often guided by the deceased’s wishes if they were expressed before their passing. If your loved one didn’t specify their preference, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of both options to ensure you honour them in the way they would have wanted. 

Burial

• Some families prefer a more traditional burial, particularly if they have strong religious or cultural beliefs that support this option
• Before making a decision, check with the family lawyer to see if there’s a lair certificate or deeds for a pre-paid burial plot, which might influence your choice

Cremation

• Cremation is often chosen for the flexibility it offers in memorialising a loved one. Ashes can be kept, scattered in a meaningful location, or divided among family members
• If you decide on cremation, a medical practitioner or GP will need to issue the necessary cremation paperwork. This paperwork will be forwarded to your chosen Funeral Director, and a fee will be charged for this service

The medical practitioner or GP will also provide a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death which is forwarded on to the registrar, allowing the family to officially register the death.

All legally required paperwork must be submitted to the crematorium at least 24 hours before the funeral service can take place.

5/ Choose a Funeral Director 

You have the option to either organise the funeral yourself or use a Funeral Director to assist with the arrangements. At GreenAcres, we can collaborate with any Funeral Director to help plan the service according to your wishes. 

Tips for choosing a Funeral Director: 

• Take your time, there’s no need to rush this decision. Take the time you need to find the right Funeral Director who meets your needs
  
• Ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also look at impartial reviews on Google and Facebook to gauge whether they’re the right Funeral Director for you
  
• Check what’s included in the price and compare quotes to find one that suits your budget
  
• Ensure you understand what’s included in the price and compare quotes to find a service that suits your budget
  
• Choose a Funeral Director that easy to travel to, or consider one that offers home visits to make the process more convenient for you
  
• Talk about payment options, such as the possibility of spreading the cost over a longer period, to ensure the service fits within your financial means
  
• Ask if the Funeral Director has any formal qualifications or training, such as from the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), to ensure they meet professional standards

Ultimately, the choice of Funeral Director is entirely yours. By following these steps, you can feel confident that your plans and ideas will be respected and implemented. 

6/ Write a eulogy 

Writing a eulogy is a meaningful wat to honour and say goodbye to your loved one. While there are no rules about what you can and cannot say, crafting a funeral speech can feel overwhelming, especially during such an emotional time. To help make the process less daunting, consider incorporating the following ideas into your eulogy: 

• Decide on the tone
  
• Ask family and friends for their memories. These can provide inspiration and add a personal touch to your speech
  
• Consider what key points you want to include, such as the person’s character, significant life events, or favourite stories
  
• Begin by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the deceased
  
• Thank people for attending 
  
• Share memories of the deceased
  
• Close the eulogy with words of comfort and reflection 
  
• Keep your speech short and sweet 

For more detailed tips and advice on giving a eulogy, visit our blog. 

7/ Make arrangements for the day 

Whether you’ve decided on a burial or cremation, organising the structure of the day will help you plan the service. It’s a good idea to seek contributions from family, friends and loved ones for memories, highlights, favourite songs, or music to make the service personal and meaningful. Think about the following things:  

• Pick a venue and date that is convenient for family and friends
  
• Typically, a hearse will transport the deceased, with close friends and family following behind in limousines or other vehicles. Ensure that transportation arrangements are made well in advance
  
• Put together an order of service, which is often a printed booklet distributed to mourners when they arrive. This document outlines the sequence of events and any special instructions such as details of the wake
  
• Choose music and readings that reflect the deceased’s personality and preferences. Consider offering family and friends the opportunity to say a few words if they wish 
  
• Make arrangements for the wake. This can be hosted at your home, a local venue, or a place with catering options  

Before the day, specify any special requests, such as

• Whether mourners should wear brightly coloured clothing instead of traditional black
• Instructions for making donations to a charity in lieu of sending flowers   

8/ Decide on your memorial options 

There are several options to choose from to create a fitting and personal tribute to the person you love. Here are some options for you to consider:

• Relive happy times and create a long-lasting tribute with an entry in our Book of Remembrance
  
• Chooser a ‘greener’ option like planting a Living Memorial Tree to commemorate your loved one. Alternatively, you can opt for a biodegradable urn, which, along with the surrounding soil, nurtures a tree or wildflowers with the ashes
  
• For those who prefer a more traditional approach, consider marking the grave with a simple oak plaque or small granite plaque. You can choose an engraved inscription that reflects your loved one’s legacy
  
• In some burial parklands, you can place a memorial bench, rose bush, leaf vault, or other memorial, along with an engraved plaque

All memorial options are priced the same across our GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks. To explore these options and find the right memorial for you, please speak with a member of our friendly team.

We’re here to help 

If you need advice about funeral planning or just want a friendly ear to talk through your options, we’re here for you. Click here for more information and to access the following services: 

• Download a brochure
• Book a visit to a Park 
• Request a telephone call back 
• Email us for more information 

Bereavement support 

Grief is personal and each person’s journey is unique. We are committed to supporting you during this difficult time and offer various resources to help you navigate your bereavement. When you lose someone you love, meeting others who can relate to how you feel can help.

Our Bereavement Cafés are held within the beautiful landscapes of our Parks where you can feel the uplifting and healing power of nature around you. We promise you a warm welcome from our experienced and compassionate team.

Please feel free to drop-in, all are welcome, or you can register here.

Here are some other resources too: 

The Good Grief Trust – provide practical support and connects you to over 800 bereavement organisations under one umbrella

CRUSE Bereavement Care – offers nationwide bereavement counselling, advice and information  

The Compassionate Friends – supports bereaved parents and their families after the death of a child   

Grief Chat – a free service that allows you to talk instantly with a qualified and professional bereavement counsellor, available Monday to Friday 09:00 – 21:00 (GMT)

The Samaritans – available 24hrs a day, 365 a year. Call 116 123 for confidential support

Child Bereavement UK – for anyone affected by the death of a child

Sands – The stillbirth and neonatal death charity support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth, whenever this happened and for as long as they need support

Caring for a wooden memorial is essential to maintain its beauty and longevity. Our wooden memorials, crafted from high-quality English oak, are coated with either Fiddes Exterior High Build Wood Oil or Osmo UV Protection Oil to protect and enhance the wood’s appearance.

However, exposure to the elements over time will naturally lead to wear and tear. Factors such as sun damage, rain, ground moisture, poor drainage, and varying weather conditions can all impact the condition of the wood. Regular maintenance and care are necessary to ensure these memorials continue to honour loved ones for years to come.

To keep your memorial looking good for as long as possible, you will need to give it a coat of Fiddes Exterior High Build Wood Oil or Osmo UV Protection Oil every 3-6 months.

Regular maintenance will help ensure that your memorial remains in good condition for years to come.

 Here are some tips to help you take care of your memorial

1. Remove the memorial and store in a dry place before applying oil
   
2. Using a soft brush or cloth gently scrub the surface to remove dirt, dust and grime. If it doesn’t improve with gentle scrubbing, you might need a fine grade sandpaper or ultra fine steel wool (0000 grade). Remember to wipe away any sanding dust with a clean cloth
   
3. Before applying the oil, you will need to ‘key’ the surface with a fine grit sandpaper. Go in the direction of the grain
   
4. Small splits and cracks may appear in the timber surface or side edges. These can be filled with wood coloured wax. We recommend Liberon Wax Filler Stick, colour light walnut for the best match. Simply rub the wax into any crack until the area is filled, then wipe off excess wax with a rag, then sand the surface going in the direction of the grain. We advise you do this before applying the oil
   
5. When the surface is clean, dry and dust-free apply a generous coat of oil with a clean brush. We advise you to apply an even coat of Fiddes Exterior High Build Wood Oil or Osmo UV Protection Oil designed for outdoor use to shield the post from moisture and UV rays. Make sure you catch any runs from the lettering or side edges when applying
   
6. Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for five to ten minutes
   
7. Before applying further coats allow to dry for a minimum of five hours. We recommend a minimum of two to three coats at each oiling
   
8. For best results gently rub with wool wire or 240 grit minimum sandpaper between coats. It is important to ensure that sufficient coats of oil are applied to give maximum protection
   
9. We advise you to conduct regular inspections for any signs of damage or wear, check for splinters, cracks or loose components
   
   

Terms & Conditions

Our wooden memorials are backed with a 12-month manufacturers guarantee from the date of installation. If your memorial develops any issue within this period, the manufacturer will replace it free of charge, except under the following circumstances:

• The memorial has not been maintained as specified in the care instructions
• The recommended oil has not been used on the memorial

Reporting issues

For any issues, please contact your GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks. You will need to provide at least two large, high-quality photos clearly showing the problem. Once we receive the photos, the manufacturer will assess the best course of action to resolve the issue.

Replacement process

If the manufacturer determines that a replacement is necessary, a new order will need to be processed. In this case, please contact the GreenAcres team for further assistance.

Please note, GreenAcres is not responsible for natural wear and tear of the memorial.