Funeral & Burial Wishes: What to Include in Your Will

Talking about funeral plans isn’t easy, but it’s one of the kindest gifts you can leave your family. Including even brief instructions in your Will or estate plan can help your loved ones feel confident they’re honoring your wishes when that time comes.

At Leslie Copeland Law & Mediation, we encourage clients to think through the full range of options — from traditional burials to environmentally conscious choices — and to record whatever feels most authentic to them. Here are a few ways you might express your wishes in your Will.

1. Traditional Burial

Many clients prefer a classic, respectful burial. You can request a traditional service and interment near family or in a particular cemetery. Some people include details such as religious customs, music preferences, or specific family traditions. Even if you don’t have a plot selected yet, your Will can direct your Executor to choose one consistent with your wishes.

2. Cremation and Ashes Placement

Cremation offers flexibility and simplicity. You can specify where you’d like your ashes placed — for example, in a family plot, in a columbarium, or scattered in a meaningful place. You might also ask for a small memorial service or celebration of life in lieu of a formal funeral.

3. Environmentally Friendly or “Green” Burial

A growing number of people prefer natural or “green” burials. These avoid embalming and use biodegradable caskets or shrouds so that the body returns naturally to the earth. You can direct your Executor to work with a green burial ground or conservation cemetery if one is available in your area.

4. Simple or Minimal Arrangements

Some clients want to keep things simple: direct cremation, no viewing, and no formal service. Others ask that family hold a private gathering or meal instead. These instructions can reduce emotional and financial strain on loved ones while still ensuring a respectful farewell.

5. Celebration of Life

Instead of a somber funeral, you might prefer a joyful “celebration of life.” You can describe what you’d like — music, food, stories, laughter — or simply give your family permission to honor you in a way that feels uplifting. For many families, this approach becomes a healing tradition.

6. Faith-Based or Cultural Customs

If your faith or cultural background has specific funeral practices, it’s wise to note them in your estate documents. Whether it’s a religious service, burial clothing, or a preferred officiant, recording those preferences helps ensure your family and Executor coordinate accordingly.

7. Prearranged or Prepaid Plans

If you’ve already arranged your funeral or purchased a burial plot, include that information in your Will and keep documentation with your estate papers. Your Executor can then coordinate directly with the funeral home or cemetery to carry out what you’ve planned.

8. Organ Donation and Medical Research

You can combine your funeral wishes with an organ donation directive. Simply state that you wish to donate any organs or tissues suitable for transplant or research, followed by instructions for cremation or burial afterward. You can also complete a separate Arkansas organ donor registry form for added clarity.

9. Letting Family Decide

Some people prefer to give their family flexibility. You can state that you trust your loved ones to make decisions consistent with your values and their needs. Even this minimal guidance helps prevent disagreements during an emotional time.

10. Blended Approach

You don’t have to fit neatly into one category. Many clients choose a combination — for example, cremation followed by a small graveside service or scattering of ashes, with a casual celebration later. Your Will can simply describe the tone or intent you’d like, leaving details to your family’s discretion.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to know every detail right away. The goal is simply to leave enough direction so that your family isn’t left guessing. Whether you want a traditional service or a quiet farewell, clear instructions bring comfort and clarity when they’re needed most.

If you’d like help documenting your funeral and burial wishes, our office can include this as part of your estate plan.

Leslie Copeland Law & Mediation helps families throughout Arkansas plan for both the legal and personal aspects of legacy, ensuring that your wishes are carried out with dignity and peace of mind.