In my estate planning practice, the most dreaded question I must routinely ask is: “How would you like to instruct your loved ones to dispose of your remains?”
At that point, I imagine the client is wishing for a root canal without painkiller. Not infrequently, the question often elicits peals of laughter as the client shares intricate plans and wishes, leaving colleagues on the other side of the conference room door wondering what about estate planning could elicit such levity. It turns out that, for those who don’t want a religious funeral, the instructions left behind are starting to look more like a party planner’s agreement, complete with directions for invitations, festive attire, menu, decorations and even souvenirs.
This might seem like another example of using first world wealth to overindulge in senseless ways. But in some countries — India, Indonesia and Tibet come to mind — funerals have long been elaborate spectacles that have come to be popular tourist attractions if a traveler is lucky enough to chance upon one. Of course, the Irish have long been known for their wakes. In the U.S., we’re just late to the party, so to speak.