Plan Your Own Funeral

You may be thinking about planning your own funeral, and the music you’d like, the flowers you want and even the type of casket you’d choose.

Whatever the circumstances, planning your funeral does not need to be a daunting prospect, and people often find it an empowering and rewarding experience. Ask us about our complimentary funeral planning booklet.

Planning a funeral

Some people like the idea of planning their funeral while it’s still in the distant future. Others ask us to help them plan their funeral when they know they’re dying.

What’s the difference between funeral planning and a funeral plan
Funeral planning ensures all your final wishes are included, whether that’s where you’re cremated or the music that’s played.

We do not offer funeral plans (where you make a payment every month) and we do not encourage the purchasing of funeral plans.

People worry about their family having to pay for their funeral and then claiming the cost back. But all funeral expenses can be paid directly to the funeral director from the bank account of the person who’s died.

Reasons for planning your funeral in advance

To take the pressure off those responsible for arranging your funeral after you die. Not having to make difficult and emotional decisions helps friends and family focus on their grief and avoids any potential difference in opinions
The service will be extremely personal. It’s moving for your guests to know that the flowers, music, or food were chosen by the person who’s died
Talking about your plans for your funeral with your next of kin and close family members helps alleviate some of the fear people have around death
The most difficult and stressful time to plan a funeral is when someone has died. It’s a huge act of compassion for the people left behind to plan your funeral in advance so every decision is easy to make
Talking openly about your funeral brings acceptance of your own mortality and helps you live your life more positively in the here and now

Pre planning your funeral with Exit Here

We can help you plan your funeral:

Individually: We can meet you one-on-one at our Chiswick or Crouch End premises to record your wishes and help you make decisions. If you’re receiving palliative care and prefer a home visit, we’re happy to come to you
In a group: You can arrange a funeral planning session with us and invite friends and family too
With support: Perhaps you want to bring someone with you such as a friend, family member, or next of kin so they can help you make decisions
There is no charge for any of our funeral planning meetings

Plan your own funeral UK booklet

We’ve created a plan your own funeral booklet where you can write down your final wishes. Feel free to come by our Chiswick High Road or Broadway Parade Crouch End premises to collect one and fill it out at home.

“The most moving funerals we’ve had the privilege to be a part of have been planned by the person who’s died. They took the time to create a memorable service that was uplifting and personal.”

— Barry Pritchard, funeral director

“Sam and all the team at Exit Here were incredibly supportive before, during and after the death of my mother. Sam was on hand to give information to help us plan her funeral which we so appreciated and was always so compassionate and sensitive with the details. My mum really liked their "less traditional approach" with modern coffins, urns and beautiful flower sprays. She would have been very pleased! Beyond the funeral they have also welcomed us to coffee mornings to talk about our grief in a safe space with other people in the same positions, and we truly feel supported.”
— Ellie Gibb
“Oliver and Sam helped me plan a really beautiful funeral for my father. At our first meeting I was so impressed when they asked all about him in order to make everything as personal as possible. They watched a short film I had made about him and I really felt they knew him. I was very touched by the kind and sensitive way they themselves collected my father from home after he died. This was so important at such a sad and difficult time. Nothing was too much trouble in the weeks we spent planning the funeral and a separate burial and everything went off very smoothly. They also spent a lot of time helping me create a beautiful order of service.”
— Cassie Braban
“I was dreading organising my mother’s funeral. My experience of walking past traditional funeral parlours with darkened shop fronts, opaque windows, gold signage/lettering and men (only men) dressed in dark, sombre suits with tails was creating an additional level of anxiety/sadness around the funeral planning. When I first visited the team at Exit Here, the bright and inviting shop front and small team of people dressed normally, who invited an open discussion around Mum and who she was, was a breath of fresh air. Their attention to detail and responsiveness was exceptional, particularly from Sam who planned and directed Mum’s funeral with kindness, authenticity and the utmost professionalism.”
— Michelle Record
“I cannot thank them both enough for their compassion, understanding, guidance, reassurance, competence, professionalism, ingenuity, contacts and knowledge. From collecting my beloved wife, to encouraging visits, practical advice on coping, knowledge of the burial options, and being understanding and supportive through every step of the process. Not just to me, but to the whole network of family and friends. Together we created a truly magical funeral, and one that I am so proud of.”
— Tamlyn Kemp
“Sam and Oliver arranged a beautiful service and reception for my wife that did everything we ever would have wanted. They were caring and helped us through every step of the way. We hadn't made any plans prior to my wife passing, so was astonished that there was a lack of bespoke services in the London area. I was relieved to have found them since I wanted something really special for our friends and family to remember her by. I wish them every success and can recommend them whole-heartedly.”
— Jeremy Nye