06 January 2009There are many options relating to funeral services. The majority of people choose to make their arrangements through a funeral director. But some people see 'do-it-yourself' funerals as more personal and less expensive or they opt for green funerals that have less of an impact on the environment.
For general information see the funerals page on the Direct.gov website.
Funeral directors
See the National Association of Funeral Directors website and The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors website.
Civil funerals
A civil funeral Ceremony is a ceremony to commemorate a loved ones life and parting that is mainly non-religious.
The ceremony reflects the wishes of the family and those of the deceased. It includes a personal tribute created by the executor or family in consultation with a professional Celebrant. Readings, poems and favourite music (of any kind) and hymns can be included.
A civil funeral can be held almost anywhere with the exception of religious buildings and churches. The ceremony is appropriate for either a cremation or burial at any non-religious burial ground.
The person conducting the ceremony is usually a trained professional. There is a fixed fee for a civil funeral ceremony. Most funeral directors will include this fee in their invoice. Your funeral director will be able to make the initial arrangements on your behalf.
For details of civil funerals see the civil funerals, see www.civilceremonies.co.uk
Useful links
For details of local churches and other religious establishments, see the places of worship pages on this website.
Click on the following link for details of cemeteries and crematoriums on this website.
See also the Natural Death Centre website. The Natural Death Centre help people arrange inexpensive, family-organised, and environmentally-friendly funerals.
Details of paupers funerals can also be seen on this website.
