When you take out a funeral plan, your loved ones will be comforted by the knowledge that your funeral arrangements have been taken care of and you will receive the funeral you want. We recommend talking with your family and friends so that your wishes are understood and they know who to contact when you die.
A funeral plan will communicate the type of funeral you want and can relay certain specifications depending on what you decide. Plans and levels of service vary between providers; some offer several tiers of service, some only one or two. Here is a breakdown of some of the funeral options a funeral plan provider offers.
Simple Funeral Plan
Simple, low cost funerals are available from many funeral providers, offering a caring and quality service at a fair cost. A simple, low cost funeral with the comfort of knowing that quality will not be compromised is a popular choice of send off. It offers care and high standards but takes a ‘no-frills’ approach, omitting any non-essential services.
Affordable, no-fuss cremations without a formal funeral service are available from several UK funeral providers from just £1,150.
Services that may be offered as part of a funeral plan are as follows:
- Moving your loved one into the care of a funeral home
- Care for the deceased including the dressing of the body and a simple coffin
- The use of mortuary facilities or a private room in a funeral home
- The ability to visit your loved one during normal working hours
- Transportation of your loved one from the funeral home to the place of service in a hearse
- Doctors’ fees
- Cremation fees for an unattended service
Services you may be able to purchase in addition to a simple funeral plan:
- A service, celebration or ceremony at a chosen location before attending the cemetery or crematorium
- A chauffeur driven limousine to follow the hearse
- The embalming of your loved one
- Floral arrangements and orders of service
Third party fees are inevitable for services delivered by others. Your funeral service provider should manage these on your behalf but any extras must be paid for separately. It is unlikely that the following services will be available on the most simple of funeral plans:
- Choice of time and day of the funeral
- A funeral home/chapel of rest located a significant distance from the location of the deceased
- Additional transport for attendees
- Viewing of the body outside normal working hours
Third party fees can total around £1,000.
Communicating directly with your funeral plan provider is the best way to find out what is possible with regards to a financially economical funeral.
Traditional Funeral
Many funerals taking place in the UK would be considered as traditional. The day of the funeral will begin with family and close friends gathering at the home of the deceased or a close family member, to await the cortege for a religious funeral service and a committal.
A traditional service can comprise several elements such as:
- The basic services of funeral director and staff
- Embalming/preparation of the body
- Facilities and staff to attend a viewing of the body
- Transfer of the deceased to a funeral home
- The services of a hearse, and utility vehicle
- Securing and obtaining copies of the death certificate
- Help with writing and submitting obituaries
- Arranging church and clergy services
- Arranging for the opening and closing of the grave
- Obtaining necessary permits
The committal directly follows the funeral service. If the service has taken place in the crematorium chapel, this takes place without moving. The coffin is removed from view before being taken away for cremation at a time in the near future.
If the service has taken place in church, the congregation will usually travel on to the crematorium or cemetery, where a brief committal service takes place.
Many families will hold a reception after the funeral has taken place. This is an opportunity for family and friends to gather, to remember the deceased and celebrate their life.
Modern Funeral
Many people choose to turn to comforting traditions at times of loss, but there are a wide range of new trends emerging. Modern times allow for people to choose from many different ways to conduct a funeral service. A personalised send off is not out of the ordinary.
The use of technology is becoming an increasingly popular way to reach out to family and friends around the world following a death. Many funeral homes now have online resources dedicated to online memorials with videos, guest books and even offer live broadcasts of funeral services for guests who cannot be there. It can be very comforting for people who are unable to attend to visit a website in the days and weeks following a loss. It is nice to be able to share messages of support and memories.
Today’s funerals are generally quite personal and individualised than in generations past. Memorials and services that celebrate the lives, passions, hobbies, accomplishments, interests and personality of the person who has passed away, allowing an intimate and meaningful farewell.
Popular choices to personalise funerals may include displaying photos, video compilations and music playlists. Items that remind attendees of the deceased can be displayed during the service and sometimes balloons are released to say goodbye. Planning your own funeral means many of the details can be pre-arranged including music, photos or video, flowers, readings, burial details and even small gifts to be given to close friends and family.
Children’s Funeral
Dealing with the death of a child is devastating and something no one should have to experience. Having to come to terms with loss as well as organising a funeral, makes this an even more traumatic time.
Your funeral provider will offer as much support as possible following the bereavement of a child. Some funeral companies even offer funeral services free of charge up to the age of 18 years old. They will provide guidance and support every step of the way. Speak to your funeral provider for help to make this sad time personal to you and your family.
There are various charities and organisations available that offer support, both emotional and financial, to people dealing with the tragic loss of a child.
https://childbereavementuk.org/
https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/
https://www.tcf.org.uk/
Get a Quote
If you want to be in charge of your own funeral you can do so with a prepaid funeral plan quote. If you want to learn more we have put together comprehensive information on funeral plans so you can make a fully informed decision.