I think the funeral arrangements are for the benefit of those left behind. Having organised DH's funeral with our 3 daughters, it brought us together, gave us, after the shock of his sudden death, time to talk and grieve and we all chose the music, flowers, coffin etc. between us. We included music, poems and readings which he would have enjoyed but really it was about us honouring and remembering him in our way. When it comes to my turn, I have a list as long as my arm of my favourite music which the girls can pick and choose from, adding their own if they like, and I have a couple of my favourite poems. I would like it to be simple, to the point and I want my ashes mixed with his and scattered in a place of their choice - hopefully by the beach where we lived for most of our married life - but their choice. I have some of DHs ashes in a pot under a rose bush which is moving with me to my new home and I have left more under a tree in our old garden which is where we were so happy. The rest are in our wine store (which he would chuckle about) waiting for mine to join him in the fullness of time - but not yet please 