Funeral planning:
shaping your farewell with dignity
Your wishes for your final farewell, clearly recorded, so that your loved ones can say goodbye in a way that truly reflects you.
Deciding on your farewell now
Funeral planning is a personal document in which you record your wishes for your burial: type of funeral, ceremony, music, place of remembrance and much more.
This relieves your loved ones of an enormous burden: in a moment of deep grief, they do not have to make difficult decisions about what you would have wanted.
Good to know: Funeral planning is not legally binding, but it is a valuable guide for your loved ones and for the funeral service that will accompany you.
How to write my funeral planning
Reflect on your wishes
Think about what matters to you: burial or cremation? Religious or civil ceremony? Who should be present? Music that means something to you?
Write it down
Record your wishes clearly and in detail. There is no official form, a handwritten or typed sheet is perfectly sufficient. The important thing is that your wishes are understandable.
Inform your loved ones
Tell your family where the document is kept. Ideally, raise the topic in a conversation, this relieves everyone and clarifies any questions.
File the document
Keep the document in a safe place known to your loved ones and give a copy to a trusted person. In many municipalities it can also be filed with the funeral office or a notary.
Your wishes, your decision
A gift for your loved ones
Bereaved people often have to make important decisions in a state of extreme shock. Your funeral planning gives them clear guidance, and thus the security of doing what truly reflects you.
What many people want to know
No. Funeral planning is not a legally binding document. It does not need to be certified. A signed sheet is perfectly sufficient.
Your loved ones decide on your behalf according to their best judgement. This can be stressful and lead to decisions that do not reflect you, or to disagreements within the family.
Where your loved ones can find it quickly when needed. Tell your trusted persons where it is and give them a copy. You can change or revoke your wishes at any time.
Questions about
funeral planning?
This page provides general information. For practical questions, please contact the funeral office of your municipality or a funeral home.