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Woodland Burials The day of the funeral

Having made all the necessary arrangements, there should not be too much for you
to think or worry about on the day of the funeral itself, although close relatives can
Woodland burials offer an environmentally friendly alternative to feel a little anxious as the time approaches.
traditional funerals at crematoria and cemeteries.
The funeral director will guide you on what to do as the funeral unfolds. There is no set protocol

Woodland burials are becoming popular and your funeral director will for seating arrangements but priority is usually given to the principal mourners. We can ensure
that mourners are guided appropriately.
be able to tell you the location of your nearest woodland burial site.

There is no set procedure for a funeral but traditionally the funeral procession starts at the house
of the person who has died - or sometimes the hospital or funeral home - with the coffin and
cars travelling to the place where the funeral service will take place. The hearse sometimes goes
straight to the service and mourners meet there.

The coffin is taken into where the funeral service is to be held and close family members usually
follow and sit at the front. For a burial, the coffin will be taken to the grave and lowered into the
A range of eco-friendly, biodegradable coffins are available for this type of service. grave while a short service is held.
The environment of woodland burial grounds is kept as natural as possible.
Memorials and headstones are not usually permitted but often trees can be planted For a cremation, the coffin will be taken to the crematorium and placed on a stand. Towards the
to mark the grave. Your funeral director will be able to provide further information end of the service music is played and traditionally the coffin disappears from view. If you want
the coffin to remain on view until after the mourners have left, please tell the funeral director.
on woodland burials and the range of eco-coffins available. Remember that there will be a time limit for the service. You can book more time at the

crematorium if you like, although this may cost extra. We can advise on times and costs.
Dressing
We can dress your loved one in their own clothes, this could be their favourite item or outfit, like There is no set dress code for a funeral but we suggest that
a football shirt, uniform or a wedding dress. Crematoria will not allow certain items be we can mourners should dress appropriately to express their feelings
discuss this in more detail. We also have gowns which you might find a good alternative. on the day. This may well be a black suit but conversely it
could be a sports shirt if the circumstances dictate.
Visiting
We have private chapels of rest, if you would like to visit. Some people find this comforting, but Reception after the funeral
some prefer not to see the person at rest. If you like, you can put photographs or momentous in
the chapel of rest or leave items with us and we will place them in the coffin for you. The reception after the funeral, which is sometimes called the
wake, is an opportunity to mourn the passing of the person

Service Stationery who has died and, as importantly, to celebrate their life. The
Funeral stationery includes things such as order of service, attendance cards and condolence reception also gives friends and relatives the opportunity
books. It is a nice way to personalise the funeral, by adding photographs, pictures, messages, to express their condolences and support for the deceased
readings, hymns or poems. If you would like us to, we can help with how it looks and with the person’s close family.
word, so it’s all just right. Memorial card and bookmarks can also be given out at the funeral or
after the funeral as a keepsake. Choosing a location
You need to decide the sort of gathering that you and other
family members want. The deceased person may well have
Donations
If you prefer, you can ask people not to send flowers and instead give a donation to charity or made their own preferences clear either to the family or in a
other organisation. Online memorial services can be set up to organise this services such as “Just letter of wishes. If you decide to use a local hall, restaurant or
Giving” can handle donation giving to over 10,000 charities registered in the UK. Alternatively, other location you should make the booking as soon as you
we could help with a donation collection at the end of the service. have decided the date for the funeral. We will be able to help
both in choosing an appropriate location and in making the
booking.

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