Rest in peace - if your phone doesn’t ring
Photographs, cigarettes, mobile phones and cuddly toys are just some of the items that we want to take with us to the grave according to new research by Post Office Insurance. However many people could end up without their last request because they haven't made their intentions clear to their families.
When asked what they would like to have buried or cremated with them, one in five people (20 per cent) would like a photo of a loved one - rising to one in every four women (25 per cent).
While popular choices for women tended to be those with sentimental value, such as an object belonging to a partner (eight per cent) or cuddly toy (six per cent), men would prefer the company of a bottle of alcohol (four per cent) or even a national flag (three per cent).
However, the one and half million people who want to take their mobile phone into their coffin should be prepared for disappointment if they want to be cremated. Recent changes in regulation aimed at protecting the environment mean there are restrictions on what is allowed in a coffin when it's cremated, with most metals now ruled out, due to the hazardous emissions they produce. The funeral director can give guidance in this area.
And it isn't just the items we would take with us during burial or cremation that people have thought about - it is the clothes too. Although many (14 per cent) opted for their ‘favourite outfit', more bizarre choices included a George Michael tour t-shirt, a wetsuit and motorbike leathers. Four per cent of Scots showed their national pride by saying they would like to be buried or cremated in their national dress, and a further three per cent opted to be naked.
However, whilst many have thought in detail about their funeral (often right down to the shoes and jewellery they would wear), only a third who want to be buried or cremated with a particular item (31 per cent) have told loved ones or have made plans for these wishes to be available to friends and family after they have gone. .
Post Office Head of Insurance, Duncan Caesar-Gordon said: "Although lots of us have very specific ideas about how we'd like to be remembered and what we would like to take with us, the vast majority has not taken any steps to make sure it happens. Talking to loved ones about your wishes, and putting in place financial provisions can make a big difference to a bereaved family who are left to make decisions and finance arrangements. A simple plan like the Post Office Over 50s Life Cover costs from just 25p per day, and can give peace of mind to family and friends."
Ian Mackie, Managing Director of Funeral Planning for The Co-operative Group, the UK's largest funeral plan provider, said: "In recent years there has been a move away from the traditional set format of the funeral. People are now asking for a more individual ceremony that reflects the life of the person who has died.
"Whilst bereavement can be a very difficult time, many people want their family and friends to celebrate their life on the day of the funeral, have a few drinks and think positively about the good times they have shared. While there are an increasing number of people who are making financial provisions for their funeral and ensuring their personal wishes are known, there is still a large number who remain unprepared. Making provisions and letting your personal funeral wishes be known gives great peace of mind for both the individual and their families."
Post Office Over 50s Life Cover is guaranteed for all UK residents aged between 50 and 80 with no medical questions or checks needed. Customers can choose how much cover they want with premiums starting from as little as 25p per day.
To find out more about Post Office Over 50s Life Cover or any other Post Office insurance policy, log onto postoffice.co.uk.