In the 21st century, it is now possible to have a funeral that is personalised in whatever way you choose and which is personal to you and your family. Below we'll explain in more detail, and look at the ways you can personalise your funeral.
Unless you're having a very traditional funeral, you are able to personalise any funeral in any way you'd like to, however you like.
This could be having a number of songs, readings, poems or hymns. It could be by having a short or lengthy eulogy. Or you may even like people to dress a certain way.
With Distinct Cremations, our attended cremations include a 60 or 30 minute service which is led by the family, and therefore can incorporate anything you wish.
You may also want to consider our direct cremation. With a direct cremation, the funeral itself is unattended, but you can arrange a memorial service after the cremation with the ashes present, at a venue of your choice, personalised in a way that suits you and your family.
For more information, call our team on 01543 211997 today. We can talk you through the options and answer any questions you may have.
Here are some ideas that may help you with personalising a funeral for yourself or for a loved one.
There are a number of ways to personalise a funeral to make it unique and special for your loved one.
Most funerals will have some space for readings and eulogies dotted throughout. You may like to have one, you may like to have a few. They can be written about the deceased, or they can be readings from a favourite book or religious text. The choice is yours.
Funeral readings
Often at a funeral, people like to have a song played at the beginning, at the middle or at the end. Or maybe all three. You can choose a downbeat song, something more uplifting or even something funny. There are no hard and fast rules.
Funeral music
Hymns are often associated with the religious, and even though many hymns do have a religious theme running through them, they don't have to be. Some hymns may just resonate with you and your family whether you're religious or not.
Funeral hymns
Funeral poems can be uplifting, tearjerking and can unlock the heart in a way few things can. They can also provide a comfort at the most difficult time. You can read a poem you love or you could even write one yourself tailored for the funeral.
Funeral poems
These days, there are an abundance of funeral coffins on offer, from something bright and beautiful to something sport-themed or even something very elaborate. The flowers to go alongside the coffin or at the grave can be equally elaborate too.
There is also a vast array of funeral hearses available for the procession too, if you're having one. You could go for something standard, a personalised hearse, or something really different like a 19th-century style horse-drawn carriage.
A memorial service or wake can be held at any time. Some like to hold it immediately after the funeral, some like to wait a few days after, others might have it before the funeral.
Like with most things to do with the funeral, there are no hard and fast rules and the option is completely up to you and your family.
There are, however, some things you might like to do to make that memorial service extra special.
Focus on choosing a venue that suits the attendees and would've suited the deceased. No matter whether you want to go for something upbeat or something low key, a memorial service can be a cathartic experience where people come together to share love.
To make a memorial service or wake special, you may like to add a few personal touches. This could be something formal like a eulogy, a guestbook for people to fill in or you may like to have a memorial table with a few mementos and photos of the deceased.
A memorial service can be a celebratory event, however it is a moment to lovingly share with others, while supporting each other after going through a difficult time. Making time and space for comfort can help ease people and perhaps bring them closure.
We understand organising a funeral can be difficult. To help ease things for you, here is a checklist of everything you need to consider when making funeral arrangements.
Want to plan ahead?
You can plan ahead by taking out a prepaid funeral plan. A funeral plan gives you and your family peace of mind knowing that funeral costs and the funeral arrangements are all taken care of in advance. That means no emotional strain or stress of organising a funeral when the time comes. Find out more about our funeral plans.
Here are a few more helpful articles to do with personalising a funeral that you might be interested in.
There are a number of ways to organise a funeral in the UK. You can use a national funeral provider, a local funeral director or even organise the funeral yourself. Here we'll go into more detail and provide you with all the information you need to know.
Organising a funeral
A Distinct Cremations funeral plan allows you to pay for a funeral in advance for yourself, for a family member or for a friend, and gives you peace of mind knowing that funeral costs are covered. Acceptance is guaranteed with no medical questions.
Funeral plans
If you’re arranging the funeral of a loved one, you’ll need to know exactly how much a funeral costs so that you can make the appropriate arrangements. It's important to remember though that you don't need to feel pressured to spend more than you can afford.
Funeral costsWe offer the highest level of support, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.
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Over 74,000 cremations a year
Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 74,000 cremations in 2024.
