funeral directors Stevenage UK from Austins: The family designed and built Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens in 1997, to further serve the needs of the local community. The Austin Family is committed to the continued provision of a caring, sympathetic and sensitive service to the bereaved and their loved ones for many years to come. When someone dies it is quite usual for the family to contact a Funeral Director immediately. At Austin’s, we provide a 24-hour service to support families at this difficult time. We are able to advise on the actions required for the funeral arrangements to be made. See additional information on funeral directors Hertford.
Scattering Ashes – This is an increasingly popular option and usually involves a few words spoken as a send off or final goodbye for your loved one. Relatives usually choose a place that was meaningful to their loved one. Alternatively, you can choose somewhere picturesque or peaceful. In the UK, ashes can be scattered anywhere with the landowner’s permission. Creative Options – There are several creative ways in which you can use your loved one’s ashes. Increasingly, people have jewellery made using ashes. Another art-orientated choice is to use the ashes within a painting, sculpture or glass artwork. For music lovers, ashes can be used to make a vinyl record. Some people choose to grow a tree using the ashes. It’s important that this is done using a tree pod. (Cremated ashes can harm plant life if interred on their own due to the acidity involved in the embalming process, but tree pod burials prevent this from happening.)
Christmas and New Year can be especially difficult if you have lost a loved one. If you are experiencing grief during the festive season, here are some ideas that may help you: Remember your loved one – This could include lighting a candle, creating a memorial space, or participating in activities that were special to them. For more ideas, please read our article. Decide what you need – and let people know. Let your friends and family know what you need during this time. If you need space, say that. If you need someone to talk to, let them know. It’s okay to decline invitations or step away from situations that feel too difficult. Clear communication can help others understand and provide the support you need.
Some common responsibilities of a funeral celebrant include: Meeting with the family of the deceased to gather information about the person’s life, achievements and personal beliefs. Preparing a personalised funeral service that reflects the deceased person’s personality and life story. This is usually tailored to reflect the person who has died, and the wishes of the deceased and their family. Collaborating with the family to choose appropriate readings and music that are significant to the person who has died and their loved ones.
It’s essential to be relevant and honest … to speak from the heart. You can ask others for their input or any memorable stories they would like included in the eulogy. Before the funeral itself, practice reading the eulogy aloud. This helps you to feel more confident when reading it during the funeral service. Writing and reading the eulogy can be an emotional process and it’s acceptable to show your emotions during this time, from crying to laughing! The team at Austin’s is here to help with guidance about the timing involved with funeral services and eulogies. If you’re arranging a funeral and writing a eulogy, please contact us with any queries.
Research amongst funeral directors shows that new trends are emerging regarding funeral planning. Some became popular due to necessity – such as the increased use of video links during the pandemic. Safety measures limited the number of people who could attend a funeral. Video links enabled people who couldn’t attend in person to view the service online. This trend has remained although the restriction on numbers has been lifted. Read additional info at https://austins.co.uk/.