I was 17 when the holiday rep came to see us to tell us we had an urgent phone call. I was devastated when my Mum returned to say that my Grandad had died. I wasn't involved heavily in the planning of his funeral, just helping with choosing the songs and flowers. My Nan made one thing for sure. No one would have to arrange hers. She decided to plan her own funeral. This is something that my Mother has always been grateful for.

It is not something people want to talk about, but funerals are big business and it is important that your loved ones know your wishes. By planning your own funeral you can also ease the burden of financial costs at what is already an emotional time. Generally I think talking about your funeral is best done when, as far as you know, you are fit and well. My Mother in Law passed away nearly six months ago. She had cancer which meant also had time to think about the funeral she wanted. Discussing her wishes when she was ill, wasn't easy for anyone involved, as it is difficult to accept that these things will happen. However, when it did, we knew that she wanted pictures of her Grandchildren in her coffin, as well as the readings and hymns she would like. Knowing that she chose these made it all the more poignant.

More recently my Great Aunt passed away, I'm unsure if it was her that chose to go out to Tina Turner, but I am sure she would have liked to have edited the large Bridget Jones style pants on a washing line out of the background on her order of service photo. I think I heard her swearing from heaven. My instructions to my husband will be to choose my most liked profile picture I think!

After having the children my husband and I wrote a will, ensuring that our wishes would be carried out in the what is the unlikely event (I hope) that we are both to die. The evening was surreal, but I did feel much happier having discussed my wishes. Knowing that there is a record. I imagine that it is a similar feeling when you plan your own funeral.

On Wednesday 13th May at 1pm Co-operative Funeralcare are hosting a Twitter party. Here, experts will be on hand to answer your questions about planning your funeral and things to consider. Just follow @Mummyblogger and use #askCoop. You can also read about Jo Middleton's (aka Slummy Single Mummy) investigations into planning your own funeral, including what to do with your ashes. It has certainly made me think about what I would like.