The Funeral Service

Choose the right structure, readings, music, ceremony and style to suit the person, and the natural setting will add the final touch...

a service that properly befits the occasion
and the person

Traditional and dignified, or unconventional, informal and celebratory - remember that this is an opportunity to celebrate a person's life.

Frequently, a natural burial will the final part of a traditional funeral after a service at church or chapel with a select group of family and close friends coming to the commital service at the natural burial ground.

However, it is not necessary to stick to tradition if you would prefer something different. Conduct the service at the burial ground; celebrate with an open-air picnic; wear PINK or a favourite team's strip; decorate the coffin yourselves; include colour and photos in the order of service; take favourite things (the dog?); release doves, be imaginative, creative and individual. Remember, your funeral director is there to help you arrange what you want.

Ministers and humanist celebrants can help a great deal and give a comforting framework to the proceedings.

Our free templates for an Order of Service also provide those attending the burial with directions to the site.

Remember to tell those attending the burial that the ground conditions might be uneven and muddy underfoot so stout footwear and often Wellington boots will be necessary.

If you are going to hold a memorial service, make arrangements and book the venue. Arrange for a minister, civil celebrant, relative or friend to conduct the burial service, providing them with information on the deceased. A structure or framework for the event will help put people at ease and will provide an opportunity to plan what is said, who will speak, to choose music, and for children to be included.

Arrange a venue for a gathering before/after the burial and think about the catering.

Take some single flowers, lavender or petals to scatter into the grave afterwards. You might also consider dressing the grave e.g. with leaves/ferns before interment. A tied bunch of garden flowers or a simple posy of favourites is more poignant and fitting to the surroundings than an elaborate arrangement. Please plan how you will dispose of any floral arrangements after the burial.

Return and visit - spend time reflecting in a peaceful setting; come again with family and friends and enjoy the natural surroundings