Many of us feel uneasy when we are faced with the thought of planning our own funeral but have you ever wondered what your funeral would be like?

Hills Family Funerals owner, Richard Spiteri says, “Too often we hear families say, ‘I wish I had known what Mum would have wanted’ or ‘I wish we had more time to organise Dad’s memorial service.’”

Most Australians over 50 are not making pre-arrangements but there are people around the world who have taken comfort from planning a funeral that reflects their individuality.

Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, requested that his ashes be launched into deep space (due for launch in November 2014)! Can you imagine if his family had tried to organise a space burial after he’d passed away if he had never expressed his wishes or if they had no time to organise it? It would be difficult if not impossible.

Your final wishes may not be quite as outlandish but wouldn’t you like them to be known?

Thinking about funerals as celebrations of life

Just over half of us aren’t too worried about funerals and think of them as a normal part of life, yet more than a third of us despise thinking about them.

It is now more acceptable than ever to deal with the death of a loved one in our own ways, which is why thinking about funerals as times to rejoice isn’t for everyone.

But if it is for you, this event could be the chance to celebrate lives and relationships. Many funeral directors will tell you that marking this passage of life with joy and tales of good memories can be a huge part of the mourning and healing process for families.

It is your final gift to the ones you love.

Planning your own funeral

There is rarely adequate time to organise a celebration that recognises all the great things about an individual on top ofall the other necessary details required for a funeral right after someone passes away. Choosing to plan your own funeral means:

a) Time and ability to create the send-off that you want

Many of us want to be remembered for who we were, what we valued and why we mattered to our loved ones; all the things that made us unique or special.

And you know yourself better than anyone.

Is there a religious rite or bible passage you would like to have incorporated into the service? Planning means your wishes are honoured.

Planning your funeral could also mean having your space burial like Gene Roddenberry or less extravagantly, being sent off to Louis Armstrong’s ‘What A Wonderful World.’

At Hills Family Funerals we have seen how difficult it can be for families when they don’t know what their loved ones would have wanted or don’t have the resources to organise it. It causes tension when tension is the last thing families need.

Forget having your family disagree over what music to play or whether to ask attendees to wear coloured instead of black attire.

Having your wishes written down means there are no surprises.

Wouldn’t you love to go to the grave singing, “I did it my way”? Perhaps not, but we are sure there is something that

is personal to you! Take time to think about it and all the other details to ensure your funeral is the send-off that you want it to be.

b) Give the gift of time to your loved ones

The last thing we want is for our families to be burdened by organising something that seems difficult to many of us at the best of times.

Families often suffer less when a funeral plan is in place. It is comforting to know what needs to be done to make a loved one’s send-off as they wish it to be, and then the time before, during and after the funeral can be a more healing experience for families.

Planning your funeral means you and your family receive more time.

c) Take finances into your own hands

Do you know the cost of a funeral? Many of us only find out when it’s our turn to arrange it. It can be anywhere from $4000, more in some circumstances.

Pre-arranging your funeral means you are in control of any financial responsibilities.

The difference between Prepaid Funerals and Funeral Insurance

Let’s imagine for a second that although pre-planning might seem like a good idea to you, you’re wondering about the hidden costs. You’re right to wonder.

That’s why we want to lay a few things out on the table.

Prearranging your funeral means that the details of your personal wishes for the service are fully documented. You can also elect to prepay. This is fixed at today’s price and your investment is lodged in a bond ensuring your money is secure.

On the other hand, there’s the option of funeral insurance. Basically funeral insurance is purchased from an insurer. “It involves small regular contributions for a specified cash payment on death” and it cannot be refunded if you decide to cancel it. Unlike prepaid funeral plans that are fixed, “policy holders could end up paying up to five times the cost of their funeral in insurance premiumsif they held onto their cover until they died.”

No one wants their last gift to their families or even themselves to be a large bill.

How would you like to be remembered?

In November 2014, Gene Roddenberry will literally be beamed up Scotty! Gene will be blasted into space with Star Trek actor James Doohan (Scotty) and his wife, Majel.

Imagine organising a send-off equally as personal to you and your loved ones!

Facing the inevitable by planning your own funeral is not easy, but it may be one of the most heartfelt decisions to ever make for your family.

Take life and death into your own hands. You may just find it’s liberating.

How would you like to be remembered?

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On Saturday 13 September 2014, Hills Family Funerals owner Richard Spiteri ditched the suit for motorbike leathers and hit the bitumen for this year’s Wall To Wall Ride, known as the ‘Ride for the Fallen’, to honour the sacrifices of the many police men and women who have been killed in service worldwide, and to raise funds for police charity organisations in

Australia.

Richard said, “It was not only a fantastic day with other motorcycle enthusiasts, it was also deeply moving to be surrounded by riders sharing stories in reflection and respect for the fallen. The Wall to Wall Ride displayed the comradery amongst riders, the police and community, and brought home the impacts these people have made on our lives.”

“It was the most moving ride I have ever been on and it is a true testament to the service.” Richard said.

For more information about the next Wall to Wall Ride on September 2015, head to: http://www.walltowallride.com/