I have a 3 month notice period in my contract. This means if I resign on the 18th October my last day at my current company should be the 18th January. I however would like my last day to be the 19th January (In this case it's a Friday so it is all cleaner).

I could wait until the the 19th October to resign and all would be good. We have a team meeting on the 18th and if I resign before it then it can be announced at the meeting and handover etc can be discussed in it.

So can I specify a last day in resignation letter greater than notice period?

*HR and my Boss all ready know I am planning on leaving. It will not come as a surprise to them.*