He’d done what so many people do: he’d bought a funeral plan years before because he wanted to make things as easy as possible for his family. He thought everything had been taken care of.
When his wife contacted the company to let them know he’d passed away, she discovered something she simply hadn’t expected. She and the kids wanted to spend some time with him before his funeral as the chance to say goodbye, but unfortunately, that wasn’t possible under the arrangements he’d put in place.
By the time she called us, she was overwhelmed and didn’t know whether there was anything that could be done. Thankfully, there was.
We brought her husband into our care that same day and welcomed the family into our chapel of rest, allowing them to spend invaluable time with him.
This made us think about something we believe more people should know.
Your wishes matter. But so do theirs.
When you plan your own funeral, it’s absolutely right that your wishes are respected. After all, it’s your funeral! But it’s also worth asking yourself one question:
What if the people you leave behind need something different?
What if your partner feels they need to see you one last time? What if your children need somewhere peaceful to say goodbye? What if your family realises that a church service, a celebrant, or even a small gathering would help them begin to come to terms with their loss?
You won’t be here to change your mind.
But they might need to.
It’s easy to make decisions when we’re healthy and thinking practically, but grief isn’t practical. Sometimes the plans we make for ourselves aren’t quite the plans our loved ones need when the time comes and that’s why flexibility matters.
A funeral plan isn’t just about price
When people compare funeral plans, it’s natural to look at the cost, but the reality is that a funeral plan is often purchased many years before it’s ever needed and none of us knows how our loved ones will feel when that day arrives.
Not all funeral plans work in the same way
One thing many people don’t realise is that funeral plans aren’t all built around the same model.
Some providers operate a very structured process. That’s exactly how their service is designed, and for many people it will be absolutely the right choice. However, it’s important to understand that this can mean there is very little flexibility if your family’s wishes change after you’ve died.
Local independent funeral directors often work differently. If your family phones and says, “We’ve changed our minds. We’d really like to see Mum,” or “Actually, we’d like to have a church service,” there’s usually a conversation to be had.
There may be additional costs, depending on what’s being requested, but importantly, there are still choices.
We see these conversations happen regularly and they’re never about extravagance; they’re about people trying to do what feels right.
We don’t sell funeral plans
You might find this surprising, but Harrison Funeral Home doesn’t sell prepaid funeral plans, so we’re not writing this to persuade you to buy one from us. We’ve just comforted one too many distressed families, seeking our help after discovering their loved one’s funeral plan didn’t align with what their grief needed.
If you’re thinking about taking out a funeral plan, we encourage that you spend the time understanding exactly how it works:
- Ask who will be caring for you.
- Ask where you’ll be taken.
- Ask whether your family would have the opportunity to see you if they wanted to.
- Ask what happens if they change their minds.
The plan is for you. The funeral is for them.
People buy funeral plans because they love their families and they want to protect them from difficult decisions. Ironically, the most important thing to think about isn’t what you want today. It’s whether the people you leave behind will still have choices if they need them.
Because sometimes, the greatest comfort isn’t knowing everything has been decided; it’s knowing that, if circumstances change, someone will still sit down with your family, listen to them, and help them do what feels right.
If you’re considering a funeral plan, don’t just compare prices. Speak to a trusted local independent funeral director as well. They can help you understand the questions to ask, explain the different options available, and help you think about what your family might need when the time comes.
After all, a funeral plan should protect your family’s choices, not limit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family change my funeral arrangements?
Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the provider and the arrangements you’ve chosen. Some plans allow greater flexibility than others, so it’s important to ask before purchasing.
Can my family see me before a direct cremation?
This depends on the provider and the service selected. If viewing is important to you or your family, ask whether this would be possible before taking out a plan.
Should I speak to a local funeral director before buying a funeral plan?
Yes. Even if they don’t sell funeral plans, a local independent funeral director can explain the different types of funeral available, talk you through the options, and help you understand what questions to ask before making your decision.
How can I check if a funeral plan provider is FCA authorised?
All providers selling new prepaid funeral plans in the UK must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or act as an appointed representative of an authorised firm. Before taking out a plan, it’s worth checking the provider’s status using the FCA’s official checker. Check whether a funeral plan provider is authorised
Harrison Funeral Home
Serving families with care and compassion across Enfield, Winchmore Hill, and Highgate: North London’s trusted name in funeral care.
Telephone (24-hour support): 020 8819 3465
Email: info@harrisonfuneralhome.co.uk
