Choosing Funeral Flowers

Most people love to see lots of fresh, colourful flowers at the funeral of a loved one and the sympathy cards attached to the wreaths or tributes are often treasured for many years .

When chosen carefully floral tributes can say more than words but often it is difficult to know what to send. Here’s a quick guide to help you.

• Close family usually select the Coffin Spray or a Name Tribute so unless you are very close to the deceased leave these alone
• Sometime the family will request a certain colour theme, if possible you should respect this request
• If there are no colour restrictions try to choose colours which reflect either the deceased or yourself
• Don’t worry about the meaning of certain flowers, just choose those you like or those you think the deceased would have liked
• There are lots of funeral flowers available at florists, ranging from simple sheaths, wreaths of all sizes, names spelt out, heart shapes, ball shapes, the list goes on
• Bear in mind that florists may have to substitute certain flowers in funeral wreaths depending on the time of the year.

To order funeral flowers online have a look at the following:

• Flowers from Flowers Direct (UK)
  
• Flowers from FlowerFast (US)

Help with Funeral Costs

Did you know that you may be able to get help towards the cost of a funeral? If you or your partner are getting a low income benefit you may be able to get a Funeral Payment. This is a one-off, tax-free payment to help cover the necessary costs of a funeral.

For more information about this payment please visit the Job Centre Plus website or download a claim form.

Why you should Make a Will

Everyone should make a Will. If you die without making a Will you cannot control who will inherit your money and property.

What will happen is that the law of ‘intestacy’ will apply which in simple terms means that the bulk of your estate will go to your spouse or, if none, to your children and, if none, to other specified blood relatives. If this is not what you want to happen to your estate then make a Will today.

If you’re not married and have not made a Will, your partner may receive nothing. You must state in your Will if you wish your partner to inherit your estate.

If you already have a Will but have recently been divorced or married your current Will may be invalid. It is advisable to do a review of your circumstances on a regular basis and have a new Will drawn up if at all in doubt.

Making a will is not necessarily a complex or expensive business, particularly if your affairs are pretty straight forward. There are three ways you can draw up a will:

• Solicitor – this is the most expensive method but if your affairs are complicated this is the only safe way of ensuring your estate is dealt with in the way you wish. Don’t know where to begin? Then find a solicitor via the Law Society (UK only).
• Buy a Last Will & Testament Pack – these are available at most post offices and some bookshops. Amazon.co.uk also supply them, click here to see Amazon’s DIY Wills for use in the UK or here for those for use in the US. These wills have to be signed infront of witnesses before they become legally binding.
• Complete the details online – there are several companies available who offer this service. You fill in all the forms online then they send you a copy of the will via email you then just need to sign it infront of witnesses to make it legally binding. One such company is Global Wills.

If you’re not sure if you need to have a solicitor draw up your will take a look at our simple guide.