TYPES OF FUNERALS IN THE UK
A few years ago majority of funerals followed a familiar form of a church service with traditional music followed by a burial or cremation. There was variations in the order of service depending on the faith, but all the mourners wore black and hearses, hymns and flowers were recognizable. Nowadays, the society is diverse, and funerals formats are not fixed. There is change in form of dress codes, music, vehicles and venues. The types of funerals are a reflection of personal passions rather than funerals dictated by tradition.
Traditional, faith- based funerals
Some funeral services in the UK are still faith based and are held in places of worship and led by religious officials. Religious services are still reassuring to many, and represent a familiarity that many of the bereaved families find reassuring. Christianity is the biggest religion in the UK and for burials or cremation and the comfort of church, mourners and hymns help bereaved families to say goodbye to their loved one. The diversity in the society has made some people seek multi-faith funeral option where the services embraces religion and spirituality.
Humanist ceremony
Non-religious funerals are not the common type of funeral services but funeral directors are familiar with the non-religious funeral formats. Without the formality of traditional order of service, a non-religious funeral can follow any format. Some family prefer conducting the service with their close friends while others prefer to hire services of officials who are conversant with preparing and conducting funeral services where religion is not involved.
Direct cremation
Direct communication is still in the minority but is becoming popular as years pass by. Some people prefer direct cremation to burials because of the rising cost of funerals. A direct cremation cost much less than a full funeral and it involves less fuss compared to burials. For some, funeral services get in the way of a life celebration while in the direct cremation the body is burnt and mourners free to remember and celebrate life of their loved one at a memorial service without the presence of the body.
Eco-friendly
More funerals are reflecting the personal passions of the deceased and awareness of green and environmentally concerns. The interest in eco-friendly burials has been motivated by concerns that cremation can create pollutants. Those concerns have led an increased number of burials using biodegradable coffins and burial shrouds with burials having no visible impact on the environment. As urban cemeteries reduce, people are turning to natural burial sites in woodland and meadows.
