Welcome to Chesham Bois Burial Grounds, where we offer a natural and eco-friendly alternative for a final resting place. Nestled in the heart of Buckinghamshire, our burial ground is carefully designed to preserve the environment and provide a peaceful and reflective space.
Chesham Bois Burial Ground is an award winning ground run by Bois Parish Council. It was runner up in the 2022 National Death Centre awards and offers a hybrid facility. We provide a range of affordable burial options including both traditional and natural burials and interment of ashes.
Types of burial available:
Eco-friendly Practices:
Eco-friendly practices are applied to burials that take place in the woodland and meadow areas.
Location:
Contact Information:
Opening Hours:
Accessibility:
There is a car park on site.
Car access through parts of the burial ground is also possible.
Wheelchairs can easily access the chapel and the formal areas. There are pathways to the natural burial grounds but not through the meadows.
Visitor Amenities:
Ceremonial Options:
There is a small traditional stone built chapel on site where services can be conducted. It is a calm, peaceful place that holds 50 people and is open to services of all denominations.
Accommodation Nearby:
There are plenty of accommodation choices as the Chilterns are a popular tourist attraction. Links to nearby hotels or Airbnb rentals can be found here
Scenic views:
Chesham Bois Burial grounds are located in the Chilterns, an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is bordered by an ancient woodland - Bois Wood - and it enjoys spectacular views across meadows filled with interesting flora and fauna.
It’s a very special and unique environment as the area has developed organically on rare chalk grassland.
Burial packages: There are no plots available in the woodland or meadow areas. However, there are plots available in the formal grounds.
Full-size adult plot |
Interment |
Small ashes plot | Interment fee - Ashes | |
Residents | £525 | £368 | £315 | £225 |
Residents of ecclesiastical parish | £680 | £491 | £420 | £290 |
Buckinghamshire residents | £1,050 | £736 | £630 | £450 |
Non-residents | £1,575 | £1,104 | £945 | £675 |
* The cost of burial for Children under 18, including stillborn babies, is free to parents. The associated costs are reclaimed from The Children’s Funeral Fund for England (CFF) by the funeral providers.
Memorial Services
Additional Services: Headstones and Memorial Plaques
Fee for headstone and raised tablet |
|
Residents | £210 |
Additional inscription | £55 |
Residents of Ecclesiastical Parish | £280 |
Additional inscription | £73 |
Buckinghamshire Residents | £420 |
Additional inscription | £110 |
Non-Residents | £630 |
Additional inscription | £165 |
Is pre-planning available?
It is possible to purchase a plot in advance, however, it is not possible to reserve the exact plot that you want.
What are the environmental benefits of a burial at Chesham Bois?
The Burial Ground is owned and managed by Chesham Bois Parish Council and not a commercial enterprise. The service is run for the parishioners and all funds are reinvested back into the parish for the long term benefit of parishioners and the countryside.
Is the ground consecrated?
There is a designated area of consecrated land (which has been declared sacred by the Church of England). The majority of land is unconsecrated for those of other denominations and faiths or of none.
How long can we purchase the plot for?
Plots are purchased for a period of 99 years. A deed of grant, called the Exclusive Rights of Burial document, is issued by Chesham Bois Parish Council to the purchaser of the grave.
This deed entitles the holder to determine who is buried in the grave and apply for a Memorial Permit for plots in the Old and New Formal areas of the Burial Ground.
When can interments take place?
Interments are available Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm and arrangements can be made for a Saturday booking on request.
Are memorials allowed?
No memorials are permitted in the Woodland Area where graves are unmarked.
Memorials can be erected in the formal burial areas and are the sole responsibility of the registered owner of the burial plot.
The owner must be in possession of a valid Memorial Permit granted by the Council before a memorial can be installed.
Legal Requirements and Regulations
Change of ownership
If the ownership of a deed changes, proof of ownership will need to be provided to the Council before any interment can take place.
Restrictions on trees
The council has a list of approved trees and plants local to the area which may be planted with permission.
Social Links
Chesham Bois burial ground is in a beautiful part of the country. It’s a well maintained site run by people who care about the parish. Unfortunately there are no burial or ashes plots available in the woodland or meadows areas. There are ashes and burial plots available in the formal and new formal area.
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Welcome to Brocklands Woodland Burial, where we offer a natural and eco-friendly alternative for a final resting place. Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire between the Dales and the Forest of Bowland in the scenic Ribble Valley, our burial ground is carefully designed to preserve the environment and provide a peaceful and reflective space.
Types of burial available:
Eco-friendly Practices:
Location:
Contact Information:
Opening Hours:
There is open access to the burial ground 7 days a week during daylight hours.
Guided visits are available by prior arrangement.
Office opening hours: There are no official opening hours because the office is not permanently manned, call the mobile during daylight hours
Accessibility:
Visitor Amenities:
Ceremonial Options:
Accommodation Nearby:
Brocklands Burial Grounds are located in a scenic part of the country which is popular with nature lovers, walkers and holidaymakers. As a result, there is a dearth of accommodation available within easy commuting distance of the site. Everything from shepherd huts to luxury hotels at a price to suit all tastes and budgets. Click here for more information
Scenic Views: Green fields, trees and hills as far as the eye can see in this stunningly tranquil area of the country. There’s a sense of awe and peace in these green dales that are crisscrossed with natural wood-chipped paths so as not to interfere with nature.
Burial Packages (including tree):
Memorial Services:
Only wooden grave markers engraved with a name and dates are permitted. They Services take place in the Haybarn. The use of the Haybarn is included in the price of the burial.
Additional Services:
Is pre-planning available?
Yes in certain situations: Generally, plots are available for immediate use only. Burials take the next available space. However, it is possible to purchase a plot in advance if someone has a terminal illness. In addition, if you purchase a double plot, the second plot can be reserved for a future date.
What are the environmental benefits of a natural burial?
Natural green burials promote the natural life/death cycle of nature by encouraging new habitats to develop over the graves. Trees and flowers are planted, and as the woodland matures, wildlife increases and a beautiful green space is provided for people to visit, relax pay their respects, to loved ones and to nature.
Can we choose which trees are planted?
The choice of tree depends on the size of the grave. Double plots can take the larger trees such as oak and ash. Single graves are suitable for smaller trees such as wild cherry, willow and rowan.
Can we help dig the grave?
No: Each grave (including Ashes plots) is marked with a unique number, which is buried just below ground level, and recorded on a detailed plan. All Ashes Plots start with 'A' followed by a unique number for that plot, e.g. 'A21'.Single Plots start with 'S' e.g. 'S21', and Doubles start with 'D' e.g. 'D21'.
After the burial has taken place, all the details are legally required to be recorded in the Burial Register and the next of kin is given a Certificate of Burial with the date, the plot number, and the burial register number on it, for future reference. Each grave is marked with a tree or natural plants.
There are special birdfeeding posts on the site, and families may bring their own feeder, or fill others with nuts and seeds when they visit. This may be done instead of leaving graveside flowers, as a gesture of remembrance, and is particularly good for children and grandchildren.
Can I bring my dog to the site?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the funeral. However, they must be left in your vehicle or tied to a “dog post” at other times.
Are there any additional site maintenance fees?
No, the cost of maintenance is included in the burial price.
What are Deed of Grant Certificates?
A Deed of Grant Certificate is a legal document that confirms the right to be buried at Brocklands. Every plot is issued with a certificate. In the case of a Double Plot two certificates will be issued; the second certificate being retained by the family until such time as the second burial takes place. Deed of Grant Certificates must be produced at the time of burial. Without the certificate, the burial may not take place.
What will happen to the site in the future?
In 2002 Brocklands was set up as a Trust for a minimum of 80 years, to ensure that the land remains as a burial site in the future for many years to come.
Brocklands is an award-winning natural burial ground in the heart of the scenic Ribble Valley. They won The People's Awards for the Best Natural Burial Ground in the UK in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022. Brocklands is one of the country's pioneering First Generation Green burial sites and attracts those who love walking, and wildlife and those who have lived and had holidays in the area. It’s a very affordable site with a simple green ethos.
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Natural burials provide a sustainable, environmentally friendly choice for people seeking an alternative to traditional funeral practices. Beautiful wicker coffins are produced using traditional weaving techniques and environmentally friendly materials. This creates high quality eco friendly coffins that have a lower impact on the environment.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about wicker coffins, including their cost, how they are made, the benefits of wicker coffins, and ways they can be personalised. So let's dive in.
Wicker coffins are the perfect choice for natural burials as they help protect our landscape, while allowing bodies to return to the earth without the use of toxic chemicals and containers. It is considered the ultimate in environmental recycling.
Wicker basket coffins are available in a range of colours and coffin designs. English willow coffins are woven by hand to the highest standard so they not only look beautiful they are strong and practical. They are an eco-friendly, natural alternative to traditional wooden or metal coffins and an ideal choice for natural burials, especially woodland burials as they are lighter to carry.
Crafted wicker coffins are made from natural sustainable materials, which means these coffins are the perfect choice for either burial or cremation. What’s more, biodegradable woven coffins are surprisingly affordable.
The word “coffin” comes from the Old French cofin and the Latin cophinus, which translates into “basket.” Historically, coffins have been made from a wide variety of materials- wooden boxes, iron, steel, wool, gold, plants and fibres.
Wicker coffins were likely among the first burial containers used by people, this is because wicker coffins are hand woven and simple to make. You don't need any nails or glue to create a basket coffin, this is another reason why wicker coffins are so environmentally friendly.
In more contemporary times, an English surgeon named Sir Frances Haden is credited for bringing wicker coffins back as a modern option in the late 19th century. They were widely used during the American Civil War and Victorian Era, as wicker was cheaper and lighter than other popular options at the time.
Wicker coffins vary in price and generally range between £400-£900. Much of this variability is determined by the materials used and the level of personalisation. The term “wicker” describes a weaving technique, and wicker items can be made using a variety of natural materials. Willow is the most popular material used in wicker coffins, but you may also find coffins made from:
When purchasing a wicker coffin, check to make sure it includes a few important elements, or if these are available at an additional cost:
Wicker caskets and coffins are caringly woven by skilled basket makers using traditional methods. English willow coffins are made from sustainable resources. Skilled coffin makers work with the cuttings of living willow trees, which continue to live after cuttings are taken and can be harvested for up to 60 years. Cuttings are boiled, dried, and stripped of their bark in preparation for weaving. They are then soaked in final preparation for weaving.
The base of a wicker coffin is typically made first, with the sides being woven from bottom to top. Personalised touches are often added, including coloured bands and handles. Flowers, fabrics, or almost any other special request can be incorporated into the weaving process. Willow can also be hand dyed to produce colourful willow coffins and caskets.
One of the most popular colourful coffins is the rainbow coffin. These beautiful wicker coffins are becoming increasingly popular both for adult and child funerals.
Wicker is a great choice for those looking for a more personal, customised option. A growing number of people are opting to reflect the deceased’s identity in their choice of coffin and in how they personalise their wicker coffin.
Wicker coffins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Traditional coffins that where only available in square angular form can now be purchased with smooth curved shapes a far cry from the limited stock Funeral Directors offered only a few years ago.
Wicker coffins are woven by hand and as a result it is possible to have different designs. Popular amongst buyers are the Pod-shaped coffins. These beautiful wicker coffins have a sculpted, curved lid and tapered bottom.
Many people also like the unique curved end or rounded shape coffins such as the Willow Cromer coffin. For those who love the traditional shape there is still plenty of choice in colours and style. Discover our range of wicker coffins here.
There are also more options in the coffin colour, ranging from light to green to rainbow coloured wicker coffins. Want to learn more about colourful coffins? Read our ‘Buyer Guide’ here.
Wicker coffins often come with rings or other designated places to attach flowers, ribbons, or special personal items. Wicker lends itself easily to personalisation, as greenery, flowers, or other items can also be attached through the weave of the coffin. Many people select an arrangement of flowers or greenery for the top of the coffin. Garland and bows are often attached to the sides, encasing the coffin in a beautiful, environmentally-friendly arrangement.
An ashes casket made from willow or wicker is a popular choice for those seeking a natural and eco-friendly option. Willow and wicker can be weaved into intricate designs, creating a beautiful and timeless final resting place for your loved ones ashes.
These caskets are biodegradable, allowing the ashes to return to the earth naturally. In addition to their environmental benefits, ashes caskets made from willow or wicker also provide a peaceful and serene aesthetic, giving families comfort and solace during the grieving process.
One of the great things about English willow coffins is the fact that they can be tailor-made, designed and customised according to your needs. This is important if you need a specific size or maybe you just want a bespoke coffin that is very unique and expresses the personality of your loved one or yourself.
Wicker coffins that have been caringly woven are a really lovely way to say farewell to a treasured infant. At Think Willow we offer handcrafted wicker coffins that show love and affection. Here are three beautiful wicker coffins.
One of the great things about English willow coffins is the fact that they can be tailor-made, designed and customised according to your needs. This is important if you need a specific size or maybe you just want a bespoke coffin that is very unique and expresses the personality of your loved one or yourself.
1. Do I have to buy a wicker coffin from a Funeral Director?
No. Wicker coffins also known as willow coffins can be purchased online at Willow. You can choose to have your Wicker coffin or willow coffin sent to a Funeral Director or a home.
2. Can a wicker coffin be cremated?
Yes. Wicker coffins are environmentally friendly which means they are an ideal choice for cremation. At Willow we sell the best quality wicker coffins that are made from sustainable willow or seagrass. These are natural eco friendly materials which are both suitable for cremations. You can safely select a wicker coffin for a cremation.
3. Can a wicker coffin be buried?
Yes. Wicker coffins are easily carried if they have functional load-bearing handles. Not all wicker coffins have handles so you need to check your willow coffin carefully. Handles may not be so important if you are opting for a traditional burial or cremation. However, if you are planning a natural burial and green burial you may need to think about carrying your wicker coffin to your woodland burial spot.
4. Can a wicker coffin be carried?
Yes. Wicker coffins are easily carried if they have functional load-bearing handles. Not all wicker coffins have handles so you need to check your willow coffin carefully. Handles may not be so important if you are opting for a traditional burial or cremation. However, if you are planning a natural burial and green burial you may need to think about carrying your wicker coffin to your woodland burial spot.
5. Can I write on and attach items to a picture coffin?
Yes, wicker coffins can be painted, have notes and last words written on them or pictures with your memories attached. Wicker willow coffins are woven using traditional techniques which makes it easy to attach decorations to them. However weighty items may damage the structure of the coffin.
6. How much do Wicker Coffins cost?
The cost of wicker coffins can vary depending on the type of material and the origin of the coffin. Wicker coffins can be made from materials like bamboo, seagrass and English willow. Typically, the cost of a wicker coffin is between £425 – £999.
7. Where can I buy a Wicker Coffin?
Wicker coffins can be bought online at Thinkwillow.com
ThinkWillow has a range of wicker coffins and caskets. You can choose from traditional willow coffins or delightful bamboo or pandanus wicker coffins.
8. Are Wicker Coffins the cheapest kind of coffin to buy?
No. Wicker coffins aren't always the cheapest option. Cardboard coffins are typically the lowest budget option. Cardboard coffins come in a range of colours and designs and are often made from sustainable materials. Please see our ‘Cardboard coffins guide’ here.
9. Are Wicker Coffins good for the environment?
Yes. Wicker Coffins are an affordable, sustainable and customisable way to take care of a loved one while honouring the environment. They are the ultimate in environmental recycling because they are so highly biodegradable. Wicker coffins are perfect for natural burial and green burial options.
10. How can I find a natural burial site?
You can read our guides on natural burial sites or check the Natural Death website for a list of burial sites.
Welcome to Old Park Meadow, where we offer a natural and eco-friendly alternative for a final resting place. Nestled in the heart of Essex, our burial ground is carefully designed to preserve the environment and provide a peaceful and reflective space.
Types of burial available:
Eco-friendly Practices:
Location:
Contact Information:
Opening Hours:
Accessibility:
Visitor Amenities:
Ceremonial Options:
Accommodation Nearby:
There are a number of accommodation options nearby. Check here for options
Scenic Views: Old Park meadow is spread over 34 acres of beautiful Essex countryside. The area includes young bluebell woods, wildflower meadows and a natural pond area.
Burial packages: The Old Park Meadow is divided into four areas.
Each area has a separate price structure. The Wildflower Meadow being the cheapest and the Waters View the most expensive.
The price of a plot is also dependent on size.
A child's plot is half that of an adults. As you would expect, burial plots are significantly more than plots for ashes.
This price includes a contribution for the long-term management and maintenance of Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground.
It is possible to buy plots in advance at no extra cost.
1 - Single plot
2 - Double
3 - Family
4 - Ash Plots
The price of plots to bury ashes varies depending on the location. The ashes must be in a biodegradable urn or basket. Alternatively the ashes can be poured directly into the grave.
Prices from £695 to £2050
Wildflower Meadow: £775
Spring Corner: £1075
Bluebell Wood £1525
Water’s View: £2175
Memorial Services
The Old Park Lodge is a purpose built venue in which to hold remembrance service of a religious or non-religious nature.
There’s complete flexibility in the seating arrangements and you can also use the lodge as a place for greetings and goodbyes before the natural burial or for your wake.
Cost of Venue Hire
Additional Services: Headstones and Memorial Plaques
Benches/artwork:
There are a number of benches located throughout the grounds. It is possible to buy a memorial plaque for a bench at a cost of £245 for a term of 5 years. It is renewable for a further 5 years after that.
Trees:
Each new tree costs £360. Each tree is guaranteed for a period of 5 years and it will be renewed if it fails within that time.However, there are only a limited number of living tree memorials available.
You can choose to sponsor an existing tree for the sum of £225 for a period of 5 years.
The Copper Tree:
Old Park Meadow offers a unique way to remember loved ones. You can choose to have an engraved Memorial Leaf to go on their Copper Tree, displayed for the lifetime of the Memorial Leaf on the Copper Tree. Each leaf costs £385.
If you would like an additional engraved leaf to take home these cost £135 per leaf. Leaves may tarnish with time.
Book of Remembrance:
Old Park Meadow keeps a Book of Remembrance where you can record your loved ones details. There is a fee for each Book of Remembrance entry:
Wildlife Box:
It is possible to sponsor a wildlife box as a living memorial and tribute to your loved one. Each box provides a home to local species and lasts for 3 years.
'There are such a variety of natural burial grounds in the UK today enabling families to say goodbye their own way. They are open to everyone, from anywhere, for all faiths, beliefs or none at all. Services, burials, ash interments and wakes are all possible with time, compassion and nature being at the forefront of everything we do. Within the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, members have over a quarter of a million burial spaces available. Bearing in mind natural burial is kinder to the environment, it would be a positive step if more people considered this choice.'
Is pre-planning available?
There is an option to pay for plots in advance at no additional cost.
What are the environmental benefits of a natural burial?
Natural burials remove elements of the traditional burial process that can slow natural decomposition and damage surrounding ecosystems. A natural burial allows you to rest in scenic surroundings, where family and friends can return and see the landscape grow with each passing year.
Is there a restriction on the type of coffin/urn that can be used?
Yes. Strictly biodegradable coffins and urns only. Everything must be biodegradable including the pillow and the deceased's clothes. It is not necessary to have a coffin; a simple shroud made from natural materials is sufficient but the body cannot be embalmed. Ashes may be scattered directly into the grave.
Most traditional solid wooden coffins (not chipboard) can be buried at Old Park Meadow, as well as those made of willow, seagrass, cardboard, bamboo, and other eco-friendly materials. They must not be decorated with any oil-based paints and the use of preservatives is discouraged.
All handles, name plates and linings must be biodegradable.
How do we arrange a funeral at Old Park Meadow?
Get in touch online, by phone, or come and visit us. A member of our friendly and experienced team will discuss your options with you and cater to your specific funeral needs. We work closely with many funeral directors, clergy, and other secular organisations to ensure the wishes of you or your loved one are fully satisfied.
Can we choose the exact spot for the burial?
Old Park Meadow offers burial plots in varying but equally picturesque locations across our natural burial ground. Whether you would prefer a spot in our young bluebell wood, our wildflower meadow, spring corner, or one with a view of our scenic pond, our team can help you choose the right final resting place.
If the grave is not marked, how will people find it?
A: We carefully record our graves using traditional mapping and an electronic tag system. This is to ensure we have a permanent record of those buried with us. During opening hours, a member of staff will always be on hand to help you locate a grave. We can also provide wooden grave markers.
Can people be buried together?
Our burial plots are created to accommodate one burial, but you can purchase two plots side by side. If this is not possible, we will strive to find you resting places as close together as the remaining plots allow.
Can anyone witness the grave being filled?
Yes, however we do require advanced notice to ensure we are adequately prepared.
Is there a restriction on the types of trees planted?
Yes. Only specific trees are allowed for example, Rowan, Crab Apple, Lime, Silver birch, Aspen, Apple, Holly, Hazel, Sweet Chestnut.
Not all of the trees can be planted in all of the areas.
You can find a full list here
Old Park Meadow is a tranquil and well run natural burial site that offers plots for a period of 75 years. Each plot can be renewed at the end of 75 years. The emphasis of the site is in maintaining and enhancing the natural balance of wildlife and preserving wildlife. It is not the cheapest natural burial site but it is a beautiful one.
Welcome to Atlantic Rest Burial Ground, where we offer a natural and eco-friendly alternative for a final resting place. Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, our burial ground is carefully designed to preserve the environment and provide a peaceful and reflective space.
Type of Burials Available:
Opening Hours:
Office opening hours: Monday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
Site is accessible 365 days a year from dawn till dusk.
Contact Information:
Visitor Amenities: [Bathrooms, Seating Areas]
Ceremonial Options:
Penlow field is at the top of a valley, south facing, and offering, on a clear day, a glimpse of the Atlantic sea. A small coppice has been planted which is home to a host of wildlife and even has bug hotels. There is a gazebo that provides shelter and stunning views across the valley and out to sea.
Burial Packages:
Sheridon Rosser - Manager at Atlantic Rest Natural Burial Ground
'I believe that the increase in popularity is a growing thing because the world around us is changing. Climate Change is finally a ‘hot topic’ and not something that no one really believes in, or thinks if they ignore it - it might go away. Our human race is wanting to do what they can for our planet, both in life and in death.'
Q: Is pre-planning available?
A: Yes, you can purchase a plot in advance. If you would like to do this then please contact us to arrange a visit. A Right of Burial certificate will be issued for 25 years. Contact must be made at this time to confirm that the plot is still required. The certificate will then be re-issued, no further costs will be incurred. Plots can also be bought when needed.
Q: What are the environmental benefits of a natural burial?
A: Natural burials are kind to the earth. There are no toxic embalming chemicals, non-biodegradable coffins or headstones.
Instead a living memorial can be created by way of a native tree or wildflowers. Everything is natural including site maintenance which involves grazing by sheep and topping the grass to encourage wild flowers.
As the site evolves coppices will be planted creating a varied environment that will allow wildlife to thrive and it will eventually become a woodland nature reserve and a valuable educational resource, as families return to visit during the different seasons.
Q: Can I visit the site whenever I like?
A: There is unrestricted access to the site 365 days a year, from dawn until dusk.
Q: How will I find the grave if/when I re-visit?
A: Graves are clearly visible for a short time after interment. Once it has blended with the natural environment, contact us and we will be happy to help.
The next of kin will also receive a map following the burial, locating the top left corner of the grave from the four nearest marker pins.
Alternatively if you are able to attend the burial at the time you could use the 'what3words' app to track the location of the grave.
We are in the process of accessing the what3words app to be able to include the coordinates on our map pins. This is also a method that can be used to let you know where to find a loved one if you can give us 24 hours notice before visiting.
Q: Do I need a Funeral Director?
You do not need a Funeral Director if you do not wish to use one. If you intend to care for the body of the deceased yourself, we can provide guidance. However, most families welcome the support of an experienced professional.
Q: Can I pay by instalment?
A: Yes you can pay for plots by instalment. There is an administration fee to set this method up for you. You can choose to pay over 3, 10 or 20 months. The Right of Burial certificate will be issued upon the final payment. Please click here for further details on instalment options.
Q: Who will look after the site?
A: Whilst the site is operational it will be cared for by Atlantic Rest Natural Burial staff.
Q: What happens when the site is full?
A: Once the site is well established, arrangements will be made with The Wildlife Trust for the site to be transferred to them. The site will always be available as a public space.
Q: Can I put a plaque on the tree?
A: We are offering wooden memorial plaques that sit flush with the ground, please see the memorialisation page for further details.
Summary
Atlantic Rest is a small family run natural burial site. The emphasis is on simplicity and nature. Their long term goal is to provide a beautiful natural burial site that protects wildlife and works in harmony with the environment. It will ultimately be run by the Wildlife Trust so that it is carefully preserved for the future.
Delve into the world of natural burial grounds to discover the beauty, eco-friendly benefits, and serene, sustainable ways to honour your loved ones with a personalised alternative to traditional funeral practices. Explore their impact on the environment, their fascinating history, and how they cater to diverse preferences for a meaningful tribute.
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The history of burial grounds in the UK is long and fascinating. Until the mid-19th century most people were buried in a churchyard. However, problems with overcrowding in London's urban cemeteries forced the government to take action.
These overcrowded burial grounds were not only unsanitary and the source of much disease but also lacked the dignity that Victorian families wished to provide for their loved ones.
Local authorities commissioned the best architects to create large, park-like cemeteries outside the city, such as Highgate Cemetery and Kensal Green Cemetery in London, which opened in 1839 and 1832, respectively. These were the first of the so-called ‘magnificent seven’ cemeteries established on the outskirts of London, which later served as the inspiration for the establishment of similar cemeteries across the UK.
The new cemeteries were impressive and ostentatious and often landscaped with chapels and winding paths similar to the grand parks that had been created in London. Wealthy Victorians were able to erect impressive mausoleums and marble tombstones to honour their loved ones and mark their place in society.
Today, these cemeteries are an important part of the UK's heritage as they represent the history of the local area. However, even if plots are available in urban cemeteries, they are no longer the preferred choice of baby boomers or environmentally conscious individuals who favour the simplicity and beauty of natural burial grounds.
Delyse Jackaman - Manager of Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground, Chelmsford
'There are such a variety of natural burial grounds in the UK today enabling families to say goodbye their own way. They are open to everyone, from anywhere, for all faiths, beliefs or none at all. Services, burials, ash interments and wakes are all possible with time, compassion and nature being at the forefront of everything we do. Within the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, members have over a quarter of a million burial spaces available. Bearing in mind natural burial is kinder to the environment, it would be a positive step if more people considered this choice.'
People have been naturally buried for centuries but the revival of the natural burial in mainstream consciousness was kickstarted in 1993, by Ken West, who was head of bereavement services in the city of Carlisle.
His vision was simple yet inspiring. He wanted to convert a small area of rough grassland at the edge of a cemetery into a woodland burial ground. He wished to make oak trees and not gravestones the focal point of the natural burial ground.
Local families were given the opportunity to plant a tree to mark the burial site of their loved one instead of a headstone. The trees had to be native trees and so oaks were chosen for the site, which was dedicated to conserving the wildlife and nature in the area as well as being a beautiful place for people to come to remember their loved one.
The idea took off and natural burial sites were born. It was the biggest change in UK burial culture since the first cremation took place in 1885.
Since Ken West pioneered the first natural burial ground in Carlisle, there has been a transformation in funeral services. Natural burial grounds and hybrid burial grounds, which are sites run by local authorities that combine a traditional cemetery and an area dedicated to conserving nature, have been springing up across the UK.
The Natural Death Centre, a charity which aims to provide guidance, help and comfort to grieving families, has 270 registered green burial grounds across the UK.
The NDC keeps a register of its members' sites. It is not a complete list of all burial grounds, as there is no obligation for natural burial ground owners to register with them.
Use this link to search their registry for natural burial sites near you.
There are many reasons for the rise in popularity and growth of natural burial grounds. Here are just a few:
Natural burial grounds are plentiful, they have zero environmental impact and are suitable for both religious and non-religious funerals.
Sheridon Rosser - Manager at Atlantic Rest Natural Burial Ground, Cornwall
'I believe that the increase in popularity is a growing thing because the world around us is changing. Climate Change is finally a ‘hot topic’ and not something that no one really believes in, or thinks if they ignore it - it might go away. Our human race is wanting to do what they can for our planet, both in life and in death.As time goes on, people in my mind are increasing the popularity by word of mouth.
Maybe a friend has a natural burial; you go along not knowing what to expect, with it being a new experience.
I think that more often than not, attendees go away from a natural burial feeling that although the experience of loosing their friend and burying them was sad - it was actually a positive experience overall. There was no rushing or limit because another funeral is waiting to start. Natural burial can be quite a calming and uplifting experience; if you allow yourself to absorb the surroundings, while you are saying your final farewell.
It’s not surprising that people leave questioning their own initial choices, and decide that they too would like to leave a positive memorial.'
To help you decide on whether a natural burial site is a good choice for a final resting place, here is a little more information:
There are a number of different types of natural burial sites, with more being added every year. They can fit roughly into the following categories:
Burial sites on nature reserves such as Fevin Nature Reserve Burial Ground Somerset England
Prices vary depending on the provider, but on average, a single plot starts from £700. It is possible to pay for and reserve your plot in advance.
Natural burial sites are run by an either an individual private owner or a hybrid authority. Both may have their own particular regulations to comply with, depending on where the site is, and what type of site it is. For example, if you are being buried in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is likely there will be the following restrictions:
Regardless of ownership we would always recommend that the Natural Burial Ground you choose is a member of 'The Association of Natural Burial Grounds' membership who provides the public with the assurance of best practice. Here is our founder Derrick Grant having a chat with Rosie Inman Cook the founder of 'The Association of Natural Burial Grounds' about their annual awards.
All coffins and urns have to be environmentally friendly so that they break down naturally and do not damage the soil. ThinkWillow offers a large selection of environmentally friendly wicker and cardboard coffins that are suitable for all natural burial sites.
There are sites all over the UK. Your local authority may run a hybrid site and you can always check the NDC registry.
There is no doubt that green burial sites are here to stay. There is a strong need to adapt to changing societal views and address environmental concerns. As a result, innovations in sustainable burial practices and natural memorials will continue to be important and relevant in society.
There is a huge shift taking place and the potential for cemeteries to become sustainable community spaces where grieving relatives and friends can connect to and remember their loved ones in resting places of outstanding natural beauty in ways that are unique and personal to them. Picnics in a remembrance park might by the future.
More and more people are turning away from the traditional funeral options such as burial in a churchyard or ashes being buried in a garden of remembrance at a crematorium. Instead, they are looking for different ways to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. This includes finding beautiful places in nature where their loved ones can be at peace.
Natural burial grounds provide grieving families with a unique and personal way to connect with and remember their loved ones.
They offer a greener alternative funeral option that is not only needed but desired.
So whether you want to plant a tree for your loved one or to let them rest amongst the wildflowers in an area of outstanding natural beauty there is an option for everyone.
Share your thoughts with ThinkWillow. We would love to hear your thoughts on natural burial grounds. If you have an experience, you would like to share with ThinkWillow please get in touch. Email us at ask@thinkwillow.com We will reply personally to you.
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In this article, we'll explore 3 unique and creative ways to remember your loved one and discover how they can help keep their memory alive and enrich our lives in meaningful ways.
As humans, we have an incredible ability to remember events, people, and emotions that have shaped our lives. However, as time passes, our memories tend to fade.
When a loved one passes, it can have a deep impact on us emotionally. We feel the need to stay connected to them. One way to do that is to cherish and preserve our memories or to stay connected to them through their belongings or activities. The art of remembrance can be a powerful tool to help us honour, respect, and cherish the memory of a loved one.
There are many ways to memorialise a loved one, from simply displaying a photograph surrounded by their favourite candles to holding a memorial service to commemorate the death of a loved one. What’s important is to find a way that feels right to you.
Many people are familiar with the traditional ways to preserve the memory of their lost loved one. Traditional ways to remember a loved one include:
However, as funerals become more of a celebration of life, fewer people are opting for traditional burials. Which often means there is no grave to visit. As a result, more people are looking for new, more meaningful ways to connect and honour the person who passed away.
Preserving the memory of our loved ones is important because it allows us to keep their spirit alive and stay connected to the departed loved one.
Memories remind us of the good times we shared with our loved ones and help us to remember how much they meant to us. Memorials help us to keep our loved one's close to us in our hearts.
Sharing stories and memories with others can also bring comfort and healing and help us to cope with the pain of loss.
Preserving the memory of our loved ones can inspire us to live our lives in a way that would make them proud. This is especially important when it's a mother or father figure that has departed.
Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.
Dr. Earl A. Grollman
There are many creative ways to pay tribute to your loved one. This article is going to look at 3 of the best and most unique ways to memorialise their memory:
One of the nicest ways to feel connected to a loved one is to finish their bucket list.
You don't have to do all the items on the list. Choosing just one or two can be sufficient to keep them close.
If your loved one left a bucket list project unfinished, you could complete it for them. You may have to step out of your comfort zone, learn new skills or make new friends to complete it, all of which can seem daunting but will ultimately help with the grieving process and also help keep their memory alive.
The movie UP by Pixar, is a heart-warming film showing just how magical it can be to complete a loved one's life dream. In the movie, an elderly Carl loses his longtime wife Ellie. Depressed, lonely and faced with the prospect of losing his house and living the rest of his life in a nursing home, he decides to fulfil his loved one's life ambition to visit South America. He attaches balloons to his house and sets off on an adventure, not realising that Russell, a young boy scout, is also on board.
Through his journey, Carl transforms from a forlorn and depressed man to a joyful and adventurous one, finding purpose and meaning in the world around him.
The message of the movie is clear; there are many ways to celebrate a loved one who has passed and completing something that was important to them can ultimately bring closure and embark on a new way to celebrate their life.
There are so many ways to immortalise a lost loved one and to preserve their memory after they are gone. Thinkwillow has put together some of the best ways to immortalise the recently deceased.
If your loved one enjoyed reading or creating poetry, then this is definitely one of the sweetest, most creative ways to honour someone. Poems are special by themselves, but they can also be combined with different memorial projects.
Here are just a few ways that you can honour your loved one with a poem:
If your loved one had a strong connection to nature and had an environmentally friendly funeral (add link to article) service, painting a memorial rock and leaving it at the site would be a good way to respect their wishes and express your love.
You don't have to create a masterpiece or be a top notch author to create a book. Simply write what you feel. Writing about your loved one can be a cathartic way to memorialise them as well as coping with loss by documenting the emotions you may be unable to say aloud.
You could even turn it into a family d.i.y project with each family member adding a chapter or contributing a memorial photo. Not only is this a great way to remember them after they are gone, it can also be tremendously therapeutic for those struggling with grief.
If you don't feel you have the skills, then you could take advantage of the latest AI tools such as chatGPT and let AI write it for you. Or, if you want something more professional, then websites like Fiverr and Upworks are a good place to find ghost writers who will craft a story for you. This provides assistance to have written down the words you may be unable to find that describe your loss.
Honour your loved one with a song that can be sung on birthdays and celebrations to keep their memory alive. One of the nicest ways to use this idea is to create the lyrics and then set them to music that your loved one enjoyed listening to.
You can make it a special song that can be sung at the funeral or memorial service or played on a loved one's birthday. This can help bring together members of the family and can be a creative outlet for channelling grief.
If you are internet savvy, then putting up a simple 1 or 2 page website with photos, stories and videos is a simple way to preserve the memory of the loved one who has passed and document their life achievements. It also allows friends or family members an easy place they can visit or pay tribute to the deceased. Websites like Kudoboard or Murial can facilitate this process for you.
If your departed loved one was keen on video games, then creating a character that represents them in a game or building a game based on your loved one's favourite hobby can be both rewarding and therapeutic for all involved. Building a game could provide comfort for children to remember a parent after they are gone.
If you don't have the skills to build a game yourself, there are plenty of sites like Fiverr or Upwork, where you can hire someone to do it for you.
A memorial lantern has to be one of the simplest and easiest ways to keep their memory alive. They look visually appealing and are suitable as an indoor or outdoor memorial. Personalise them by adding decorations or just keep them plain and unadorned. Either way, when you light a candle in memory of your loved one, it provides a great source of comfort to the one left behind.
There are many ways to honour memories of a loved one. It's important to remember that there is no one size fits all. You can create a ritual that is right for you. If you want to pay tribute to a loved one in a non-religious way, then try any of these 3 memorial ideas:
Losing family and friends can be hard. The sense of loss can seem overwhelming and it can be difficult to know what to do to honour your deceased. However, with a little sensitivity and creativity, it is possible for friends and family members to come together and make a memory that will help keep them close.
Share your stories with us at ThinkWillow. We would love to hear how you honour your deceased loved ones.
If you have an experience, you would like to share with ThinkWillow please get in touch. Email us at ask@thinkwillow.com We will reply personally to you. ]]>Losing a loved one is never easy, and planning a non-religious funeral can feel overwhelming as there are no guidelines or tried and trusted procedures like there is with traditional religious funerals. However, personalising a funeral so that it honours, respects and celebrates the life of the person who has died often provides a much needed sense of closure and healing for everyone and it can add a special touch that makes it even more memorable.
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For those who prefer a non-religious service, it can be challenging to come up with creative ways to honour their loved one's life. In this article, we will explore some of the unique ways to personalise a non-religious funeral and give a heartfelt tribute to the person who has passed away.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and planning a non-religious funeral can feel especially overwhelming as there are no guidelines or tried and trusted procedures like there are with traditional religious funerals. However, personalising a funeral so that it honours, respects and celebrates the life of the person who has died often provides a much needed sense of closure and healing for everyone and it can add a special touch that makes it even more memorable.
Before we dive into ways to personalise a non-religious funeral let’s start with understanding a little more about the purpose and need for funerals.
Funerals, whether it be religious or non-religious, are a way to respect, honour and celebrate a life; to mourn someone’s passing.
They are a way to say goodbye as well as an opportunity to express your love and appreciation for the person who has died.
Non-religious funerals are not tied to any particular religion. They don’t have to take place in a church or chapel.They are a celebration of the life of a loved one and a recognition of how important they were to those they leave behind. These events help mourners express their grief, acknowledge the importance of the person who has died and the part they played in their lives, and then say a final farewell.
Use this as a guideline when planning a non-religious funeral to ensure you plan a beautiful way to honour the memory of your loved one.
While some funeral homes maintain a subdued and solemn environment, with attendees dressed in black and hesitant to express their emotions, there has been a shift towards more celebratory funerals. These gatherings embrace vibrant attire and encourage open displays of grief, honouring the life of the deceased. Regardless of religious affiliation, funeral directors typically oversee both secular and spiritual ceremonies, facilitating the desired ambiance and arrangements for the bereaved.
Non religious ceremonies have no set traditions for mourners on how to dress, or how to remember a loved one. You are free to arrange an alternative funeral. The type of funeral can be specifically tailored to celebrate your loved one's life.
Everything can be personalised, from readings to the choice of location for the final farewell. If these feel more suited to your beliefs, or more appropriate for your loved one, it’s simple to plan and make happen. Let’s look at 4 ways you can personalise a non-religious funeral.
A certified professional celebrant from the Association of Independent Celebrants UK, is a person who is able to create a personalised and unique funeral ceremony at any chosen venue.
Choosing a professional celebrant to give a celebration of life service is a fitting way to create a unique memorial service to honour the life of your loved one.
You can choose a celebrant you feel would be right for your funeral service. Someone who you can connect with and relate to. Celebrants all have different styles, personalities and talents, so you are free to select someone appropriate.
Celebrants can help you really personalise the funeral service to make it a unique and comforting experience. They can provide personalised readings and specific rituals that reflect the beliefs, values, and culture of the person who has died.
If your loved one had a favourite, song, reading, hobby or sport, your celebrant can include reference to it or even perform it in the ceremony.
Celebrants can help you plan a more personalised memorial. Many are happy to follow any dress code or special costume theme that you have chosen so that they really become part of the funeral service.
Celebrants will read your loved one's favourite poem or dress up in team colours if your loved one was a football fan or maybe even sing a tribute to a loved one. The options are limitless.
With an independent celebrant you can also have a blend of religious or spiritual and non-religious content if you wish. Many families opt for a largely non-religious service but just choose to include a prayer, hymn, or blessing as well – depending on the outlook of the deceased and their family.
Media & Policy Manager at the Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC)
Holding an eco-friendly funeral service is a great way to honour the memory of a loved one who respected and loved Gaia. If someone has spent their whole life recycling and striving to make the world more sustainable, then it makes sense to plan an eco-friendly service to celebrate their life.
Alternative burial grounds have sprung up across the UK in the last decade or so. There are now some truly beautiful places in which you can be buried or have your ashes buried.
Alternative burial grounds all respect nature and focus on conserving the environment. Some are in national parks or designated areas of natural beauty.
You can find a list of natural burial grounds here.
They have strict rules about the type of coffin or urn that can be used, as well as what additional items that can be put in a coffin. Some sites offer additional options such as tree planting, memorial benches etc. as an additional way to remember your loved one. This is definitely something to consider, as planting a tree provides a lasting tribute to a loved one.
Planting a tree in memory of the deceased is a way to replace one life with another form of life.
This is especially fitting if your loved one was known for having a strong connection to nature. Creating a living memorial which incorporates the values that were important to your loved one is a respectful way to say farewell and makes for a perfect non-religious funeral.
Eco-friendly coffins made from sustainable products like English willow or recycled cardboard are a fitting way to say goodbye. ThinkWillow offers a wide selection of eco-friendly coffins which can be delivered direct to the funeral home, your home or other selected location.
People choose environmentally friendly coffins from ThinkWillow not only because they save money but also because they are guaranteed a quality, ethical product. This is really important if your loved one was environmentally conscious and had strong values.
Both wicker and cardboard coffins are easy to decorate. Cardboard is a terrific option if you really want to personalise the coffin.You can provide markers and ask guests to write a memory, poem, story or draw a picture on the coffin. This way you focus on the life of the person who died and also help mourners get closure.
Check out our complete guide to cardboard coffins here.
It's becoming popular to give little memorial gifts at both non-religious and traditional funeral services.
At an eco-friendly funeral service, a great memorial service gift could be a simple packet of seeds. You could choose flowers like Forget-me-nots or even little tubs of micro-greens. It's a lovely way to celebrate a loved one. You are saying farewell in a way that honours and respects them but also symbolises new life and a continuing connection to the earth.
At an eco-friendly funeral service, a great memorial service gift could be a simple packet of seeds. You could choose flowers like Forget-me-nots or even little tubs of micro-greens. It's a lovely way to celebrate a loved one. You are saying farewell in a way that honours and respects them but also symbolises new life and a continuing connection to the earth.
Organising a send-off at your loved one's favourite place can be a beautiful way to celebrate their life and memories.
This is a good option for those who prefer a non-religious funeral. It can make for a very unique and meaningful way to say goodbye. Whether it's the local park, a well-loved beach, or a special spot in the city, gathering together and sharing stories and memories can help bring closure, comfort and healing to loved ones. It provides an anchor and somewhere for mourners to visit and remember the person who has died.
Depending on the choice of venue, it may also be appropriate to scatter the ashes if that's in keeping with your loved ones' wishes.
It also offers a chance to honour the person's life in a way that is more personal and unique, reflecting their individual interests and passions. From picnics to candlelight vigils, a send-off at a favourite place can provide a sense of peace and healing during a difficult time.
One of the most unusual ways to celebrate the life of a loved one is to honour them with a themed funeral service. If your loved one was a keen football supporter and never missed a match, then one of the best funeral ideas is to create a memorial service that reflects their passion and love of football. Here are three ways to create a themed non-religious funeral.
Arrange a non-religious funeral ceremony at a special venue connected with their passion. This could be at a sporting ground such as a football ground or fans' pub or in a park where the events took place. Anywhere that has a deep connection to their passion.
This is a great way to say goodbye and share a memory. It could be a game of football, it could be a game of chess or a cosplay afternoon. Whatever it is, you can include it in the theme and make it part of the memorial service to honour your loved one.
Traditional funerals are often sober affairs, with everyone wearing black and speaking in hushed tones. Non-religious funerals are a way to plan an alternative funeral for your loved one. A funeral that is a true celebration of their life and really reflects their passions and personality.
If a full costume seems too much, then maybe limit the theme and ask guests to wear a mask, hat or badge to show unity. Explain that you want the funeral to be a celebration of life ceremony and that your funeral arrangements are unique because you are creating a non-religious funeral service that honours the wishes and likes of the deceased.
A non-religious funeral can provide comfort and closure for those grieving while celebrating the unique life of the person who has passed away.
There are countless funeral ideas that you can use to personalise and organise a farewell to celebrate the life of your loved one and create a unique farewell memory. Here are 4 ways to say goodbye:
Like any funeral, sometimes all you need is just a small amendment to the funeral arrangements to create an extra special way to commemorate your loved one that truly speaks to their values.
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We’re scared of death. We’re scared of dying. We’re scared of leaving our loved ones with a mountain of debt because of the outrageous cost of a funeral in the UK. There are so many things that scare us when it comes to talking about death.
It’s understandable that we are afraid to ask questions about how to reduce the cost of a funeral in the UK when so much of the funeral business is shrouded in mystery and treated as a taboo subject.
Death is a difficult subject to discuss. Which is why many people are reluctant to talk about the outrageous cost of a funeral in the UK and the emotional distress that can be caused when there’s not enough money in the pot to pay for a decent send off.
And yet, if we could just bring ourselves to have a few more uncomfortable conversations, we could find better solutions. As a result, people wouldn’t have to worry about leaving their loved ones with a mountain of debt at a time when they are grieving deeply.
The funeral industry lacks transparency, which is why the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) was tasked with reviewing the cost of a funeral and the practices of funeral directors.
The problem is there's not enough good information available about the cost of a funeral. As a result, people don't know how to compare the cost of a funeral or what actions they can take to reduce funeral expenses.
The CMA recognised that people could be exploited at a time when they were most vulnerable and, as a result, it has stepped in to introduce new regulations. The new rules are designed to force funeral directors to be more transparent about fees and reduce the cost of a funeral in the UK.
The truth is funeral costs have been rising across the UK for decades. As a result, families have been struggling to keep funeral costs low and some families have been left with a lot of debt which has only added to their distress at a very difficult time.
Everyone should be able to afford a simple funeral. No one should leave their family in debt. So let's start sharing our knowledge and talk about the important things. Let’s get started by answering a few of those uncomfortable questions about funerals and discover a few ways to reduce funeral costs.
This is a touchy subject, as most people don’t like to talk about the cost of a funeral in the UK. Conversations on this topic are often seen as rude or inappropriate. It’s not normal to go up to someone and say, “Hey, how much did it cost to arrange the funeral?”
Fortunately, we can rely on SunLife Insurance to provide us with reliable data.
Every year SunLife conducts a survey into the cost of dying. In 2022, the cost of a funeral in the UK rose by 3.9%. You may be shocked to learn that in 2022, the average cost of a funeral in the UK was an incredible £9200. This includes the cost of a coffin, the funeral service, professional fees and a farewell party or wake. This is enough to make you cry in anger!
The cost of dying:
How much the cost of dying has changed between 2021 and 2022
2022 | £9,220 |
2021 | £8,864 |
This +3.8% increase includes funeral, plus professional fees and send-off costs.
£9200 is a lot of money. This is not the type of expense you want to saddle your loved ones with when they are grieving and finding a way to cope with loss. Fortunately, there are ways you could save on funeral expenses. So let’s take a look at some of them.
No one likes to think about their own death or the death of their loved ones. It makes us feel uncomfortable. However, it's important that you find out your loved one's wishes in advance. This will remove some of the stress and make decision making easier at a difficult time. This means you need to understand more about the funeral planning process.
Costs vary depending on the type of funeral you arrange, whether you opt for burial or cremation and whether you choose to use a funeral director. Understanding the funeral planning process and what options are available will help you when it comes to arranging a funeral and reduce costs.
When you understand what you need to do and what is optional, funeral planning becomes easier. For example, knowing that you do not have to buy an expensive coffin from a funeral director and that you can order a coffin direct from ThinkWillow can save you hundreds of pounds. Many funeral directors add a large profit to the cost of a coffin or only offer a limited choice of coffins, so you may miss out on getting an affordable or environmentally friendly coffin if you use their services.
Researching funeral directors and comparing prices is definitely one way you could cut the cost of a funeral. According to the COOP, funeral directors’ fees - on average costs £2,325. That’s a big fee considering government statistics show 34% of adults have either no savings, or less than £1000, in a savings account.
Talking about death and funeral expenses has been taboo for a very long time, but at ThinkWillow we believe in transparency, which is why we are providing you with the information you need to make better decisions.
Thanks to the CMA, funeral directors are now required by law to display a price list giving people the ability to understand what are optional costs, what are the funeral directors' fees and what are the essential costs involved in burying your loved one.
We know that comparing prices is not something people like to do, but it could save you hundreds or even thousands if you do. Cutting funeral director's fees and buying coffins online could significantly reduce the cost of a funeral in the UK. At ThinkWillow we do our best to provide eco-friendly coffins at the best possible price.
It’s worth noting that you do not have to use a funeral director. You can arrange the funeral yourself. It is perfectly legal and can substantially reduce the cost of a funeral in the UK.
Pre-paid funeral plans are becoming a very popular option for individuals who wish to prepare for their funeral in advance.
Essentially, these plans allow you to pay for your funeral expenses ahead of time, which means that your family won't have to worry about the financial burden when you die.
With a pre-paid funeral plan, you can save on costs as prices are locked in at the time of payment. Therefore, even if funeral costs increase over time, you and your family won't have to worry about any additional expenses.
These plans usually involve meeting with a funeral director or representative to discuss your wishes in terms of your funeral service, burial or cremation, and other aspects you want to be arranged ahead of time.
Overall, pre-paid funeral plans provide peace of mind, and can be a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to ensure their end-of-life wishes are met without placing a burden on their loved ones.
There are many types of funeral services, including traditional religious services, humanist services and individual services given by a celebrant. However, there are no rules and regulations that require a funeral service. It really is down to personal choice.
If your loved one was a strong Christian who went to church regularly, then it makes sense to have a church funeral service. Otherwise, you may want to consider different options.
Instead of paying for a professional to give a funeral service, you can arrange a service that’s more personal to you. A good way to do this is to have a simple remembrance service at home or at another special place. This could be at a park or in a favourite pub.
Having a family member or members talk about the life of your loved one is a great way to turn a funeral into a celebration of life and reduce the cost of a funeral in the UK.
Some people find comfort in the idea of a physical resting place for their loved ones. Burial allows family members to visit and maintain the grave. However, the decision of whether to choose cremation or a traditional burial in a churchyard may not be an option for everyone, depending on where you live.
The cost of burial plots has been increasing rapidly due to lack of availability. In some cities, the increasing population and the effects of investors buying plots to sell on at a profit has resulted in a severe shortage. As a result, some popular city plots are being sold for £8-10k.
"local authorities say they are short of space due to Victorian laws that are also causing rise in funeral costs." - Rachel Hall, reporter at the Guardian UK
Fortunately, natural burial grounds have become a popular alternative and there are more and more beautiful spaces being added to the growing list.
Natural burial grounds offer a middle ground, allowing for a sustainable and eco-friendly burial. It is also possible to have cremation ashes interred in a natural burial ground, providing a natural resting place for loved ones.
According to the Good Funeral Guide the cost of a natural burial ground starts from £500. The average being between £1000-1500. Natural burial grounds have strict regulations and all coffins must be environmentally friendly. ThinkWillow provides a range of eco-friendly cardboard and wicker coffins that are the preferred coffin choice for natural burial grounds.
Cremation is the best way to keep costs low. To help people save on funeral expenses, crematoriums now offer direct cremations. Direct cremations have always been available but have never been talked about. In the past there was little transparency in the industry so people had no idea about this option.
Direct cremations start at £795. The crematorium will collect and care for your loved one and notify you when the cremation has taken place. There are no mourners present at the cremation.
This gives families the flexibility to create a unique memorial service at an alternative place and save on funeral costs.
Ultimately, the decision between cremation and burial comes down to personal preference and affordability.
In the past, there was a lot of pressure from society to follow the funeral norms and hold an expensive traditional funeral service. This involved paying for:
None of this is compulsory.
Fortunately, with just a few tweaks, you can create the perfect end-of-life celebration that doesn’t cost the earth.
Firstly, limit the funeral service to close family and friends. This makes it more personal and allows you to focus on your loved one and not worry about guests.
Secondly, opt for a DIY approach to certain aspects of the funeral. Why pay for a vicar when a family member or friend can give a personal message? Why pay for an expensive hearse to the crematorium when you can arrange for the crematorium to collect and care for the body? Why pay for an expensive coffin when you can buy a cardboard one from ThinkWillow and personalise it yourself?
Photo by Jasmine Tanguay, Natural Deathcare Collaborative
When you have more transparent information, you can make better choices. This will help you become more confident when arranging a funeral, which could save a lot of emotional distress and could help you and your family save money.
There are surprisingly few laws about funerals in the UK. This means you are free to choose what kind of coffin you want for your burial or cremation. You don’t have to buy an expensive solid wood coffin as part of your funeral package.
In the past different funeral directors have taken advantage of the difficult situation and used it to their advantage by persuading people to buy expensive solid wood coffins.
One clever way to reduce the cost of a funeral in the UK is to opt for a cardboard coffin. Our cardboard coffins start from £239 and can be delivered directly to your home or a funeral home.
Cardboard coffins are very versatile and are suitable for both a traditional burial and cremation.We have a complete guide to cardboard coffins that you can discover here.
Just by switching from a wooden coffin to a pure white cardboard coffin, you can save hundreds 100’s of pounds. Pure white coffins are being chosen by families who want to create a very special and unique coffin. Many families are choosing to decorate pure white cardboard coffins with photos, patterns, landscapes and colours that have meaning to them. They work together to express their love and their grief as part of the goodbye process.
It’s important to know that if you are opting to be buried in a natural burial ground, you will have to check their regulations. See more about that here.
ThinkWillow provides environmentally friendly coffins that are a good fit with natural burial grounds. Our willow coffins are made from sustainable willow grown in the UK. They can be delivered directly direct to your door or your chosen location. Delivery is free and we are happy to talk to you about any concerns you might have.
In the past, there were fixed options for funerals. There was a lot you had to budget for:
The problem with this traditional approach is it left everything in the hands of funeral directors and because there was no competition, this meant many people were taken advantage of. Unscrupulous funeral directors often sold simple coffins with a huge profit mark up. People found themselves shelling out on a coffin that was 2 or 3 hundred pounds more expensive than necessary.
Things have changed now and people are free to choose what they want and need to be included in an end of life celebration. They are also able to save on the cost of a coffin by purchasing on the internet.
Purchasing a coffin online directly from ThinkWillow can save on costs. ThinkWillow doesn't have any hidden costs. The price you see is the price you pay. This makes it very easy for you to choose a coffin that respects your values, your budget and that is perfect for your loved one.
Creating a funeral budget in advance will help you keep costs low. Set a budget and stick to it. Make sure you spend only what you planned.
It’s important to note that you do not have to buy a coffin from a funeral director. This is mis-information and if any funeral director tries to force you to do this, you should report them to your local trading standards office.
Funeral costs can vary widely depending on where you live. The government recognises this and offers financial assistance towards funeral costs. It's worth checking out what help or benefits you may be entitled to. You can use this link here to visit the government website.
Funeral costs in the UK can be high but with some clever planning you can reduce the cost of a funeral. Grab a coffee and take 5 minutes to think and plan using these 6 topics as a guide.
Remember, it’s important to be proactive and informed when planning a funeral. Understanding your options and your rights will help you make better choices that could save costs.
At ThinkWillow we believe everyone deserves a great send-off no matter their financial situation, so don’t be afraid to plan and create a unique celebration of life and to choose a coffin that suits your budget and not the funeral directors!
By focusing on these 6 areas you will be able to organise a truly great celebration of life.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the cost of a funeral. If you have an experience, you would like to share with ThinkWillow please get in touch. Email us at ask@thinkwillow.com . We will reply personally to you.
]]>Rosie Inman Cook is the manager of the 'Association of Natural Burial Grounds' and the 'Natural Death Centre' charity.
We ask Rosie:
While our mission is to tackle the taboo of death we appreciate that this topic maybe difficult for some. We an assure you that the wisdom and warmth of Anna's words is worth your time, so let's jump in:
In this section Anna explains the role of end-of-life Doula in helping someone prepare for death.
End-of-life Doula Anna Lyons explains her start in the profession.
End-of-Life Doula Anna Lyons explains how she believes end-of-life can be improved.
End-of-Life Doula Anna Lyons explains her view on what it means to have a good death.
We ask Death Doula Anna Lyons why she believes there has been an increase in the acknowledgement of death online.
Our physical impact on the planet after death has been transformed by contemporary practices of chemical embalming, elaborate burial enclosures (hardwood/metal caskets, vaults, liners, and mausoleums), and resource-intensive cemetery upkeep. A typical cemetery buries 4,500 litres of formaldehyde-based embalming fluid, 97 tonnes of steel, 2,000 tonnes of concrete and enough wood to build 4 homes in every acre of space. How can we reconsider these practices that harm the earth and the health of its still-living humans?
A green funeral replaces practices that cause environmental harm with those that provide environmental benefit. The beauty of this approach is that it’s nothing new--but rather the way that humans managed death for millennia. (Though some newer green funerals have emerged with modern flourishes!) Mainstream culture is taking note: green burial and eco-friendly funerals are becoming the “only way to go.” Below we cover why and how you might choose a green funeral--but first, here are the 3 main ways conventional burials hurt the planet:
Natural resources like wood, metal, and concrete are buried in massive quantities--never to be reused.
Many conventional burial items won’t decompose for decades (or perhaps more, in the case of a polished coffin placed in a concrete vault).
Cemeteries are running out of space (a quarter of England’s cemeteries are expected to be full by 2023), and society is running out of appropriate cemetery land. To clear space for more graves, cemetery workers remove benches and dig up trees ( or reusing graves to bury multiple bodies - known as “cramming”). Land converted to cemeteries will likely never return to woodland or pasture--meaning permanent ecological impacts.
Many coffin materials contain formaldehyde - a carcinogenic substance and other toxic chemicals that will pollute when buried or burned.
Embalming fluid can cause cancer in undertakers and may enter streams or taint the groundwater.
Conventional lawn cemeteries require fossil-fueled maintenance (fertilisers, pesticides, lawnmowers, irrigation).
Many considerations come into play when determining the environmental impacts of burial and cremation. The details matter a great deal: for example, there are a range of burial types (embalmed vs. unembalmed body, type of casket, whether a vault is used, type of cemetery), all with their own unique profile of ecological impact.
Indeed, cremation can be less resource-intensive (no vault, for example) and consume less land. But energy consumption and crematoria emissions are substantial. Since 2015, more than 75% of those who died in the UK were cremated. An average cremation uses 92 cubic metres of natural gas (emitting about 400 kg of CO2--equivalent to an 500 miles car trip). The majority of coffins used in UK cremations are made from chipboard or MDF that release harmful nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide (collectively known as NOx) when burned. Cremations also release several grams of toxic mercury and other poisons like dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDFs).
It has been estimated that cardboard coffins consume half the energy required for combustion. They also release less than one-third the amount of toxic gases, such as nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and CO2, because no chemical adhesives are used.
Green burial returns the body as naturally as possible to the earth. It has really been only in the past century or so that we (in Europe and North America) have come to use chemical embalming and a multi-layered casket and vault system for “conventional” burials—and we are still exceptions to the global norm. Green burial is a return to the simpler practices by which we have buried the dead for most of human history—and still do in much of the world.
Green burial avoids using formaldehyde-based embalming to preserve the deceased. The body may be buried in a biodegradable container such as a cloth shroud, pine coffin, or wicker casket. Natural clothing is worn and plastics are avoided. Green burial often happens at a depth of about one metre, where the biological processes supporting decomposition are more active.
The burial site avoids the use of concrete vaults or grave liners. Native stones or plantings take the place of conventional polished headstones.
The first woodland burial ground in the UK (The Woodland Burial) was created at Carlisle Cemetery in 1993. Since then, over 450 dedicated natural burial grounds have been created in the UK. The Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG) was established by The Natural Death Centre charity in 1994, and maintains a list of active natural cemeteries.
As awareness grows of the high environmental costs of conventional funeral practices, many are trying to lessen their final footprint. There are wide-reaching benefits that a green funeral or natural burial can offer. Here are a few:
Green funerals can be far less expensive than a conventional funerals, particularly if you are able to reduce funeral home involvement and choose an inexpensive coffin or shroud.
The natural setting of green burials is conducive to both traditional and spontaneous celebrations of life and acknowledgement of loss. Green burials often take place in locations of great beauty or conservation value, providing both solace and sustainability.
Green funerals allows participants to see death as a natural part of the life cycle and to learn how their culture marks the final passage. Eco-coffins are often made with local resources by local craftspeople. Some people even decorate the coffins as part of the mourning process.
For individuals who want to reduce their carbon footprint after death, a green funeral can be an excellent way to reduce this impact. Green funeral avoids the use of toxic embalming chemicals that can harm morticians and the environment. It conserves precious resources such as hardwoods and metals (used in conventional caskets) as well as concrete (for burial vaults).
Choosing a coffin is an important part of the burial tradition. What people may not realise before going through this process is that there are a wide variety of options and considerations.
This guide provides important information and things to consider when selecting and purchasing a coffin, from materials to cost and personalisation options.
Whatever kind of coffin you choose, these tips will help you make the right decision for your needs.
Don’t feel limited to what’s on offer in your local funeral home. Funeral Directors are legally obliged to accept coffins provided by yourself or a third party. Always shop around for appropriate styles and best prices.
Traditional coffins usually come in standard, child, and oversize options. Standard sizes typically range from 5’0 to 6’8 long and often have a width of 24” or more. If you need a coffin size that differs from the standard measurements most coffin suppliers will offer custom made sizing depending on model and material.
As a general rule a coffin should be 3-4 inches larger than the person the coffin is for. For example if the person you are buying for is 5’0 we’d recommend a coffin of at least 5’4.
It’s worth noting that peoples measurements often change after death, meaning it’s best not to guess an appropriate coffin size and instead have the person measured before making a purchase.
Coffins can be made to accommodate almost any size or weight, but this may impact your material and design options. Standard wood, wicker or metal caskets can normally hold weights up to 23 stones, or around 149kg, and oversized options can hold up to 360kg.
Coffins typically come with 6 handles (3 on each size) and are designed to be transported by 6 strong adults. Some coffins handles are for display purposes only and not designed to be carried, if your ceremony is going to include carrying the coffin, it is important to select a coffin with load-bearing handles .
As more people chose to represent their lives in their death, funeral personalisation has gained an increasingly important role.
With enough planning, you can personalise almost any type of coffin, but for most, cardboard coffins provide the easiest solution. Cardboard coffins can be written or drawn on, have images printed on them, or easily have items attached.
The demand for more funeral personalisation options has lead to a new wave of ‘picture’ coffins that allow for almost any image to be printed directly on the surface of a coffin. This technology has opened up new and creative ways for people to pay their respects or be remembered.
Making sustainable choices in death, is a growing trend. Commonly referred to as ‘Eco’ or ‘Natural’ coffins these products are made of biodegradable and sustainably grown materials. Common choices include:
Willow
Bamboo
Cardboard
Certain types of wood
Liners are a textile that sits inside coffins and improves the look and fit. Liners are usually made of fabrics like cotton or calico. Depending on your retailer you may be able to select the material, colour, and look of a coffin liner. If sustainability is important to you, biodegradable options made of natural materials are be available from most suppliers.
Coffins are not a necessity to the funeral process. British law does not require you to use a coffin for a funeral and shrouds offer an affordable alternative. Shrouds cover the body, and can be made of a variety of textiles such as:
Linen
Silk
Hemp
Flax
Cotton
All of which offer great personalisation options and environmental sustainability.
Coffin can be categorised into four major types:
Traditional
Picture
Eco or Natural
American Caskets.
Traditional Coffins
Traditional British coffins are hexagonal or octagonal shaped, tapering from the shoulders to the feet. They have a solid, one piece lid and are most often made from wood or metal.
This choice provides a classic look that honours tradition, while offering some options for personalisation.
Picture Coffins
Picture coffins provide the opportunity to create or select a unique design that reflects the life and personality of a person.
Personalised options range from large printed images often wrapping the entire coffin, to adding written messages and keepsakes to the exterior.
Most picture coffins are made of cardboard although wooden options are now available.
Eco or Natural Coffins
Natural or Eco coffins support the concept of burying a person in a biodegradable container that allows elements to return directly to the earth. Eco-coffins are made of materials that break down more quickly and do not harm the environment. Common materials for eco-coffins include:
Cardboard
Textiles
Willow
Various grasses and reeds.
American Caskets
American-style caskets are rectangular in shape and are typically more ornate and expensive than other options.
American caskets often have a hinged, split lid that allows for viewing of the body inside the casket.
Available in a range of builds from mahogany to brass, American caskets are often priced to reflect the added cost of using expensive materials.
Learn of the pro’s and cons of purchasing an ‘Eco’ or ‘Natural’ coffin.
Cardboard coffins have a growing range of shapes and designs. They provide an affordable, simple option that is quickly growing in popularity.
Why choose a cardboard coffin?
Less expensive than other options
Biodegradable, environmentally friendly
Easy to personalise
Suitable for burial or cremation
When not to choose a cardboard coffin?
May be difficult to accommodate very large or heavy bodies
Suitable for most but may have weight limitations
Important to ensure quality
Price range: £200-£500.
Where to buy: www.thinkwillow.com
Willow coffins come in a wide variety of shapes and looks. Willow provides a great balance between value and high-end natural design.
Why choose a willow coffin?
Great value
Biodegradable, environmentally friendly
Beautiful look that is easy to personalise
Suitable for burial or cremation
When not to choose a willow coffin?
May be difficult to accommodate very large or heavy bodies
Sizing options can be limited
Important to ensure quality
Price range: £400-£900.
Where to buy: www.thinkwillow.com
Often described as more 'approachable', pure new wool coffins have no hard edges and are often supported by a recycled cardboard frame. Wool coffins are relatively new, sustainable, funeral option that will only grow in popularity.
Why choose a wool coffin?
Biodegradablematerial often sourced locally
Comforting look and feel
Suitable for burial or cremation
When not to choose a wool coffin?
May be difficult to accommodate custom sizing
Limited styles and models available
Price range: £600 - £800
Where to buy: earthtoheaven.co.uk*
Bamboo has strength-to-weight ratio outperforming steel while, bamboo groves produce 30% more oxygen than trees. As such bamboo is an increasingly popular choice for coffins as an environmentally friendly material.
Why choose bamboo a coffin?
Can be woven into unique looking designs
Easy to personalise
Suitable for burial or cremation
Why not to choose a bamboo coffin?
May be difficult to accommodate custom sizing
Bamboo coffins are often shipped from Asia creating a large carbon footprint
When going for a more traditional look
Price range: £350 - £550
Where to buy: thinkwillow.com
Traditionally, coffin burial shrouds are made of white cotton, wool or linen and offer unmatched affordability while also being bio-degradable.
Why choose a coffin shroud?
Environmentally-responsible choice
Rustic natural feel
Superior Affordability
Easy to personalise
Suitable for burial or cremation
Why not to choose a coffin shroud?
When going for a more traditional look
Where to buy: thinkwillow.com
Wooden coffins are still the most popular choice for consumers in the UK. Pine is a sustainable choice for a solid wood coffin, suitable for burial or cremation.
Why choose a pine casket?
The traditional, natural look of wood
Solid wood pine coffins are strong and durable
Suitable for burial or cremation
When not to a choose pine casket?
Looking for something more quickly biodegradable
More expensive than other eco-options
Price range: £500 - £700.
Where to buy: www.thinkwillow.com
Banana leaves can be twisted and woven into beautiful, soft coffins that are environmentally friendly and natural. Banana leaves are flexible, waterproof, and often a renewable resource.
Why choose a banana leaf coffin?
Very environmentally-responsible choice
Can be woven into beautiful designs
Easy to personalise
Suitable for burial or cremation
Why not to choose a banana leaf coffin?
May be difficult to accommodate very large or heavy bodies
Often shipped to the UK creating a carbon footprint that may damage the environmental gains of the material.
Going for a more traditional look
Price range: £450 - £700.
Where to buy: caringcoffins.com*
Pandanus is used as a building material across Asia . Strong, rustic and often sustainable Pandanus offers a unique alternative to a Willow coffin.
Why choose a pandanus coffin?
Very environmentally-responsible choice
Can be woven into beautiful designs
Easy to personalise
Why not to choose a pandanus coffin?
May be difficult to accommodate very large or heavy bodies
Often shipped to the UK creating a carbon footprint that may damage the environmental gains of the material.
Going for a more traditional look
Price range: £400 - £700.
Where to buy: wwww.thinkwillow.com
Learn the pro’s and con’s of purchasing a traditional coffin.
Traditional coffins come in a wide range of materials, one of the most common options being chipboard veneered coffin and caskets, sometimes also known as ‘wood effect’ coffins.
Veneered coffins offer affordability and good strength however, the veneered material covering the coffin (added to give a natural look) is often attached via glues containing formaldehyde, a toxic chemical considered harmful to the environment.
Why choose a traditional coffin?
Reasonable affordability
Traditional look
Readily available from most Funeral Directors
When not to choose a traditional coffin?
When wanting to personalise a coffin
When considering the environment
Price range: £350 - £1500.
Where to buy: www.comparethecoffin.com*
Learn of the pro’s and cons of purchasing an ‘American Caskets’ type coffin.
Half-view caskets have a lid that consists of two separate, hinged pieces. This allows for the portion of the lid where a persons head lies, to be open for viewing. This type of casket is very common in the United States, and its popularity in the UK is growing.
Caskets are normally made from hard woods such as mahogany or cherry wood but metals such as brass, steel and bronze are also available. These materials are less environmentally friendly and if not manufactured in the UK, Half-view caskets may also carry a large carbon footprint if shipped from outside of the UK.
Why choose a half-view casket?
It can make viewing the dead person easier
Usually made from durable, long-lasting materials
Traditional look
When not to choose a half-view casket?
When viewing the body is not desired
More expensive than other options
When considering the environment
Price range: £500 - £24,000.
Where to buy: www.comparethecoffin.com
Full-view caskets have a lid that consists of a hinged piece that allows for the lid to be opened and the deceased to be viewed during visitation or other rituals.
Most American style full-view caskets are not considered environmentally friendly due to construction materials and source of shipping.
Why choose a full-view casket?
Allows full view of a person
Has traditional appeal
When not to choose a half-view casket?
When viewing the body is not desired
More expensive than other options
When environmental sustainability is a concern.
Price range: £600- £10,000.
The best choice of coffin should reflect personal taste, the style of the occasion, practicality and affordability.
Whatever your budget, remember there is no need to overpay for a coffin. Coffin options range from the affordable to the extravagant, and prices can vary significantly based on where you make your purchase.
It’s always best to shop around, the internet has given funeral organisers more flexibility and choice so don’t feel limited by the range offered at your local funeral home.
Thank you for reading
Could this article be better? Have we missed any coffin types you’d like to learn about? Feel free to leave a comment below or email us at support@thinkwillow.com and share your questions.
If the word “coffin” makes you think of a plain wooden box, it might be time to update your perception. Today, coffins are increasingly becoming a personalised reflection of the deceased. In fact the UK largest coffin manufacturer has stated that non-traditional coffins now make up 10% of all orders.
And that number is growing fast. Colourful coffins provide consumers the opportunity to inject a bold, personalised touch to the funeral and burial process. “More and more, people are deciding to choose designs which reflect their loved ones’ lives,” explains Richard Halliday, director of Halliday Funeral Supplies.
While the UK is just starting to adopt to idea of colourful, personalised coffins, Ghana has been perfecting this art form for decades. Ghanian funerals are elaborate affairs, and people take great pride in creating coffins that reflect the deceased’s life and personality. These often intricate designs vary from cars to crops to aeroplanes, and are recognised as true works of art. Each coffin holds a symbolic meaning, which is why they are also known as “proverbial coffins”.
The British are yet to have the range of offering the Ghanian are accustom too but the UK’s taste for a greater variety of coffins options is only growing.
If you have a passion for all things football, following your team every season and proudly wearing your team’s colours having a personalised coffin designed with a team’s colours, crest, or even photo of their stadium, is a way to express that passion, even after death.
National flags, paintings of favourite vacation spots or even a photograph of your own backyard garden can now be printed onto a coffin. New technology means that the only limitation is your imagination and personalised coffins provide a meaningful way to reflect the values, personality, and the life of the person that has died.
The ability for people to design their own coffin and personalise their funeral is quickly growing into a cultural norm. There are now dozens of websites where people can create their own design, or select from a wide variety of images and statements that reflect a personal belief. More traditional wooden coffins can be painted, have images printed on them, or decorated to fit an unlimited range of tastes.
Greenfield Coffins
Greenfield offers a variety of personalised coffins, with a range of materials, colours, and printing options. Their online coffin designer allows customers to upload pictures and images, add text, and have their creation delivered worldwide.
The Pathway Coffin Company
Pathway provides biodegradable wooden coffins, arranged in panels that are each individually designed. This allows for multiple people to create their own sections, or for various sections to represent different parts of someone’s life. Pathway also offers printed interiors. Pathway works with funeral directors throughout the UK, where consumers can create logins and work together to create their designs.
J.C. Atkinson and Sons
J.C Atkinson and Sons allows customers to create bespoke coffin designs from scratch, or select from their range of original designs. Customers can use their website to design the coffin, but delivery is arranged through a local funeral provider.
While wood is still the most traditional material, cardboard and wicker coffins provide several advantages and offer a wide variety of options for creativity and expression. Cardboard coffins are typically the lowest cost option, and also provide the most opportunities for personalisation. Images and photographs can be printed on the cardboard surface while cardboard also lends itself to less formal approaches. Interested in learning more about cardboard coffins? Read our post Contemplating a cardboard coffin? Here’s everything you need to know…
Many people decorate cardboard coffins themselves, as they can be drawn or written on directly. Decoration can become a participatory event, during which loved ones gather to express their love and grief through the hands-on creation of this artwork. Written messages, mementoes, keepsakes, photographs, flowers, and fabrics can all be attached to cardboard coffins, turning the box into a personalised physical memorial.
The act of personalisation has been taken to a new level through organisations like the Coffin Club. A series of events to help people ‘work out their funeral wish-list, plan, and cost, their perfect send off and, if they wish, personalise their coffin.’
“There are actually very few rules around funerals,” funeral celebrant and founder of UK’s first Coffin Club, Kate Tym explains. “Having a personalised coffin is a really special way to reflect the uniqueness of the person inside.”
Wicker coffins also offer opportunities to create a colourful, personalised design. Wicker coffins come in a variety of shapes and colours, and are made from materials like willow, rattan, or reeds and grasses.
Wicker coffins often come with rings or other designated places to attach flowers, ribbons, or special personal items. Wicker lends itself easily to personalisation, as greenery, flowers, or other items can be attached through the weave of the coffin. Many people select an arrangement of flowers or greenery for the top of the coffin. Garland and bows are often attached to the sides, encasing the coffin in a beautiful, environmentally friendly arrangement. Learn more about Funeral flowers and their true meaning in our dedicated article.
The options for designing a beautiful, personalised coffin are endless. Yet, barriers still exist in allowing consumers full cost transparency. Most companies do not post prices for their personalised coffins online, making it difficult for families to make informed decisions.
If the funeral industry is truly serious about offering people more choice, we should be doing more to increase transparency. At Willow we’re working hard bring more clarity to funeral pricing and we'll update this article and our site as soon we've found manufacturers that support our view.
Do you have a question about colourful coffins?
Contact us at ask@thinkwillow.com with your query we’ll do our best to help.
By Carla Tanguay
1. Do I have to buy a picture coffin from a Funeral Director?
No. You can purchase the coffin online at Willlow and have it sent to a Funeral Director or a home.
2. Can a picture coffin be cremated?
Yes.
3. Can a picture coffin be buried?
Yes.
4. Can a picture coffin be carried?
Yes, but make sure the coffin has functional load-bearing or cutout handles.
5. Can I write on and attach items to a picture coffin?
Yes, cardboard coffins can be painted, have notes and last words written on them or pictures with your memories attached. However weighty items may damage the structure of the coffin.
Today, death has become a business that is increasingly depersonalised and expensive. The average funeral in the UK costs over £3,700 (Royal London National Funeral Cost Index Report 2017), an all time high. Families are increasingly going into debt in order to pay for these services.
Many people don’t realise that there are other options when we die. In the UK (and in most other places), the law does not require an undertaker or funeral director in order to conduct a funeral or make final dispensation of the dead. With few exceptions, family members have the right to take possession of the body of a deceased loved one and make their own arrangements. This enables you to plan every aspect of your funeral and empowers families to create and implement rituals that are meaningful to them.
1. Care of the Body
After you die, there are a variety of options regarding how to prepare the body. It is legal and possible to care for and prepare a body at home, although it will require significant involvement by family members, who will likely need additional guidance. (More information on preparing a body at home can be found here) .
An important decision you need to make is whether or not you want to be embalmed. Embalming is a process that preserves the body in order to delay decomposition and make it more suitable for viewing. Advocates feel that embalming allows for more flexibility in funeral planning, while opponents feel it is an unnecessary expense, or even a toxic and invasive procedure.
2. Final Resting Place
Most people are familiar with burial and cremation, and these are by far the most common choices. When buried, a body is usually placed in a casket and interred in the ground. This is most often done in a cemetery, but may also be done on private land (with some restrictions- you can learn more here. There are a wide variety of casket choices, from elaborate wooden or metal boxes to biodegradable cardboard. Some burial grounds allow for alternative containers, such as shrouds or woven baskets.
Cremation is an increasingly common choice. Cremation involves incinerating a body into ashes, which are then placed in a container of your choice. Sometimes people choose to bury ashes, while others choose to keep them in a special vessel, and others scatter them at a favourite spot.
Some kind of marker is commonly used to mark the place where someone is buried. While headstones are the most common, other options include planting a tree, installing a bench, or any other kind of physical representation.
There are also less common options for what to do with your body after you die. These include donating your body to science, long-term preservation, and biological return.
3. Planning a Gathering
A time and place for family and friends to gather, share memories, engage in rituals, and provide support to each other is often a central part of the funeral process. Services can be held anywhere from a funeral home, to the graveside, to your backyard. They can happen with or without the body present, and can occur before or after the body is laid to rest.
When planning a gathering, you need to decide:
Whether or not the body will be present, and if present, will it be available for viewing?
Will you have a formal service? If so, you may want to invite or hire religious leaders, musicians, or a funeral celebrant. Formal services often include readings, music, an eulogy, and a reception or gathering afterwards. It may be meaningful and helpful to plan out the details of a service, including any specific prayers or readings you would like read, individuals that you would like to speak, and any music you would like played.
4. Making Your Wishes Known
Once you have gone through the important work of planning your own funeral, it is critical that others know that you have done this and can access this information when they need to. While funeral plans are not usually seen as legally binding, they provide important guidance about your wishes to your loved ones.
It is helpful to create a file which contains everything that you have prepared. A copy should go to a trusted friend or family member, and another to your attorney. It should include the details of any pre-planning that you have done, instructions regarding a service or gathering, and a list of people and organisations to notify about your death. It may also include a list of all financial accounts that you hold and any prepayments that you have made.
*Information provided is not legal advice and no liability will be accepted in relation to such reliance.
Regardless of the individual circumstances, when it comes to writing a eulogy you are likely to be going through a difficult, sensitive and busy time in your life. Unlike most speeches, this is often an unexpected one. You may have little time to prepare for the funeral, let alone the eulogy. You'll have a million and one thoughts going through your head and a range of contrasting emotions. Amongst all that there is the instant requirement to write something perfect.
If you’re worried about the eulogy or just need a guiding hand then here’s some advice to help get you started:
1. Start by working backwards. Think about how you will feel once you have given the eulogy. What do you want people to remember? What key memories, emotions and reflections do you want to convey? Taking this information, think about what balance between ‘fun’ and ‘sentiment’ within the speech is required. Use this as a brief for diluting thoughts from this point on.
2. Don’t just rely on your own material. Contact friends and family who have known the person at different stages of their lives to gather comprehensive insights and anecdotes.
3. When putting pen to paper, don’t start with stories or memories. Start instead with a structure. ‘Chronology’ is the most obvious structure, but not the most effective. It is much more powerful to work your stories and memories around a theme that was central to how he or she lived their life and would want to be remembered.
4. Try, if possible, to begin your speech by putting a smile on people’s faces. The funeral will be emotional enough as it is, so start light. It will also help you to relax if you receive an early chuckle from the congregation.
5. Keep yourself separate. It’s tempting to focus your speech on your own relationship with the person you are speaking about. But if you labour the point too heavily, you are doing a disservice to them and everyone else in the room.
6. There is no ‘perfect’ shape or style for a eulogy. But the key is brevity. Stay away from long paragraphs in favour of short, punchy, deliverable sentences. And using your theme, try to link all the separate parts together seamlessly.
7. Because of the pressure of the situation and the added emotion involved, you want to keep everything else around you as simple and straightforward as possible. This includes what your speech is on. Big pieces of paper with lots of print can lead you to getting lost. So, instead of laying all of your speech out on one or two bits of paper, put it on cards. And keep the words on each card to a minimum.
8. Although they may be hard to avoid, try to save the tear jerking elements of the speech until the end. This way, if emotion gets the better of you, you won’t have to gather yourself together again.
9. With rare exceptions, a eulogy should be a celebration of life and there to create happy memories and a lifting of the mood. No matter how sad the occasion, try to write your speech from this perspective.
10. As a rule we would suggest a speaking length of 8-10 minutes. However, with eulogies the length should be lead by the content. But remember, as with all speeches, less is more, particularly if there is more than one eulogy being delivered. If you are still feeling anxious, remember that never, ever in your life will you speak to a more sympathetic audience. They won’t be waiting for you to trip up. You won’t get heckles. Everyone will be aware of the difficulties you’re facing and there is likely to be unanimous support for you and the speech.
This guide was written by Lawrence Bernstein of Great Speech Writing, who has lots of experience in writing eulogies and is always happy to give further advice.
This article was originally published by Natural Death Centre
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Ask your funeral director about more sustainable options, or seek out a funeral home that offers green practices.
Few people know that embalming a body is not required by law anywhere in the United Kingdom. Consider a burial with no embalming fluid (bodies can be preserved by cooling for wakes/viewings if desired). Or look for nontoxic embalming fluid (offered by certain funeral homes).
An eco-friendly casket can be made of wood (pine is a good choice), wicker, banana leaves, cardboard, or really any other renewable and biodegradable material that can support the body. Willow offers beautiful (often colourful) biodegradable Eco coffins ranging from simple to sensational.
These coffins have the advantage of being easily decorated with art or messages, while also being affordable (yet strong enough to hold hundreds of pounds). Cardboard caskets are also 100% biodegradable, making them suitable for both burials and cremations. A cardboard coffin also produces 90% fewer carbon emissions during a cremation than a regular coffin.
Avoid a concrete vault if possible (these are required by most conventional cemeteries, but not green cemeteries). Cement production is extremely energy and fossil fuel-intensive, making it a leading producer of carbon dioxide emissions contributing to climate change.
If you desire a headstone, consider local stone. GPS coordinates are also a good way to mark burial location. Trees or other plantings also make meaningful markers.
Consider the management of the cemetery landscape. Lawns are input-intensive (water, mowing, fertilisers and pesticides), while a natural or restored landscape can provide important habitat and other ecological benefits.
If cremating, chose a crematorium with advanced pollution controls (and if possible, remove amalgam dental fillings before cremation). Alkaline hydrolysis or “water” cremations may soon become an alternative choice to flame cremation at many crematoria across the UK.
Consider the travel distance for the funeral. Everything from the choice of flowers (local or imported?) to the location of the gathering (nearby or a long drive?) can include consideration of the environmental costs and benefits. The fuel savings by avoiding cremation, for example, could be wiped out by car or air travel to a far-off cemetery.
Perhaps most importantly, talk to your loved ones about it. If your family were suddenly left with the need to make unexpected burial arrangements, would they have the information they need to honour your wishes for green funeral or other creative alternatives to the commercial funeral home approach? If possible, make arrangements ahead of time. Grieving survivors may not think to consider the environment in making arrangements, or they may not have the time to research unconventional options. Specify your funeral wishes in your will or advance directive. Planning ahead can open up an array of choices that may reflect your preferences better than conventional options. Also, stay informed about new eco-smart options that are likely to become available in coming years--including mushroom burial suits, composting, and cryomation.
With these important considerations in mind, you can choose a path that aligns with your environmental values by creating the legacy of a healthier planet for future generations--and expresses your unique identity as well.
]]>Until the last hundred years, family members took charge of caring for their dead. People typically died at home, and loved ones prepared bodies for burial and conducted rituals without the need for funeral directors. Death was an intimate family affair that was affordable, meaningful, and personal.
Today, death has become a business that is increasingly depersonalised and expensive. The average funeral in the UK costs over £3,700 (Royal London National Funeral Cost Index Report 2017), an all time high. Families are increasingly going into debt in order to pay for these services, which typically include funeral director fees, burial or cremation fees, casket and headstones, flowers, musicians, printing costs, and catering.
Many people don’t realise that there are other options when we die. In the UK (and in most other places), the law does not require an undertaker or funeral director in order to conduct a funeral or make final dispensation of the dead. With few exceptions, family members have the right to take possession of the body of a deceased loved one and make their own arrangements. This enables you to plan every aspect of your funeral and empowers families to create and implement rituals that are meaningful to them.
After you die, there are a variety of options regarding how to prepare the body. It is legal and possible to care for and prepare a body at home, although it will require significant involvement by family members, who will likely need additional guidance. (More information on preparing a body at home can be found here- http://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/find-a-funeral-director/do-it-all-yourself/) .
An important decision you need to make is whether or not you want to be embalmed. Embalming is a process that preserves the body in order to delay decomposition and make it more suitable for viewing. Advocates feel that embalming allows for more flexibility in funeral planning, while opponents feel it is an unnecessary expense, or even a toxic and invasive procedure.
Most people are familiar with burial and cremation, and these are by far the most common choices. When buried, a body is usually placed in a casket and interred in the ground. This is most often done in a cemetery, but may also be done on private land (with some restrictions- you can learn more here- http://www.naturaldeath.org.uk/index.php?page=home-burial)). There are a wide variety of casket choices, from elaborate wooden or metal boxes to biodegradable cardboard. Some burial grounds allow for alternative containers, such as shrouds or woven baskets.
Cremation is an increasingly common choice. Cremation involves incinerating a body into ashes, which are then placed in a container of your choice. Sometimes people choose to bury ashes, while others choose to keep them in a special vessel, and others scatter them at a favourite spot.
Some kind of marker is commonly used to mark the place where someone is buried. While headstones are the most common, other options include planting a tree, installing a bench, or any other kind of physical representation.
There are also less common options for what to do with your body after you die. These include donating your body to science, long-term preservation, and biological return.
A time and place for family and friends to gather, share memories, engage in rituals, and provide support to each other is often a central part of the funeral process. Services can be held anywhere from a funeral home, to the graveside, to your backyard. They can happen with or without the body present, and can occur before or after the body is laid to rest.
When planning a gathering, you need to decide:
Once you have gone through the important work of planning your own funeral, it is critical that others know that you have done this and can access this information when they need to. While funeral plans are not usually seen as legally binding, they provide important guidance about your wishes to your loved ones.
It is helpful to create a file which contains everything that you have prepared. A copy should go to a trusted friend or family member, and another to your attorney. It should include the details of any pre-planning that you have done, instructions regarding a service or gathering, and a list of people and organisations to notify about your death. It may also include a list of all financial accounts that you hold and any prepayments that you have made.
*Information provided is not legal advice and no liability will be accepted in relation to such reliance.
]]>Are you set on simplicity? Do you believe biodegradable is better? Could your coffin choice help you through the grieving process?
A cardboard coffin may sound like an unconventional choice but once we’ve shared the benefits and opportunities offered by this alternative to a typical wooden coffin, you may realise it is your best choice.
Check out our ‘Cardboard coffins factsheet’ and our guide below for more info.
In considering a cardboard coffin you are not alone. According to Sun Life, Cost of dying report the Eco funerals grew from 7% to over 9% in the last year alone. At the heart of those arrangements are people seeking affordability, an eco option for friends and family and the ability to personalise a funeral with their wider community.
Cardboard coffins are suitable for burial and cremation and Willows range of cardboard coffins are widely accepted by crematoriums and burial sites across the UK, including woodland and eco-cemeteries.
While other eco-coffins are made from, Pine, Willow, Wicker, Bamboo, and Banana leaves, none can beat the price point and personalisation options of cardboard.
A growing number of people are opting to reflect the deceased’s identity in their choice of coffin, often personalising cardboard coffins with their community.
Through the hands-on experience of expressing love and grief the personalisation process may help us process our emotions while honouring the deceased.
This can be a participatory event with friends and family, or a quiet meditative act by a few people. Those paying their respects often leave heart-warming messages and attach mementoes, keepsakes, photographs and flowers to the coffin. Personalisation shifts the cardboard coffin from being simply a box into a living memorial for the loved.
Kate Dyer and Kate Tym are two local celebrants, who launched the UK’s first ‘Coffin Club’, a social event created to help people decorate their own bespoke coffins.
“There are actually very few rules around funerals,” Kate Tym, pitches in, “and having a personalised coffin is a really special way to reflect the uniqueness of the person inside.”
Rosie Inman-Cook heads the Natural Death Centre a organisation campaigning for more transparency in funeral and dying. Rosie is a well known advocate for the personalisation of funerals.
“A plain cardboard coffin can be transformed into a message clad and flower-festooned work of art. This can be especially helpful if there are bereaved young children who can become more accustomed to the coffin in the lead-up to the funeral.”
Rosie Inman-Cook, Natural Death Centre
For adornment and personalisation, cardboard coffins offer endless possibilities. Watercolours, crayons and water-based felt-tip markers can be used to create decorations without harmful chemicals while, notes, blessings or photos can be affixed with non-toxic glue.
Although cardboard coffins offer great affordability, some highly customised cardboard coffins can be as expensive as traditional caskets here’s our handy guide to cardboard coffin price ranges and models.
Online, ebay provides the cheapest coffin we've found. If you are thinking of purchasing from the platform we suggest you consider the following:
Things to consider when ordering a cardboard coffin:
Certification
Does the coffin have certification guaranteeing it can carry a specific weight?
Nameplate
Is the coffin supplied with a nameplate? Some funeral directors will prefer an engraved nameplate, its worth checking with your funeral organiser.
Handles
Is the coffin going to be carried? If so are the handles of your coffin weight bearing? Always check with your potential retailer.
Liner
Is the coffin supplied with a liner? The purpose of a liner is to provide an aesthetic enhancement to the coffin. Note that most liners are not waterproof which is important to consider if you intend on embalming the deceased. It’s also good understand if the linear is bio-degradable as this maybe an important factor for woodland or eco funerals.
Where was it the coffin made?
People often purchase cardboard coffins to reduce harm to the environment, if your purchase is being shipped from China you can expect the product to have a large carbon footprint potentially counteracting any environmental savings. Understanding where your coffin was manufactured will help you to make an informed decision.
At our online store Willow we sell a Manilla Cardboard Eco Coffin. Each coffin comes with:
‘100% Satisfaction or your money back guarantee’.
Tested for strength by the 'Coffin, Casket and Shroud Association' (CCSA)
Load-bearing rope handles (important if you’re considering carrying the coffin).
And are manufactured in the UK to be shipped directly to your home or a Funeral Director.
If you’re considering a purchase online ask if the retailer will make contact with your Funeral Director or organiser. This is a useful step to help establish that:
The coffin will arrive at a suitable time for the Funeral Organiser.
The coffin is appropriately sized for the deceased person.
The delivery details of the purchase are correct.
At Willow we have found this process extremely important as some Funeral Directors have separate delivery addresses to their stated location, we also understand that details can be lost or mis-communicated during what can be a busy period, having contact with your Funeral Director allows us to make sure your order arrives promptly and hassle free. If your coffin retailer doesn’t provide this service make sure to double check the details mentioned above before making an order.
If you’re looking for a coloured cardboard coffin there are lots of options available (Check out our article dedicated to Colourful cardboard coffin here). Today’s technology allows for cardboard coffins in almost every design imaginable and although there is a cost premium for colourful cardboard coffins most options are still vastly cheaper than their wooden, veneer or cloth alternatives.
For custom, picture coffins check out www.creativecoffins.co.uk. Creative coffins can create a coffin design specifically for you, or you can use tools like Greenfield coffins coffin designers to apply your own photos and create a unique coffin of your design.
Burials and cremations both use resources and energy that can have a negative impact on the environment.
Cardboard has a far lower carbon footprint and overall environmental impact, both in production and in use, than chipboard, wood, or metal. Some traditional coffins are made using toxins like formaldehyde and transported over long distances, while the metal and plastic fittings that can come at an extra cost are thrown away after cremation or buried when they could be recycled.
Cardboard coffins typically utilise recycled materials (Willows range of cardboard coffins are made of 80% recycled material) to ensure that waste and toxins are minimised.
Cardboard coffins are an excellent option that captures the trifecta of sustainability, affordability, and customisability. Although families are sometimes shy about choosing such a modest material for a coffin, at the end of the process, we find they are always proud of their choice -especially if it involved getting to create something special in honour of the deceased.
If you are seeking a coffin for yourself or a loved one that is affordable, environmentally friendly, and offers great options for personalisation, hopefully, we’ve convinced you to consider a cardboard coffin. The growing popularity of cardboard coffins is a testament to our evolving expectations for our funeral, and is at least one trend the earth benefits from too boot.
1. Do I have to buy a coffin from a Funeral Director?
No. You can purchase the coffin online at Willlow and have it sent to a Funeral Director or another location.
2. Can a cardboard coffin be cremated?
Yes.
3. Can I be buried in a cardboard coffin?Yes, and some natural cemeteries even prefer cardboard to more conventional options.
4. Can a cardboard coffin be carried?
Yes, but make sure the coffin has functional load-bearing handles.
5. Can I write on and attach items to a cardboard coffin?
Yes, cardboard coffins can be painted, have notes and last words written on them or pictures with your memories attached. However weighty items may damage the structure of the coffin.
6. How much do cardboard coffins cost?
Cardboard coffins in the UK generally range from £200-£500. Traditional coffins range from £400 to over £5k.
7. Where can I buy cardboard coffins?
While we always advise people to shop around, our online store offers a range of cardboard coffins accredited and manufactured in the UK.
8. Are cardboard coffins the cheapest?Typically, yes. Other coffins such as Wicker and woven come close. But often price isn’t the primary reason for choosing cardboard--its other benefits are substantial.
9. Are cardboard coffins of good quality?
Generally yes, but always check for accreditation of the maximum weight a coffin can carry.
10. What coffin size is appropriate?
We recommend a coffin that 3-4 inches taller than person you are buying for.
Contact us at ask@thinkwillow.com we’ll do our best to help out.
Everyone copes with loss differently and there is no right or wrong method for dealing with the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one. People will experience many different emotions while they are bereaved, they will experience these emotions in different orders and for different lengths of time, and no doubt they will all find different methods by which to deal with these emotions and work through their grief. No one in a state of bereavement should be expected to act in a certain way or measure up to certain standards of grief. Instead, all individuals should be allowed to cope with their loss as best they can, and support should be sought if they can not cope effectively.
As a general rule, there may be certain phases of grief that individuals experience, though the actual experiences will vary widely. These phases are sometimes referred to as a cycle of grief made up of stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance. Throughout these stages the bereaved may feel sad, angry, guilty, frustrated and more. Crying, changes in eating, sleeping and/or socialising patterns, feeling angry, a loss of memory, and a lack of concentration may all be experienced. Again, the specific responses will likely be unique to the individual.
Many bereaved individuals cope with their loss by formally saying goodbye to the deceased. Some family and friends find that organising and attending the funeral is enough, while others may also organise a memorial service or associated event to honour the dead. Annual events such as fundraisers in the deceased’s names are a popular way of raising funds for a cause that the deceased cared about, of allowing surviving family and friends to come together and celebrate the deceased’s life, and allowing loved ones of the deceased a specific time to come together to support each other.
Sometimes more support is required to help an individual through his or her grief than other family and friends can provide. Emotional support can be sought through bereavement counselling, as it allows the bereaved to explore and describe his or her thoughts and feelings to an objective audience. Practical support can be sought from professionals such as solicitors and/or accountants who can help explain legal rights and responsibilities following the death may also be able to lend practical support at this time. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau may be able to offer practical information and advice as well. Financial support also may be required following the loss of a loved one to pay for the funeral, to pay outstanding debts, and/or to settle the deceased’s estate. Sometimes benefits are available to assist family and friends following the loss of a loved one. Just a few of these supports include Bereavement Payment and Bereavement Allowance, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and/or Guardian’s Allowance. A Citizen’s Advice Bureau will be able to offer more information on these and other financial supports.
Unfortunately, not everyone realises that they need extra support for coping with loss when they are bereaved, so family and friends must remain vigilant of each other and discuss their concerns if they feel that further emotional or practical support may be needed.
Reproduced courtesy of www.FacingBereavement.co.uk - facing and dealing with bereavement
]]>There are many questions to ask.
–Partial list taken from The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving: A Practical Memoir
The only information that I received from my parents was that their funeral was bought and paid for. When the time came, what that really meant was that they had purchased funeral plots, a casket and a few other essentials, but that was about it. The rest of the planning was up to my sister and me. Don’t get me wrong — the plans they made in advance were great. Since they bought plots in the 1960’s and paid for some of the other funeral costs in the 80’s, we saved a tremendous amount of money. And any decision that they made ahead of time was one we didn’t have to make in a time of sadness and distress.
No doubt about it, knowing what your parents want before the time comes gives all involved great comfort and clarity. But how in the heck to you BRING IT UP?
Here are a few suggestions of ways you can break the ice and begin the conversation with your parents:
It is great if you can begin this conversation with them before they are ill or terminal.
Listen as much as you talk. They may have firm ideas about their plans or they may have not thought of it at all.
Give them time. If this is the first time you have ever discussed funeral plans, do not try to push everything on your parents all at once. They might need to take a few weeks to figure out what they want, or even to come to terms with the idea that funeral planning is something that needs to happen in the first place.
It’s no big secret that none of us are going to get out of here alive. You’d think this would be a natural conversation that all families would have. More often than not, it just isn’t. But it doesn’t have to be hard or difficult. The hardest part is just getting started.
This excerpt (Planning with Barbra Streisand’s help) from The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving: A Practical Memoir* by Judith Henry shows how the author broached the conversation with her mother. May all our conversations with our parents be this tender and full of joy!
The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving: A Practical Memoir* is a fabulous resource for those of you who are in the midst of caring for an aging parent.
This article was originally posted on mysideof50.com
]]>A funeral service is a way we cope with the loss of someone dear.
Whether it provides a special tribute to the deceased or it helps family and friends to acknowledge that loss and say goodbye, it doesn’t have to carry any kind of religious connotation.
If the person who died was a non-religious, a humanist funeral celebrant is just the right person to help the family organize a ceremony based on the beliefs and the desires of the deceased.
If you are looking for a celebrant to help with a funeral the British Humanist Association provides a online service to assist your search.
This type of ceremony, non-religious by definition, focuses on celebrating the life of the person who passed away.
Friends and family, people who knew that person and want to pay a tribute, are all invited to show their respects and say goodbye while supporting each other and sharing their grief.
As opposed to traditional funerals, the humanist funeral celebrant won’t include any prayers or prescribed readings. The ceremony might include, however:
Firstly, there is nothing that a celebrant should impose you to do. Celebrants are there to oversee the practical aspects and arrangements of the ceremony.
The celebrant should meet with the close family and learn more about the deceased, making sure that his planning will perfectly capture the life and personality of the person you are celebrating. They should advise you on the most practical aspects of the procession while listening to your ideas and giving you advice.
But whether you want to make it exclusively a humanist funeral or you would like to insert some religious connotations, it is up to you. So is the decision of where to hold the ceremony – as long as you have all the necessary approvals, you can have the funeral ceremony elsewhere than in a cemetery, woodland burial site or crematoria.
After all, the entire event should sincerely focus on the person who passed away, allowing everyone invited to say goodbye from the person who lived without religion in a fitting, personal manner.
The funeral celebrant should be the person to silently guide and help you cover all the practical aspects unknown to you. They should counsel you, without adding pressure and should provide the warmth, calm and dignity needed on a day of grief. Finally make sure to go through all the details of the ceremony in well in advance, understanding exactly what to expect from them and from the event itself.
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Consider the type of ceremony you would like, as this will influence the location.
Unless your faith or personal spirituality requires it, there is no great hurry to set a funeral date. Taking time will allow you to assess your budget, discuss your plans for the funeral and raise the deposit. If you’re using a funeral director they may charge additional costs for taking care of the person who has died for more than 14 days. The time allocation for a service is about 20 to 30 minutes. A ‘double’ hour-long slot will cost extra.
Ministers and other faith leaders can attend a crematorium or bless a woodland burial, so it is possible to have a religious ceremony at your chosen venue. Speak directly to the faith leader who will guide you and provide support. There may be some financial support available from the community of your church, mosque, synagogue or temple.
If the person was not religious you may want a humanist or independent celebrant to create a ceremony. Funeral directors can help you to find one, or you can find your nearest celebrants through the www.funeralcelebrants.org.uk website.
A friend or relative can also conduct the ceremony, or you can do it yourself. Several family members or friends can also deliver readings and eulogies. Working on the funeral with a group of friends and family, and sharing responsibilities on the day, can be very supportive. It also provides the opportunity for doing something more personal.
The Government provides limited financial support for bereaved people on low incomes. Even if you are eligible for it, a state contribution is unlikely to cover the full cost of the funeral. The two forms of support are:
This is a grant (i.e. you don’t have to pay it back) towards the cost of a simple funeral for people on qualifying benefits. In east London the average award is around £1,250. More information on funeral payments can be found on the gov.uk site
Are for widowed spouses or civil partners, above the age of 45 and
at least one partner under pensionable age, whose partner paid sufficient national insurance contributions. They include a one-off grant of £2,000 and two fixed-term weekly benefits depending on your age and whether you have children. More information on bereavement allowance can be found on the gov.uk site
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) only issue a funeral payment to the person considered responsible for paying for the funeral.
A surviving spouse, partner or parent would need to apply to the Social Fund, and therefore sign the funeral bill. Both parents must be on benefits to qualify, unless one is estranged. If there is no spouse, partner or parent, then children or siblings may be eligible, provided all of them are on a qualifying benefit. Next come other relatives, and then close friends.
Order of priority for social fund applications:
1. Partner or spouse
2. Parent(s)
3. Children
4. Siblings
5. Other relatives or friends
Qualifying benefits or entitlements
If you were married or in a civil partnership with the person who has died you may be eligible for one of these benefits:
A one-off payment of £2,000 based on your partner’s national insurance contributions;
A weekly benefit which can be paid for up to 52 weeks;
A weekly benefit if your partner has died and you have dependent children.
To apply, complete a bereavement benefits pack - form BB1.
These benefits are based on national insurance contributions and are payable if you are over 45 and under pensionable age, or your partner was under pensionable age when they died.
This article was originally posted by Quaker Social Action
]]>The act of sending messages with flowers became popular during Victorian times as people utilised gestures and symbols for expression rather than words. However, as time passed the selection of flowers available has grown and Victorian symbolism has given way to individual interpretation. Today, you can choose a particular flower and colour to recall and celebrate memories of a special moment or passion of a person’s life. At Willow we believe when organising a funeral, your decision is always the right one, however having the option to make informed choices always helps.
Roses are very important specie of flower in the area of funeral arrangement. They are commonly used for casket sprays and standing arrangement with each colour having it’s own meaning:
Magnolias express sweetness, dignity, perseverance and love of Mother Nature. It is the ideal flower if the recently deceased is a nature and outdoor enthusiast. While the pink flower represents youth and innocence, the white one conveys purity and perfection.
Red roses communicate love, respect and courage. This flower is most popular in casket stand and sprays, most especially for men. People who have had an intimate relationship with the deceased like a spouse or lover tend to choose this flower to show their respect.
White roses symbolise reverence, purity, humility and innocence. Apart from red roses, this flower is the most commonly used funeral flower. They are used to express condolence no matter the relation, unlike red roses which are associated with passionate emotions.
Yellow roses are most popularly used by friends to communicate strong feeling of friendship.
Pink roses symbolise love, grace, elegance and most importantly admiration. They are a much lighter variety of red roses, both in symbolic meaning and colour. Pink roses are popularly used for casket sprays and standing for both men and women.
Dark crimson roses communicate grief and sorrow, which makes them common in traditional ceremonies but less so in a modern celebration.
Lilies have over the years been used to convey the thought of innocence being restored to the soul of the deceased. Other varieties like the white Calla Lily is an especially common funeral flower conveying purity, while the stargazer specie symbolises sympathy, which is why it is commonly sent to the relations of the deceased. Also oriental lilies represent eternal life, making them most perfect choice at religious services commemorating the life of the deceased.
Orchids communicate a very strong suggestion of love with their sculptural beauty and air of exotic mystery. They are a symbol of splendor and refined taste with a uniqueness unlike any other flower. A long lasting flower, people sometimes send orchids as a sympathy gift because they continue to bloom after other arrangements have wilted. It is as a result of this, sending orchid conveys everlasting love.
Carnation are available in many colours. The Pink Carnation represents a mother's enduring love, making it ideal for flower arrangement at a mother’s or grandmother’s funeral. Similar to Red Roses, Red Carnation conveys a very strong feeling and true love. White Carnations however, represent faithfulness, purity and innocence.
Camellias communicate remembrance and gratitude of the departed. The red specie evokes passion and love and are most commonly used to communicate the existence of romantic relationship. Conversely, white Camellias symbolise adoration and perfection. They are also used to show different forms of love; like the love of a child to a mother.
Just like the name suggest, the Forget-Me-Not is used are gifted with the expectation the recipient will not forget the giver. This flower is a true symbol of remembrance and is used by some countries as a symbol of those they have lost at war.
Tulips generally denote perfect love. But like several other flowers mentioned in this article, Tulips are available in a variation of colours, each with it’s own significance and meaning. Purple Tulips represents royalty while red are commonly used to express true love. The meaning of yellow Tulips has evolved over the years from symbolising hopeless love, to now representing cheerful thoughts and sunshine.
Finally, when selecting funeral flowers, the arrangement you choose should tell the story of the relationship you had with the departed. Was the deceased the love of your life? A close or distant family member? Whatever the relationship is, your choice of flower can reflect it.
]]>Telling people and organisations about a death can be stressful. It might help to do this sooner rather than later. You may also want to place a death notice or obituary in the local paper. If benefits or other allowances need to be assessed, then you should call the DWP bereavement line on 0345 606 0265
Tell Us Once (DWP, Council Tax, Passport, DVLA, HMRC)
Tell Us Once is a service that lets you report a death to various government organisations. The organisations notified by this service are:
You’ll need the following details of the person who died:
You’ll also need:
This article was originally posted by Quaker Social Action
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The choice between a cremation and burial can be a very personal matter. Factors in deciding may include:
Cremation is often a more affordable option and accounts for up to three quarters of all funerals. The UK figures for 2015 show an average cremation costs around 20% less than the cost of the average burial, but can be significantly lower depending on your location and the costs of burial plots.
If you choose to use one, most funeral directors (including 'Willow') offer a simple cremation package, which may make it a more affordable option. Remember to ask about whether they offer this package.
If you choose a burial, there are still flexible options for keeping the costs down. A burial can take place in a churchyard, a local authority cemetery or a private cemetery. Burials can also take place in a woodland site, or on private land, including a garden, but you must contact the local authority for permission to do so.
There are a growing number of ‘natural’ or ‘woodland’ burial parks offering a simple, cheaper alternative to conventional burial grounds. When looking at options, note that costs may be only for the plot, and there may be additional interment costs for digging and filling the grave. Money is also saved on memorials, as headstones are generally replaced by wooden plaques or other simple markers in keeping with the woodland environment.
If you wish to explore this option, permission must be given by the person before they die. The Human Tissue Authority offers information and contact details of the schools that accept donated bodies:
www.hta.gov.uk
For more info please read our article on Tissue Donation after death here:
This article was originally posted by Quaker Social Action
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A death can bring with it a broad range of emotions. Our feelings toward the person who has died can become stronger and our need to provide them with a meaningful tribute can lead to anxiety about ‘getting it right.’
Throughout the process it may help to keep these five points in mind.
If you’re able, take the time you need to create a meaningful tribute to the person who has died, and for the family, friends and colleagues involved.
Funeral costs can lead to debt, but you may be able to access state funds, charitable grants, affordable credit, and support from friends and family.
There is no legal requirement to hire a funeral director, have the person who died embalmed, or to buy a coffin or hire a hearse.
Funerals can be expensive and prices between funeral directors vary enormously, so get several itemised quotes – you could save a lot of money. There’s no legal requirement to employ a funeral director, and a DIY funeral is also possible.
You can create a unique and personal ceremony without overspending. Consider any funerals you have attended in the past, and what made them memorable. Words, music and actions can be far more powerful than expensive cars or coffins.
]]>After the doctor has issued the 'Cause of Death', you must register the death within five days. (8 days in Scotland). If you decide to use a funeral director, they will need a death to be registered before planning the funeral.
Make an appointment at the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, you will find the address of the nearest register office here https://www.gov.uk/register-offices. Check the opening hours of the office you wish to go to, as some offices have appointment system.
The death should be registered by one of the following (in order of priority):-
A relative who was present at the death
A relative present during the person's last illness
A relative living in the district where the death took place
Anyone else present at the death
An owner or occupier of the building where the death took place and who was aware of the death
The person arranging the funeral (but not the funeral director).
You cannot delegate responsibility for registering the death to anyone else.
Alongside the medical certificate (above) take with you the following information about the person who has died, if you have it available:
Birth certificate, marriage / civil partnership certificate and passport.
National Health Service number or their NHS medical card.
Proof of address (i.e utility bill) date and place of death.
The person's full name (including any previous name including maiden name), date and place of birth.
Their last address and the person's occupation.
The full name, birth date and occupation of a surviving/ late spouse / civil partner.
Whether the person was receiving a pension or other social security benefits.
Yes, you should take supporting documents that show your name and address (i.e. a utility bill) but you can still register a death without them.
The informant will then sign the register, certifying that the information that has been given to the registrar is correct
A green certificate for burial or cremation. This certificate is commonly known as the 'green form'. Give this to your funeral director. The form is free however you’ll need to pay for copies of the death certificate. It’s a good idea to pay for three official copies, as banks, pensions claims or insurance policies may want a copy. In England the cost of each copy on the day is usually £4, but afterwards they can increase substantially depending on the council and urgency.
A white certificate of registration of death. This certificate is commonly known as the 'white form'. This is for Social Security purposes only.
This article was originally posted by Quaker Social Action
]]>Most people know about Organ and Tissue Donation and how it can be radically life-changing. However, there is far less awareness about Tissue Donation for research purposes and this is something that I, as a Research Nurse for Ethical Tissue (The Human Tissue Bank at the University of Bradford), am hoping to change as part of a new initiative which is taking place in West Yorkshire (and potentially country- wide soon) .
When I first started this job a year ago, I was already familiar with death and caring for the dying patient (I have been a nurse for almost 10 years).
However, I was used to death from a ‘caring’ perspective: the heart breaking conversation, the restraining of tears, the watching of a family in anguish kind of caring. I would stay with the family for hours, trying to make sense of this gut-wrenching situation with them. Especially in the Intensive Care setting, the family often had no time to prepare for what I could see was round the corner. And I would have to prepare myself too.
This job is different.
Death is still very present but it can now be life- affirming. In donating their loved one’s tissues for research I strongly believe that families can take great comfort in knowing that their loved ones are potentially helping millions of people and future generations to come!
“Tissue Donation After Death” is a new scheme that The Tissue Bank and I have set up and developed in the past year. My role is to promote Tissue Donation as something that can be offered to those people who want to find something positive in death, or those who cannot for whatever reason be organ donors. Only 1% of people can be organ donors whereas 99% of people can donate tissue for research (only HIV/Hep B preclude this).
Small ‘marble’ sized amounts of tissue (not usually whole organs) are taken from one or more areas in the body. This tissue is then optimised, anonymised and given to researchers so they can gain a comprehensive overview of diseased and healthy tissue. This helps them to develop early diagnostic tests, better treatments and cures for life-limiting diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart, lung and skin disease just to name a few.
There are no delays to any funeral plans. The donor can, of course, still be viewed in the normal way by the family and the donation is done respectfully and ethically in a local mortuary. We organise the transfer of the donor to the mortuary and of course return the donor to their desired funeral home/resting place. This is at no charge to the family.
Because we only take tissue samples which are useful to researchers (i.e we don’t just store tissues in dusty jars on shelves in our labs!), there is no set number of tissues to be donated. Every case is individual and we will talk through with the donor/family what they would be happy donating. Some donors want a specific tissue to go to help fight a specific disease they may have e.g. cancer. Some are happy for us to take several different tissues and put them into multiple research projects.
I am trying to give people another ‘choice’ after death and so I think by introducing this topic into the wider public domain, encouraging people to talk about their wishes and provide them with a basic knowledge about this service, they will hopefully be empowered to take control over their end of life decisions, like choosing a special song, cremation of burial… it can be viewed as another decision to make along the way.
I recognise that this option isn’t for everyone – but there are many people who would like to give something back to the medical and scientific community especially if they are fighting a specific ailment, such as Alzheimer’s and want their tissue to go to help find a cure. It’s important to get the message out that this is another option after death…
………………but if people don’t know about it then they can’t choose it!
So please spread the word: tell your friends and family, discuss with your local GP or care provider. There is nothing to sign or action to take beforehand, other than tell your next of kin your wishes. Keep our contact details/phone number handy and then if you decide to donate your precious, possibly life-saving tissue, your next of kin can call us when appropriate and we will take it from there.
If you would like any further information or an information pack, please contact me.
By Joanne Mullarkey
Office: 01274 235849
Email: j.mullarkey@bradford.ac.uk
Ethical Tissue, The ICT Bioincubator, University of Bradford, Tumbling Hill Street, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP
This article was originally posted on More To Death Magazine
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