Have Your Dream...Funeral?

As morbid as it sounds, planning for your own death is pretty important. Not planning the death itself, of course, unless you’re really morbid. And in that case, be sure to see a doctor.

You definitely want to have your last will and testament prepared. Be sure to declare who gets what—especially if you’ve got squabbling cousins after your antique corncob pipe rumored to have been used by some famous country singer or whatever. Make sure to designate a guardian for any children or pets as well—which, of course, you’ll probably want to ask the potential guardian about beforehand too, unless you’re Kate Hudson’s sister.

After you’ve done all of this and reviewed it with a lawyer, it’s time to plan the fun stuff—your sendoff! Whether you’re going to Heaven, Hell, some layer in between, the Elysian fields, becoming one with everything, or simply becoming a maggot buffet, you can still go out with style.

Maybe you’ll want to be propped next to a jukebox like a smelly old codger scoping the room for chicks. Hey, perhaps that’s exactly how you were in life, and that’s how you want to be remembered. You could even ask the funeral attendants to all chip in to play your favorite songs for the first night or two.

If you’re an activist, perhaps you’d like to make sure your organs go to help someone who needs them, or to scientific studies. I hear body farms are becoming quite popular these days. And maybe you want to have the lease environmental impact possible; in that case, instead of opting for a satin-puffed coffin, maybe you will be cremated.

Maybe you want your remains somewhere special. Whether you want your remains to be scattered over your favorite park, Halle Berry or over your ex-boyfriend’s breakfast cereal, be sure to let loved ones know.

You’ll probably also want to have your wishes about euthanasia in writing. Would you like to be a vegetable if something happens to your brain, or do you want your family to pull the plug? Again, it’s not a fun thought, but it’s still an important thought.

And if there’s anything else you want in your will—or anything you want to tell loved ones—be sure to get it in writing now. You don’t have to go all P.S. I Love You on people, but it’d be nice for them to know that you cared. Of course, telling them now would even be better.