What Happens When You Call My Farewell Wishes?
Thinking about your own funeral is more common than you might imagine. Talking about it, however, can feel a little strange.
You might wonder whether it's too early to start planning, whether other people make these arrangements or even what to say when someone answers the phone.
Perhaps you're worried that you'll be expected to make decisions straight away.
If any of that sounds familiar, you're certainly not the first person to feel that way.
At My Farewell Wishes, we talk about funerals every day. So do the funeral directors we work with throughout Ireland. For us, discussing funeral arrangements in advance is a perfectly normal part of what we do.
You don't need to have everything worked out before you call. You don't even need to know where to begin.
We're happy to talk through your questions, explain the options available and help you understand how funeral pre-planning works in Ireland.
You'll Speak to a Real Person Here in Ireland
One concern people sometimes have about contacting a company they've found online is not knowing who will answer the telephone.
When you call My Farewell Wishes, you'll speak to a real person here in Ireland who understands Irish funerals, families and traditions.
We know that funeral arrangements in Ireland can be very personal. Some people have strong preferences about a traditional wake, a church funeral, burial or cremation. Others simply want something straightforward, without too much fuss.
There's no single right way to plan a funeral, and we're familiar with the different arrangements people make throughout the country.
You can talk to us in your own words. You don't need to know the correct terminology or have a list of questions prepared.
What Will We Talk About?
That depends entirely on what you'd like to know.
Some people ring because they've been thinking about their funeral wishes for a while and want to understand how to record them.
Others are interested in putting money aside towards their funeral costs, or want to know whether they can arrange things with a funeral director in advance.
You might want to ask about:
- Choosing a funeral director before you need their services.
- Recording your wishes for burial or cremation.
- Making decisions about the type of funeral you would prefer.
- Understanding the costs involved in funeral arrangements.
- Paying towards your funeral in advance.
- Making things easier for your family when the time comes.
You might have one straightforward question, or you might have several. Either is perfectly fine.
Do I Have to Make Any Decisions During the Call?
No. An initial conversation is an opportunity to ask questions and understand your options.
You might decide you'd like to explore funeral pre-planning further, or you might simply want some information to think about.
There's no need to rush into decisions about your funeral arrangements.
For many people, that first conversation is simply a way of finding out what's possible.
Do I Need to Have Chosen a Funeral Director?
Not before making an initial enquiry.
If you're considering a funeral pre-plan through My Farewell Wishes, you will need to nominate a funeral director before a plan can be arranged.
We work with funeral directors throughout Ireland, and we can explain how choosing a funeral director fits into the planning process.
You may already have a funeral director in mind, perhaps someone your family has dealt with before. If you haven't, that's something you can discuss when you contact us.
Is It Unusual to Plan Your Own Funeral?
Not at all.
Funeral directors regularly speak to people who want to discuss their own arrangements while they're alive and well.
Some people have very definite ideas about what they want. Others are motivated by a desire to make things easier for their families. Some simply want to understand the financial side of funeral arrangements.
Whatever has prompted you to think about it, there's nothing unusual or embarrassing about asking questions.
In fact, funeral planning is often much easier to discuss when there is no immediate pressure to make arrangements following a death.
What Happens After the Call?
That depends on what you decide.
You might want to take some time to consider what you've discussed, speak with your family or contact your chosen funeral director.
If you'd like to proceed with funeral pre-planning, we can explain the next steps and how arrangements are made through a participating funeral director.
And if you're not ready to do anything further, that's fine too.
The important thing is that you've had an opportunity to ask your questions and understand your options.
Sometimes the Hardest Part Is Making the First Call
We understand that talking about your own funeral might not feel like an everyday conversation.
But for us, it is.
We speak about funeral arrangements, funeral wishes and planning ahead as part of our work. There's no question you need to feel awkward about asking.
Whether you've been considering your arrangements for years or the thought has only recently crossed your mind, we're happy to talk.
Call My Farewell Wishes on 042 6039990.
You don't need to have a plan. You just need to have a question.
