Thinking about the end of life isn’t easy, but preparing a last wishes booklet can bring real peace. This simple document helps you record your preferences for funeral arrangements, important information, and even messages for family. Many people use a last wishes booklet to ease the burden on loved ones, ensuring your wishes are known and followed.
In 2025, free printables and planners make it straightforward to get started. You’ll find options for practical details like accounts and passwords, plus space for heartfelt thoughts. Whether you prefer a basic template or a comprehensive organizer, there’s something to fit your needs. Taking this step shows care for those you’ll leave behind.
Quick Answer
A last wishes booklet is a personal planner where you record end-of-life preferences, such as funeral details, important document locations, and messages to family. It’s not legally binding but guides loved ones. Many free PDFs and books are available online.
TL;DR
• Choose a free printable or book format that suits you. • Include funeral preferences and key contacts first. • Add personal messages for emotional support. • List assets, passwords, and pet care details. • Share copies with trusted family members. • Update it as life changes.
Free Printable Last Wishes Booklets
Many people start with simple printables to outline their plans. These templates offer fill-in sections for quick organization. They often include spots for basic info and preferences.
• I wish for a simple burial with close family present. • Please use this template to note my bank details safely. • My preference is cremation followed by scattering ashes. • Include my favorite photo on the memorial card. • Notify these friends after my passing. • Keep my jewelry for my children to share. • Play soft music during any gathering. • Donate unused clothes to local charity. • My will is located in the home safe. • Use flowers from my garden if possible. • Share stories of my life with attendees. • Avoid formal attire at the service. • My passwords are listed here for access. • Thank you for honoring these requests. • Place my ashes in a peaceful spot. • Celebrate with a small meal afterward.
When I’m Gone Planners
These planners focus on what happens after you’re gone. They guide family through practical steps. Many include checklists for belongings and affairs.
• When I’m gone, please follow my listed contacts. • Handle my accounts using the details provided. • My belongings go to these specific people. • Arrange a quiet memorial as noted. • Use my savings for any costs. • Share my stories with grandchildren. • Cancel my subscriptions promptly. • My home keys are in this spot. • Honor my no-flowers request. • Distribute photos to family members. • Keep things simple and low-cost. • My final thoughts are written here. • Notify work colleagues gently. • Use this planner for peace. • My insurance info is included. • Thank everyone for their care.
Peace of Mind End-of-Life Organizers
Organizers like these bring calm during planning. They emphasize reducing stress for survivors. Reflective sections help you feel prepared.
• Find peace knowing my wishes are clear. • My organizer holds all key information. • Please read my notes for guidance. • Keep celebrations joyful and light. • My life story is summarized here. • Handle affairs without worry. • Peace comes from this preparation. • Include uplifting readings if desired. • My preferences ease your decisions. • Share hugs and memories freely. • This brings comfort to us all. • Follow the steps outlined. • My love remains with you. • Organize with care and ease. • Peaceful transitions start here. • Thank you for this gift.
Five Wishes Documents
Inspired by popular advance planning tools, these cover health, comfort, and treatment wishes alongside personal notes. They blend medical and emotional elements gently.
• My five wishes include comfort care only. • Treat me with kindness and pain relief. • Allow family visits as much as possible. • Play my favorite songs nearby. • Forgive any past misunderstandings. • My wishes respect my faith quietly. • Keep me clean and comfortable. • Share my hand-squeezes if able. • Honor my no-heroic measures choice. • Read uplifting passages aloud. • My document guides these decisions. • Surround me with familiar items. • Wish for dignity in all care. • Thank caregivers from my heart. • These wishes reflect my values. • Peaceful surroundings matter most.
Funeral Planning Checklists
Checklists make funeral details straightforward. They cover service type, guests, and more. Practical steps ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Check off my preferred service type. • Invite only close loved ones. • Use this checklist for music selections. • No viewing, please keep private. • Simple casket or urn choice. • Readings from family members. • Checklist includes donation options. • Outdoor location if weather allows. • Short and meaningful tributes. • Checklist for flowers or alternatives. • Burial plot details noted. • Reception with light refreshments. • Checklist guides the timeline. • Personal touches like photos. • Avoid embalming if possible. • This checklist simplifies everything.
Personal Wishes Organizers
These focus on your unique voice. Space for life reflections and custom requests stands out. They feel more individual.
• My personal wish is a sunrise service. • Organize my books for library donation. • Share my recipes with nieces. • Personal notes for each child. • Wish for laughter during remembrance. • My organizer captures my quirks. • Plant a tree in my memory. • Personal photo display preferred. • Wish everyone wears colors. • My hobbies inspired these ideas. • Organizer for unique belongings. • Personal message to grandchildren. • Wish for no sadness only. • My voice shines through here. • Organize keepsakes thoughtfully. • Personal legacy feels warm.
Final Arrangements Worksheets
Worksheets help with disposition and memorials. They prompt specific choices clearly. Step-by-step format works well.
• Worksheet notes cremation preference. • Arrange scattering in favorite place. • Memorial bench or plaque idea. • Worksheet for guest notifications. • Direct family to handle details. • No embalming on worksheet. • Arrangements for transportation. • Worksheet includes cost estimates. • Simple urn selection here. • Final resting place specified. • Worksheet for legal notifications. • Arrange virtual attendance option. • Personal effects distribution. • Worksheet eases planning burden. • Final goodbye as written. • Arrangements reflect my simplicity.
Letters of Last Instruction
These letters provide informal guidance. They locate documents and explain intentions. Warm tone makes them approachable.
• My letter instructs on will location. • Find safe combination here. • Instruction for pet adoption. • Letter shares account logins. • Guide to home maintenance. • Instruction on vehicle title. • My letter expresses gratitude. • Locate birth certificate easily. • Instruction for tax files. • Share this letter privately. • Letter details insurance claims. • Instruction on jewelry appraisal. • My final instructions bring clarity. • Locate photos for sharing. • Letter guides digital closure. • Instruction brings family unity.
Christian Final Wishes Planners
Faith-friendly planners include scripture space and prayer requests. They respect spiritual beliefs gently. Inclusive for Christian audiences.
• My planner includes favorite verses. • Wish for hymns at service. • Christian burial with prayer. • Planner notes church notification. • Share God’s love in tributes. • Wish for eternal peace. • Planner for Bible distribution. • Gentle readings from Psalms. • Christian comfort for family. • Wish to rest in faith. • Planner reflects my beliefs. • Include communion if possible. • Faith guides these wishes. • Planner for ministry donation. • Christian legacy of love. • Wish for heavenly reunion.
Heartfelt Messages for Loved Ones
Personal notes offer emotional closure. They express love and forgiveness. These touch hearts deeply.
• My heart is full of love for you. • Forgive any hurts I’ve caused. • You brought joy every day. • Heartfelt thanks for your care. • Live fully in my memory. • My love endures forever. • Proud of all you’ve become. • Heartfelt hugs from afar. • Cherish our shared moments. • You are my greatest blessing. • Heartfelt peace to you. • Love guides you always. • My heart holds you close. • Thank you for everything. • Heartfelt farewell with smiles. • Eternal love surrounds you.
Wishes for Family and Friends
Tailored for relationships, these focus on bonds. Messages address groups warmly. They strengthen connections.
• To my family, stay close always. • Friends, thank you for laughter. • Wish joy for my children. • Family gatherings continue please. • To friends, keep supporting each other. • My wish for grandchildren’s happiness. • Family, share meals often. • Friends, remember fun trips. • Wish peace for siblings. • To all, celebrate life. • Family traditions carry on. • Friends, forgive my absences. • Wish health for everyone. • Family love binds us. • To friends, you’re family too. • My wishes wrap you warmly.
Funeral and Memorial Preferences
Details for services shine here. Choices like music or readings personalize events. They honor your style.
• Prefer upbeat music selection. • Memorial with photo slideshow. • Preference for no eulogy. • Include personal anecdotes shared. • Funeral outdoors in nature. • Preference for casual dress. • Memorial donations to cause. • Readings of favorite poems. • Preference for short service. • Include children’s artwork. • Funeral with live plants. • Preference for evening timing. • Memorial toast to life. • Personal mementos distributed. • Preference for quiet reflection. • Funeral ends with song.
Important Documents and Passwords
Practical sections list locations securely. They prevent searching stress. Essential for smooth handling.
• Documents in fireproof box. • Passwords listed securely here. • Important papers filed alphabetically. • Safe deposit key location. • Documents for quick access. • Password manager details. • Important contracts noted. • Birth records here. • Documents updated recently. • Password changes recorded. • Important titles in drawer. • Military papers located. • Documents for taxes. • Passwords for email access. • Important deeds signed. • All organized for you.
Pet Care Instructions in Wishes
For animal lovers, these ensure furry friends’ future. Loving details provide reassurance. Care continues seamlessly.
• My pet goes to this person. • Instructions for daily feeding. • Vet records attached here. • Pet’s favorite toys included. • Instructions for walks routine. • Wish for loving home. • Pet medication schedule. • Instructions comfort my companion. • Grooming preferences noted. • Pet’s bed stays familiar. • Instructions for play time. • Wish no shelter please. • Pet insurance details. • Instructions ease transition. • My pet feels my love. • Care as I did.
Obituary and Life Story Ideas
Space to draft your summary. Highlights achievements and personality. It shares your legacy.
• Obituary mentions my career proudly. • Life story includes travels. • Ideas for humorous anecdotes. • Obituary notes family devotion. • Story of community involvement. • Ideas for faith mention. • Obituary keeps it brief. • Life highlights hobbies. • Ideas for photo choices. • Obituary thanks supporters. • Story reflects kindness. • Ideas for final line. • Obituary accurate dates. • Life story inspires others. • Ideas for tone warm. • My story complete here.
Digital Assets and Online Accounts
Modern planners include online details. They manage digital life closure. Privacy stays protected.
• Online accounts listed here. • Digital photos to download. • Assets like email passwords. • Social media memorialize please. • Digital subscriptions cancel. • Assets in cloud storage. • Online banking access. • Digital music library share. • Assets for photo books. • Online profiles close gently. • Digital files organized. • Assets include domain names. • Online wishes for posts. • Digital legacy preserved. • Assets transferred easily. • Online peace achieved.
FAQs
What should you include in a last wishes document?
Include funeral preferences, locations of important papers, contact lists, account details, and personal messages. Also add medical wishes and pet care if relevant. This covers practical and emotional needs.
What is a letter of last instruction?
It’s a non-binding guide with key information like document locations and final preferences. It helps family without legal force. Many use it alongside a will.
How to create final wishes for a funeral?
Start with a template or planner. Note service type, music, guests, and disposition. Share with trusted people. Update as needed.
What is an end-of-life planner?
It’s an organizer for affairs, wishes, and info when you’re gone. Books or PDFs help record everything. They bring peace to families.
Is a last wishes document legally binding?
No, it’s not legally binding like a will. But it guides loved ones morally. Pair it with legal documents for full coverage.
Where to keep a final wishes booklet?
Store it with important papers or give copies to family. A safe spot at home works well. Tell trusted people its location.
Can I include messages to family in my last wishes booklet?
Yes, many templates have space for personal notes. These heartfelt messages offer comfort. They express love and guidance.
Conclusion
A last wishes booklet offers a caring way to prepare for the future. It ensures your voice is heard and eases challenges for loved ones. Start one today for lasting peace
Emma Blake is an American writer who specializes in everyday messages and captions for real conversations. At Wishhmii, she contributes to many types of content, including wishes for family, friends, partners, colleagues, and online communities. Emma’s writing blends natural language with thoughtful structure so readers can quickly find a line that fits their tone—whether it’s for a chat, a card, or a social media post.