For generations, funerals have largely been organised in the days and weeks following someone’s passing. It’s a time often marked by emotional strain, tough decisions, and financial pressure. But in recent years, a growing number of people are taking a different approach—choosing to plan ahead and make their funeral arrangements in advance.
At Hadaway & Denton, we’ve seen a significant rise in individuals and couples wanting to pre-plan their funerals, and for good reason. In this blog, we’ll explore why this trend is growing, the key benefits of pre-planning your funeral, how the process works, and what to be aware of when choosing a prepaid funeral plan.
The Changing Landscape of the Funeral Industry
The funeral industry is evolving. More than ever, people are thinking ahead—not just about wills and finances, but about how they want their life to be remembered. As with many other aspects of life, we’re now more comfortable talking about death, planning for it, and ensuring our wishes are known.
The rising cost of funerals has also played a role. According to various reports, funeral prices in the UK have steadily increased over the past decade. For many, planning ahead is a way to lock in today's prices and avoid higher costs down the line.
At the same time, there’s growing demand for more personalised funerals—whether traditional or modern, religious or non-religious, small and simple or larger and celebratory. Pre-planning gives people the chance to shape their own farewell, down to the smallest details, with peace of mind that everything will be taken care of exactly how they want.
Why People Choose to Pre-Plan
1. Peace of Mind and Clarity
Planning your own funeral can bring a great sense of reassurance. You know that when the time comes, your family won’t be left making difficult decisions or second-guessing what you might have wanted. Pre-planning allows you to think carefully about the type of service you'd like—whether that’s a traditional church service, a simple cremation, a green funeral, or something entirely bespoke. You can include personal touches such as music, readings, or even the type of flowers you'd prefer.
2. Easing the Burden on Family
When someone dies, their loved ones are often faced with a long list of decisions and arrangements to make—often while they are still in shock or deep grief. Pre-planning takes that weight off their shoulders. Your family won't have to make decisions in a hurry or worry about what’s right. Everything is already arranged and paid for, so they can simply focus on remembering you and saying goodbye in the way you wanted.
3. Locking in Today’s Prices
One of the biggest financial benefits of prepaid funeral plans is cost certainty. By paying for your funeral in advance, you protect yourself and your family from rising prices. Funeral costs are expected to keep increasing year on year. A prepaid plan allows you to lock in current prices for key services, no matter when the funeral eventually takes place. This can potentially save hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds in the future.
4. Having Things Your Way
Your funeral is your final goodbye—and it’s okay to want it to reflect who you were. Whether you have specific music in mind, a favourite poem, or a particular location you’d like your ashes scattered, pre-planning lets you ensure everything is done your way. You can also decide on practical matters such as burial or cremation, what you’d like to wear, who should speak at the service, or whether there should be a wake. It’s all your choice.
How to Pre-Plan Your Funeral
If you’re ready to start thinking about pre-planning, the first step is to speak with a trusted local funeral director. At Hadaway & Denton, we offer friendly, no-pressure advice and will guide you through the process gently, with care and sensitivity. We partner with Open Prepaid Funerals, a well-established and FCA-registered provider that offers a range of prepaid funeral plans tailored to your wishes and budget. Here’s how it works:
1. We’ll arrange a conversation
Either in person or over the phone—to talk about what kind of funeral you’d like and what matters most to you. Together, we’ll build your plan. You’ll have full control, and we’ll talk you through the options available, from simple cremations to fully personalised services.
2. You choose your payment method.
Plans can be paid for in one go or in monthly instalments to suit your budget. Your money is protected. The funds are held securely in a trust until they are needed. This means your money is safe and guaranteed to be used for your funeral.
3. Everything is recorded.
You’ll receive written confirmation of what’s included in your plan, and we’ll keep a copy safe too.
4. We’re always here.
You can contact us at any time if you want to make changes or ask questions about your plan.
It’s really that simple. And once it’s done, you can carry on with life knowing that one very important thing has been taken care of.
Things to Be Aware Of
While prepaid funeral plans can offer peace of mind and financial protection, not all plans are created equal. It’s important to be informed and cautious when choosing a provider.
1. Make sure the provider is regulated
Hadaway & Denton only work with FCA-regulated partners—like Open Prepaid Funerals—which means your money is protected, and your rights are clear. Always check that the company is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority before you buy a plan.
2. Check what’s included (and what’s not)
Not all funeral plans cover every possible cost. Make sure you understand exactly what’s included in your plan—such as cremation fees, doctor’s fees, minister fees, or transportation. We’ll go through all of this with you so there are no surprises.
3. Be wary of third-party sellers
Some companies act as middlemen or resellers and don’t deliver the funeral themselves. That can lead to confusion, unexpected costs, or difficulty when the time comes. Always choose a plan through a reputable local funeral director, like Hadaway & Denton.
Don’t Forget to Tell Your Family
Once you’ve put your funeral plan in place, it’s really important to let your loved ones know. You don’t need to go into detail if you’re not comfortable—but do tell them you’ve made arrangements, and who to contact when the time comes.
You might want to store your paperwork somewhere safe and accessible, and share that information with someone you trust. That way, there’s no confusion, and everything can happen smoothly when it’s needed.
Final Thoughts
Pre-planning your funeral is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. It offers comfort, security, and the assurance that everything will be taken care of just the way you want. It’s also not as daunting as you might think. With the right guidance and a caring funeral director by your side, the process is straightforward, and even uplifting. Many people feel a great sense of relief and calm once they’ve done it.
At Hadaway & Denton, we’re here to help you talk things through, explore your options, and create a plan that feels right for you. You can take as much time as you need, and there’s never any pressure to decide before you’re ready. If you’d like to find out more about how funeral pre-planning works, or to begin putting your own plan in place, we’re always just a phone call away.
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