Funerals
Where can we have a funeral?
Traditionally a funeral is held at a cemetery or church yard. However, you can also choose a natural burial ground. The latter choice tends to be in a rural location, where peace and nature are in abundance.
How can we have an eco-aware funeral?
A natural burial ground is usually very eco-friendly, with no headstones or tombs, and with very little impact on the natural environment. There will probably be mown paths amongst the grassland, wooden plaques and young trees. If you choose a churchyard or crematorium for the funeral, you may want to avoid the use of artificial flowers, wind chimes or other manufactured items, and ask your florist not to use non-biodegradable floral foam or oasis.
Being buried in a shroud is very eco-friendly, or use a natural, sustainable and biodegradable coffin that doesn’t contain metal or plastic such as a wicker or cardboard coffin. You can also bury ashes at a natural burial ground, collected from the crematorium. Don’t forget to use or request the use of recycled paper for the order of service.
How does a Celebrant led funeral differ from a church funeral?
The major difference is that a church funeral will be based entirely on religious reference, and a Celebrant funeral will have none or certain religious elements included that you request. A Celebrant funeral can follow the traditional pattern of a funeral or be completely extraordinary and quirky. The main aim is that it is fitting for the person who has died. In this way, those attending will accept whatever celebration you have chosen.
How long does a Celebrant funeral last?
Usually around thirty minutes, particularly in a crematorium or church which have time limitations. However, in a natural burial ground this can differ depending on what you choose to include.
Memorials and Ash Scattering
Why have a memorial or ash scattering ceremony?
These are celebrations of life completely free from any limitations. They provide the opportunity for a longer ceremony, a gathering for the people who couldn’t attend the funeral to pay their respects, time for reflection and for creating an imaginative farewell celebration.
Gillian Coates Celebrant 