13
The Funeral
( continued )
There are many different types of funeral and it is useful to remember that :
• You do not have to have a funeral ceremony in a licensed building , crematorium or place of worship - it can even be in your own home
• You can choose a ceremony that reflects any religious beliefs or multi-cultural traditions . No one has to ‘ deliver ’ a ceremony . You can choose a religious , civil or humanist ceremony or the family can deliver and co-ordinate the event themselves - there are no set rules
• If you organise a personalised ceremony with lots of music and readings , it ’ s as well to check with the Chapel or Crematorium Manager if you would like to use their premises as you may need to book a double time slot
• You do not have to employ a Funeral Director to co-ordinate your plans , although many people do , as it takes away some of the stress and anxiety at this time
• There are many Woodland and environmentally friendly Burial Sites being created , that offer an alternative resting place for loved ones . It is often a condition of use that the body is not embalmed , as they do not want any chemicals destroying the local habitat
• A burial can be on private land as long as you have the permission of the land owner and there is nothing in the deeds restricting the use of the property in this way . Before considering this option , please do check with your local Planning Office , plus the Environmental Health Department . Further information and advice are available from a charity called The Natural Death Centre . www . naturaldeath . org . uk
Some simple ways in which you can personalise a funeral service
• Think about the music - you do not have to choose classical , religious or traditional styles unless you prefer them . Most funeral venues can now download any music of your choice which you can then incorporate throughout the funeral service . Discuss your choices with family and the person you have chosen to conduct the funeral ceremony
• Think about individual contributions - you might want to include a reading , a poem or a favourite story . Plan a running order that will provide you with the kind of ceremony you want
• Consider using personal items as part of the ceremony . These will help to reflect the person who has died and make the ceremony more special . For example , a special throw to drape over the coffin or a photograph of the person
• You could have photographs of the person on the Order of Ceremony which people could then take away as a memento , or give everyone a small Card of Remembrance of the deceased person
• Many funerals are now geared to be a celebration of the deceased ’ s life , rather than the more traditional mourning of their loss . This has led to numerous companies who can provide personalised coffin drapes , doves or butterflies for release , funeral balloons and even firework displays to scatter a loved one ’ s ashes . The choices these days are endless .
The ceremony should reflect the wishes of you , your family and friends . You can decide on the details of the ceremony to make sure this happens .