Types of Funeral
Honouring Your Loved One’s Memory
At Farewells Funerals, we understand that every individual is unique, and each funeral should reflect that. The type of funeral you choose will depend on your loved one’s wishes, the family’s preferences, and cultural or religious practices. Below, we outline the different types of funeral services we offer, providing a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. Whether you are looking for a traditional service or a more personalised tribute, we are here to guide and support you through the process.
Traditional Burial
A traditional burial is a time-honoured way of saying goodbye. This option allows families to create a formal ceremony that may include a service at a place of worship or a cemetery, followed by the interment of the body in a grave.
What’s Involved in a Traditional Burial?
- Funeral Service: A traditional burial usually includes a religious or non-religious service. The ceremony can take place in a church, chapel, or at the graveside, depending on your wishes.
- Cemetery or Churchyard Burial: The burial takes place in a local cemetery or churchyard, with a headstone or memorial to mark the resting place.
- Grave Marking: After the burial, you may choose to have a gravestone or memorial plaque placed at the site. Our team can help you select a fitting tribute for the site.
A traditional burial is an excellent option for families who want a meaningful, formal farewell with the option to return to the grave for remembrance.
Cremation Services
Cremation offers a dignified, respectful alternative to a traditional burial. It provides flexibility for families who may wish to hold a memorial service at a later time or in a different location.
What’s Involved in a Cremation?
- Funeral Service: Cremation can be part of a formal funeral service, or it can be a more private affair. The service can take place at the crematorium, church, or home, with tributes, music, and readings.
- Cremation Process: Once the funeral service is complete, the deceased will be cremated at a local crematorium. The family can choose whether to witness the cremation or not.
- Ashes: After the cremation, the ashes are returned to the family in a container of your choice. You can then decide what to do with the ashes, whether keeping them in a special urn, scattering them at a meaningful location, or interring them in a memorial garden.
Cremation is a flexible and respectful choice, providing families with an opportunity for both closure and a unique tribute in line with their wishes.
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is a simpler, more cost-effective alternative to a traditional funeral. There is no formal service at the crematorium, but this does not diminish the care and respect provided. Direct cremation allows families to hold a memorial or celebration of life at a later time.
What’s Involved in Direct Cremation?
- No Formal Service: The deceased is cremated without a formal ceremony at the crematorium. It is a respectful, straightforward process that eliminates the need for many of the traditional funeral services.
- Return of Ashes: Once the cremation is complete, the ashes will be returned to you within 5-10 working days. From there, you can decide what to do with them—whether to scatter them, keep them in an urn, or use them for a memorial.
- Memorial Service: A direct cremation provides families with the flexibility to plan a memorial or celebration of life whenever it feels right for them. This could be a private gathering or a larger service at a later time.
Direct cremation is ideal for families who prefer a simpler, more affordable approach, while still having the option to arrange a fitting tribute later.
Natural & Woodland Burials
For those who wish to honour the environment, a natural or woodland burial provides a green and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial practices. This type of burial involves using biodegradable materials and choosing natural burial grounds, which are typically set in beautiful, serene woodland areas.
What’s Involved in a Natural Burial?
- Eco-Friendly Process: No embalming or use of chemicals is involved, and the body is placed in a biodegradable coffin. The burial site is marked with a simple plaque or tree rather than a traditional headstone.
- Woodland Setting: Natural burial grounds are often located in tranquil settings, such as woodlands or meadows, offering a peaceful and environmentally conscious way to lay a loved one to rest.
- Conservation: Natural burials help preserve land for future generations while offering families a sustainable option for memorialisation.t feels right for them. This could be a private gathering or a larger service at a later time.
A natural burial is ideal for those who wish to leave a lighter environmental footprint while celebrating life in harmony with nature.
Celebration of Life Funerals
For those who want to celebrate a life well-lived, a celebration of life funeral offers a more personalised, joyful farewell. Rather than focusing solely on the sadness of the loss, this type of service highlights the positive moments, achievements, and legacy of the deceased.
What’s Involved in a Celebration of Life?
- Personalisation: This type of funeral is highly personalised and can include elements like favourite music, readings, videos, photos, or even a party atmosphere. You can celebrate your loved one’s life in any way that feels fitting.
- Location: A celebration of life can take place anywhere—from a funeral home or crematorium to a family home, garden, or even a community hall. The location can be chosen based on what best reflects the personality and passions of your loved one.
- Service Structure: The service can be formal or informal, depending on the family’s wishes. It is a way to honour the life of the deceased and celebrate the memories, instead of focusing solely on the sorrow of their passing.
A celebration of life is a unique option that helps families remember the joy their loved one brought to their lives and allows them to celebrate their memory in a meaningful way.
Why Choose Farewells Funerals?
No matter which type of funeral you choose, Farewells Funerals is here to guide you every step of the way. We are committed to providing clear, compassionate, and professional support to help you navigate this difficult time. Our team will work with you to ensure that your loved one’s funeral reflects their life and legacy, providing you with peace of mind that every detail is handled with care.
If you need assistance or have any questions about choosing the right funeral for your loved one, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to support you with the care, respect, and understanding you deserve.
