“For Sale: Two highly sought after, desirable spaces within a harmonious and pastoral setting. Nestled within a tranquil corner of a highly prestigious location and surrounded by tasteful, ornamental and timeless architecture these plots are sure to sell very fast so do not delay. The neighbours are quiet.”
What are we selling?
My parents graves.
No kidding.
Having decided that they may well follow us in our move to the country my parents are now left with two highly desirable plots within the graveyard of their current hometown. Plots that they may no longer need.
My parents are extremely organised about death. Well, to be fair they are organised about most things but particularly death. They have already planned the readings and the music for their funerals.
And, although it is not a subject I feel particularly comfortable discussing over dinner, they are perhaps right to do so. A recent study by SunLife has found that the cost of a funeral has risen 88% in the last decade. 88%.
The cost of a basic funeral now averages £3693, with the post funeral send off, food, flowers, death and funeral notices coming in at around £2000 on top of that. It will set you back even more if you happen to live in London with the cost differing quite remarkably across the UK. You can read more about this here.
It would seem dying is not cheap.
A colleague, sadly, recently buried her father and was offered a ‘biodegradable coffin’ for £200. A £200 cardboard box.
So, as uncomfortable as it is, perhaps it is something we should all be planning for if we are to avoid leaving huge costs to our children.
A recent chat with colleagues revealed many had indeed thought about their own funerals, mostly the song that they would like to be played.
Here are a few of my favourites:
My Dad: “Come on up to the house”-Tom Waits
Mr B: “At last”-Etta James, and, ‘if I can find a DJ worth his salt’ this is to be segued with “Beautiful”-Snoop Dogg and Pharrell. So no pressure there then.
Life as Alice-“November Rain”-Guns ‘n’ Roses. THE WHOLE NINE MINUTES!
I’m Well Confused Me-“Ha ha you’re dead” -Greenday
Mummy Barrow-“Let’s get this party started”-Pink, although she wants her actual cremation to be done to the countdown theme tune. Genius.
For me I think it has to be “Time after time” -Cyndi Lauper. It always makes me cry and I want you weeping folks. Weeping. #justsaying.
So how about you, what would you like to be playing as you make your final exit? Do let me know below.
And, now I have you all focused on your untimely demise, we do have two highly desirable spots for sale. Any takers?
This post is brought to you in association with SunLife, however all words are my own.”
I think it is very organised to have your own plots and something less for those left behind to deal with. As for the funeral song, I always wanted Wing Beneath my Wings but more recently I would choose, One Republic – I Lived!
P.S Hope you manage to sell the plots!
Ooh that’s a great choice! Both in fact.
I’m very impressed with your parents’ organisation! This is something we’ve never thought of and I don’t think my parents have either. I guess it does make sense to put some thought into it.
It does but it just feels so morbid somehow. I should really be more organised. Have still not made a will!
Oh my word, you are organsed. I ought to think more about this but for me due to my faith dying is not such a big deal, I’ll be going on to somewhere far better but of course I realise how hard it is for those left here that love me. My service will be full of Christian worship songs as that is what I love. Mich x
That’s lovely Mich x
Before my brother died he asked to buried in a cardboard box but my Mum just couldn’t bear the thought so she talked him out of it. x x