Newrest Funerals is a funeral service planning provider with decades of experience in the industry. Because they work all over the country helping people to make funeral arrangements, they are a useful source of information when it comes to planning funeral services today. Whether you would like a very traditional funeral for someone who has recently passed or would prefer something that much more contemporary, what are the first things you will need to think about when making plans? Read on to find out.
You Have to Plan
In the UK, there are rules about what you can and cannot do with the body of a deceased person. These help to ensure the body is disposed of properly, with dignity and so that there are no public health issues that arise. In short, you will need to appoint funeral directors to help you store the body and prepare it prior to the funeral. You will also need to inform your local registrar of the death of your loved one. Your chosen funeral director will help you with this, if necessary.
Choose a Venue
Once you have appointed a suitable funeral director, perhaps under the guidance of a compassionate firm like Newrest Funerals, you will need to book a funeral venue. This might be a local authority crematorium, a religious venue, such as a church, or somewhere entirely secular. These days approved places for funeral venues are very diverse and you can even choose an outdoor one for an ecological funeral, if you want.
Consider the Service Format
If you would like a religious service to be conducted, then think about what you will want to be included. A eulogy features in many religious services but these can also be included in secular funerals, too. If you want certain rites to be observed, then you may need to book a religious figure as the funeral’s officiant. Another important aspect to think about will be the time of the service, especially if people will need to travel a long way. Generally speaking, early morning services are harder to get to but they are often the last slots to be filled.
Burial or Cremation?
Cremations are the most popular type of funeral in the UK nowadays. However, you should not rule out a burial if you can afford the extra this will cost. Some burial plots will allow you to leave a marker or gravestone from headstone engraving companies, but others will not, so this is worth checking beforehand. Another option is a burial at sea, something worth thinking about if you live by the coast. However, you will need to apply for permission for this sort of service beforehand.
Finishing Touches
With the main decisions made, it is time to think about the funeral cortège you might like. Limousines are popular but you may prefer to use your own transport instead. Consider whether you will ask for flowers or charitable donations to be made in place of them. Furthermore, thinking about whether you will have music at the service and if so, what sort of music will feature is a good idea. Finally, think about booking a venue for a wake unless you plan on hosting this yourself. Again, there is lots of advice you can get from professionals who deal with funerals every day of the week, so don’t be afraid to ask.
