Alternative Farewells

Recently I carried out a ‘Celebration of Life’ ceremony at the beautiful Bury Court Barn, known as a beautiful wedding venue. The family had booked a direct cremation for their mother, thankfully through a Funeral Director. The week beforehand the family had a change of heart and wanted to gather together, with Mum present, to honour and celebrate her life.

The Funeral Director transported Mum to the venue and waited to take Mum back to branch afterwards. 

The family decorated the willow casket with homemade bunting and flowers, shared stories and memories. 

We played music and even sung ‘All Things Bright & Beautiful’. 

They had a joyous, personal and heartfelt hour with their Mum.

At the end everyone went outside and waved Mum off, then went back inside to enjoy refreshments, all homemade by the family.

There will always be traditional services but for many they are looking for something different. 

There is a place for direct funerals but also the need to say goodbye and honour the life.

For some families a Church or crematorium is ‘not quite right’, the option to hold the ceremony somewhere else followed by a direct service can offer a personal farewell, without the time restraints and possibly at a lower cost.

Greenacres Heatherley Park and Clandon Natural Burial Ground offer this in my area, but some families may prefer somewhere not ‘funeral related’. Maybe a race course for a horse-racing fan or a riverside venue for someone who enjoyed boating,………..

There are some interesting and beautiful places available as well as sports clubs and village facilities. 

Changing the way people think about funerals and saying goodbye to a loved one.

#alternativefunerals #personalfarewells #personalgoodbyes