We guide you through the steps to take when organising a funeral. This article provides insightful guidance on selecting funeral directors, choosing the type of funeral, designing the order of service, deciding on a wake, and organizing transportation to honour your loved one with dignity and respect.
Enlist the Help of a Funeral Director
Smart funeral planning plays a crucial role in reducing stress during what can often be a highly emotional and taxing period. By making critical decisions early on, families can gain a sense of relief and assurance in knowing that the necessary agreements are already in place should they ever become required. A significant part of funeral planning involves the selection of a skilled funeral director.
Professional directors are well-acquainted with the grief and confusion that usually surfaces with the death of a loved one, and they approach their work with compassion and understanding. In that vein, they can assist families in making knowledgeable decisions regarding all aspects of the funeral process.
However, the funeral director’s role is not just confined to organising the actual funeral service. They also advise on the range of services on offer, provide transparent pricing information, assist with vital paperwork and offer consistent support and guidance during the entire planning process.
With an in-depth knowledge of your loved one’s final wishes, the director can help your family navigate the challenging decision-making process, lessening the burden on those who are grieving. Hence, when choosing a funeral director, it is necessary to invest sufficient time in finding a professional who comprehends your desires and can deliver the required services. A compassionate, professional and open-minded funeral director who can accommodate diverse funeral wishes is what you should aim for.
Choose the Type of Funeral
When it comes to conscientious funeral planning, making a choice regarding the type of funeral you want is a key step. This choice should be influenced by the preferences and wishes of the person who has passed. Cultural and religious beliefs should also play a part in this decision, along with the budget available for the funeral.
Generally, you'll find that funerals fall under two main types; burials and cremations. Each option has a different process, as well as a varied overall cost. With traditional burials, the body of the deceased is laid to rest in a cemetery or a designated burial ground. This can give loved ones a specific location to visit and helps to provide a sense of closure. However, this option often comes with higher costs due to the need for a burial plot, a casket, and a headstone or monument.
Alternatively, cremation is the process where the body is reduced to ashes through high heat and flame. These ashes can then be handled in several ways, including being spread in a favourite location, kept in a special urn, or buried in a smaller plot at a crematorium or cemetery.
Cremation funerals can sometimes be more cost-effective as they do not require a traditional burial plot or headstone. However, this type of funeral can contradict certain religious beliefs, norms, and traditions. In the modern era, green funerals have also started to gain popularity. These cater to those who are conscious of their environmental impact and prefer an eco-friendly option for their final farewell. Green funerals make use of bio-degradable coffins and minimal environmental disruption, thereby making them a sustainable choice.
Choosing the type of funeral is a decision that should reflect the deceased's wishes as much as possible. It's therefore important to discuss these options with the departed before their passing, if possible.
Decide on the Order of Service
The order of service, a crucial aspect of planning a funeral, involves determining the actual ceremonial proceedings. This includes deciding on the readings, musical pieces, and speeches, and whether the service will adhere to a specific religious structure or follow a secular format. An essential part of the order of service is the selection of readings. These could range from favourite passages of literature to personally authored tributes that celebrate the deceased's life.
Speeches can be delivered by close friends, family members, or chosen individuals who have a special connection with the deceased. Sharing personal anecdotes or noteworthy memories during these speeches can create an emotionally resonant narrative of their life. The choice of music can add a deeply personal touch to the funeral service. Whether it's their favourite song, a piece of music they love, or a composition that holds special significance for them, the chosen music can create an atmosphere that encapsulates their personality and preferences.
The order of service can either follow a particular religious protocol or proceed in a secular (non-religious) manner, depending on the deceased's faith or personal beliefs. It's crucial that the service reflects their individuality, allowing attendees to honour and remember them in a meaningful way.
Incorporating elements that were significant to the deceased in the order of service can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to the attendees. This allows participants to reflect and reminisce about their experiences with the deceased, offering solace in their shared memories. Planning such a personal and reflective service can be an essential part of the grieving process.
Consider Whether There Will Be a Wake
Deciding whether or not to hold a wake requires serious consideration and sensitivity towards cultural traditions, personal beliefs, and, importantly, the last wishes of the deceased. A wake serves as a solemn gathering for friends, family, and loved ones to unite, share memories, and provide mutual emotional support throughout the mourning period.
A defining characteristic of a wake is its flexibility as it can be held at multiple locations based on your comfort and preference. Examples of such locations include a private residence, a community hall, or even a local pub. This versatility allows you to choose a setting that mirrors your personal feelings and sentimental associations.
Another essential decision when organising a wake is determining the size of the gathering. Would a small, deeply personal gathering of close family members suit the occasion, or should it extend to a larger audience involving friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and extended family just as well?
This choice primarily depends on your discretion and the preferences of the departed. Remember, the wake isn't typically a sombre event; instead, it is often characterised as a celebration honouring the individual's life and achievements. Therefore, regardless of its location or attendee list, the occasion should always reflect personal connection and heartfelt remembrance.
Organise Transportation
Transportation is a crucial part of smart funeral planning. It relates to the moving of the deceased from the location of death to the funeral home, as well as providing transportation to the funeral service and the ultimate resting place. A central part of the planning procedure involves ensuring that these logistical matters are expertly taken care of with dignity and respect.
Options for transportation can stretch from traditional motor hearses to more inventive and unique alternatives. Some might opt for a motorcycle funeral, which provides a poignant reflection of the deceased's love for motorcycles and a high-octane lifestyle. This can be a personal, distinctive way to pay tribute to the avid bikers who have passed on.
For others, a horse-drawn carriage might be the approach they prefer. Horse-drawn carriage funerals are a timeless method of transportation. They imbued with a sense of old-world charm and tradition, these funerals reflect a regal and distinguished atmosphere that's perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
It's worth mentioning, however, that these unconventional options might come with a higher price tag compared to traditional hearses. But the main idea is to honour the life of the person who's passed on in a way that encapsulates their unique personality and preferences. Remember, smart funeral planning does not stop at the procession. It is about alleviating stress for loved ones, ensuring that final wishes are met, and creating a fitting tribute to the life lived.
Advance planning can help to ensure that the funeral offers a genuine reflection of the deceased's life, character, and the memories they leave behind. By planning the funeral transportation in advance, you give your loved ones the space to grieve without having to worry about logistical details during a difficult time.
Furthermore, it also ensures that your preferences, or the preferences of the deceased, are respected and upheld. Smart funeral planning is about being thoughtful, being prepared, and putting into place measures that reflect the person who has passed away. It’s about making things easier for those left behind, providing comfort, and guaranteeing a respectful and beautiful remembrance.
We have a large selection of carriages available, all of which are drawn by our team of beautiful horses and driven by our fully-qualified coachmen. If you would like more information or to discuss your event further, please get in touch.