The best way to let your loved ones know about your funeral wishes is to write down a list of specific instructions.  It may be tempting to include this information in your will, but that is generally not a good idea.  Your will may not be opened until long after the funeral is over.  Instead, you should write your funeral or burial instructions in a separate document, possibly even a healthcare directive, and make sure your family knows where to find the information.

If you are not inclined to write down instructions, then you should talk to your loved ones about your final wishes.  It could be as simple as saying that you prefer to be buried or cremated, or letting your loved ones know whether you want a funeral or memorial service.  You don’t have to tell your loved ones everything.  You can decide what they must know now, and what can wait until later.

Regardless of how you notify your family, the fact that you let them know your final wishes will go a long way toward easing the stress and anxiety after you pass away.