It’s often said that funerals are a time of great sadness, but they can also be a time of celebration – of the life that has been lived. If you want to plan a bespoke funeral for a loved one, there are many options to choose from. You can pick the coffin, choose eco-friendly options such as cremation or burial, decide on whether you want a service or not and choose from a range of themes. This blog will provide you with all the information you need to make those decisions.
Picking A Coffin
When it comes to picking a coffin, there are many factors to consider. You need to consider the size of the coffin, the type of wood it is made from, and whether you want any special features. You may also consider whether the coffin will be buried or cremated.
If you are burying the coffin, you must choose a type of wood that will decompose naturally. Pine and poplar are two good options, as they will decompose in around six to twelve months. Oak and mahogany coffins take longer to decompose, so they are unsuitable for burial.
If you are cremating the coffin, you will need to think about the type of wood that is best suited for cremation. Softwoods such as pine and spruce are generally used as they burn quickly and evenly. Hardwoods, such as oak and mahogany, can take longer to cremate and may not burn as evenly. You will also need to choose a coffin specially designed for cremation, as traditional coffins are not always suitable.
You also need to think about the size of the coffin. The coffin should be big enough to fit the deceased comfortably, but it’s also important to remember that the coffin will have to be loaded into and out of the hearse.
When choosing a coffin, it’s essential to pick one that reflects the life of the person who has died. For example, if they were a musician, you might want to choose a coffin with a musical motif. Or, if they were an animal lover, you could choose a coffin with a nature theme. The sky’s the limit for bespoke funerals, so let your imagination run wild!
Eco Funerals
Eco-funerals are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for ways to reduce their environmental impact. There are several different eco-funeral options available, from traditional burial to cremation.
Burial is the most common type of eco funeral. When someone is buried, their body is placed in a biodegradable coffin and buried in a natural setting, such as wood or meadow. The coffin will decompose over time, and the body will be returned to the earth.
Cremation is another popular eco-funeral option. When someone is cremated, their body is burned until it turns to ash. The ashes can then be scattered in a special place for the person who has died, or they can be buried in a biodegradable urn.
Eco funerals are a great way to reduce your environmental impact, and they can also be cheaper than traditional funerals. If you’re interested in an eco funeral for your loved one, talk to your funeral director about the different options available.
Cremation Or Burial
One of the first decisions you must make when planning a funeral is whether you want to cremate or bury the body. Both options have pros and cons, and it’s essential to consider what’s right for you and your family.
Cremation is often seen as the cheaper option, as it doesn’t require a coffin or a burial plot. Cremation also gives you more flexibility when it comes to scattering the ashes. For example, you can scatter them in a special place for the person who has died or keep them in an urn.
Burial is more expensive than cremation, requiring a coffin and a burial plot. But burial can be seen as a more traditional option, giving you a chance to visit your loved one’s grave.
Funeral Transportation
Another critical decision you need to make when planning a funeral is how you’re going to transport the body. The most common option is to use a hearse, but other options are available, such as using a horse-drawn carriage or a bicycle hearse.
If you’re using a hearse, you need to think about the route the funeral procession will take. You can either follow the traditional route to the cemetery or choose a more personal route that reflects the life of the person who has died.
If you’re using a horse-drawn carriage, you need to ensure that the horses are well-trained and that they won’t be spooked by the noise and commotion of the funeral procession. You also need to consider the carriage’s route, as it’s important to avoid busy roads.
Bicycle hearses are becoming increasingly popular, as they’re seen as a more eco-friendly option. However, if you’re using a bicycle hearse, you need to ensure that the route is safe and that there are enough people to help with pedalling.
Funerals With Or Without A Service
One of the first decisions you need to make when planning a funeral is whether you want to have a service. A service is a ceremony held to remember the life of the person who died. The service can be religious or non-religious, and burial or cremation usually follows it.
If you don’t want to have a service, you can still have a funeral. A funeral is a gathering of family and friends to remember the life of the person who has died. A funeral can be held before or after a cremation or burial.
Non-Religious Funerals
If you or your loved one is not religious, you might want to consider having a non-religious funeral. Non-religious funerals are becoming increasingly popular as they allow people to celebrate the life of their loved ones in a way that is meaningful to them.
There are no set rules for non-religious funerals, so you can tailor the service to your needs. For example, you might want to include readings, music, and eulogies that reflect the life of your loved one. You can also choose to have the service in a venue other than a church, such as a park or a function room.
Wakes And Receptions
After the funeral service, you might want to hold a wake or a reception. A wake is a gathering of family and friends to remember the life of the person who has died. A reception is a more formal gathering, and it’s usually held in a function room or a hotel.
If you’re holding a reception, you must consider the guest list, the venue, and the entertainment. Additionally, you might want to have a slide show of photos.
If you’re holding a wake, you need to think about the venue and the food and drink that will be served. You might want to hire a catering company, or you might want to ask family and friends to bring food and drink.
You need to think about a few things about food and drinks at the reception. Canapés are a popular option, as they’re easy to eat and they don’t require plates or cutlery. You might also want to have a buffet or a sit-down meal.
It’s also essential to think about the drink options. You might want to have a selection of soft drinks as well as alcoholic beverages. If you’re serving alcohol, you must ensure that you have enough non-alcoholic drinks to cater to everyone.
Thank You Cards
After the funeral, you might want to send thank you cards to those who attended. Thank you cards are an excellent way to show your appreciation for your support.
When you’re choosing thank you cards, you need to think about the style and the wording. Thank you cards are available in various styles, from simple to more elaborate. You might want to choose a style that reflects the personality of your loved one.
The wording of the thank you card is also essential. You might want to keep the message simple, or you might want to write something more personal. You can ask your funeral director for help if you’re unsure what to say.
Normington & Sons Ltd
There are several things to think about when you’re planning a funeral; they can be traditional or non-traditional and can be tailored to your needs.
Here at Normington & Sons Ltd, we’re here to assist with each and every aspect of your funeral arrangements, no matter your requirements.
Get in touch with a member of our friendly and compassionate team today.
