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Alternative Funerals
Alternative Funerals
The term “alternative” funerals means different things to different people. We understand it to mean that you want to explore the possibilities and make your own choices, whether that involves a funeral service cremation, a burial service, or a memorial service. The driving principle should be to have the time, information, and flexibility to make the choices that you believe best reflect the person who has died and are most helpful for the people for whom the funeral is important. This should never be influenced by what is convenient for the funeral director or what is in their professional comfort zone.
An event that one person might call an alternative funeral could involve a cremation funeral service or a cremation burial service with some personalised choices, whereas another person might choose a traditional burial service with some aspects which are entirely unique. In fact, the labels themselves might not be helpful. Many of us identify with certain traditions while creating our own alternative funeral traditions, which may include environmentally friendly funerals or eco-friendly burials. We believe the key is for you to receive the right information and support, allowing you to create an alternative funeral that reflects your wishes. Whether you’re planning a burial service or a cremation with funeral service, our goal is to help you create something that feels meaningful.
We will first listen to you and then tailor our support to meet your needs. Some people want clear guidance and direction on matters such as how to choose a burial or cremation, how to plan a burial service, or what happens at a cremation service in the UK.
Others prefer to be informed about their options, such as choosing a crematorium, and then feel empowered to make the choices that are right for them. With the right support, you can create a funeral that really looks and feels right to you, whether it’s a home funeral, direct cremation, or a service at a crematorium. What matters most is that people have the opportunity to feel connected after bereavement.
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Our funeral directors in Guiseley, Bramley (Leeds), Altrincham, and Harrogate will support you through the funeral arranging process at a pace and manner that works for you. Whether you’re curious about what happens at a burial service, how to conduct a burial service, or funeral options for cremation, we can guide you every step of the way. You will find some information about alternative funeral choices below, or you might find it helpful to look at our options and prices page for some more ideas.
We find that more people are willing to travel a little further to find a funeral director who will best meet their needs, whether they are planning a cremation or burial in the UK or an environmentally friendly funeral. We support families from across Yorkshire and Cheshire and are always happy to answer any questions you may have about alternative funeral choices, cremation services, or anything else funeral-related.
I was listened to and anything that I mentioned was treated respectfully. Suggestions were made which gave me ideas of where I wanted to go with arrangements. I was understood and my feelings were taken into consideration.
– P M Potter
Alternative funeral choices
Having a full understanding of the alternative funeral options that are available can be extremely helpful. When you know what is possible the choices that feel right can seem much more obvious.
We would always suggest that you give yourself a little time and space before making your final choices and feel able to change your mind as your thoughts evolve. Your funeral director will help you to put all your choices together and will do as much, or as little, as you want them to.
Venues – you may wish to consider holding the service at an alternative venue. We have supported families to arrange funerals which have taken place in their own home, garden, a local community center and function rooms. Many places will allow the coffin to be present
Committal – you could have a look at the local crematoria, local authority, and natural burial grounds before making your final decision. We have helped many families arrange funerals at their local Natural Burial Grounds, which are often beautiful locations to hold an alternative funeral
Coffins – there are many different alterative coffins to choose from; wicker, wool, cardboard, and alternatives to the traditional wooden coffin are all available and examples of these can be seen in each of our services
Flowers – using flowers from the garden or wildflower arrangements can be an alternative to traditional funeral flowers. There are a substantial number of possibilities – for example, we have supported families who have chosen potted plants (such as chilli plants) and have arranged for personal items such as a trowel, walking boots or vegetables from the allotment to be incorporated into the arrangements
Celebrants – you may prefer to have a civil celebrant, Humanist celebrant or religious leader to conduct the service. Alternatively, you may wish to do so yourself – it is not a requirement for the service to be led by a “professional” and many families we have worked with have created beautiful formal and informal services themselves
Transport – there are a variety of hearses that you can choose from, and our 100% electric eco-hearse is a popular choice for people wishing to make more alternative funeral choices. If you have a suitable vehicle then you could arrange to transport the coffin yourself (with some assistance, if you prefer)
Other alternative choices – there are many options available for stationary, refreshments, musicians, dress codes, memory tables and personal tributes. Please contacts us if you would like to know more (or you might find our funeral arranging podcast or funeral arranging guide helpful)
