It is often
assumed, quite wrongly, that funerals can be completed only with
the use of a funeral director.
For information call the Cemeteries Officer on 01376 557772.
Although a funeral director will be invited to organise the
majority of funerals, some people prefer to organise funerals
themselves.
The funeral director typically organising the funeral by collecting
and moving the body, arranging embalming and viewing of the
deceased, providing a coffin, hearse and other elements. Carrying
out these services relieves the bereaved from doing what they may
feel are unpleasant and difficult tasks. Ultimately, the funeral
director must operate commercially and in charging for his or her
services, funerals can be expensive. In addition, the funeral
director imposes him/herself on the arrangements to a greater or
lesser degree.
Some people do not wish to use a funeral director. This can be for
a wide variety of reasons. They may feel that passing the body of a
loved one over to strangers is wrong. Some feel that personally
organising a funeral is their final tribute to the deceased person.
Others may simply wish to save money by doing everything themselves
or may have used a funeral director on a previous occasion and
found the experience unsatisfactory. Some may feel that funerals
arranged with a funeral director are routine and processed, and
some may desire an innovative and different approach. It is, of
course, your right to make this decision without giving a
reason.
The entire funeral can be handled by the bereaved family and
charter members are able to assist in facilitating this. Such a
funeral is referred to as 'Personalised' or 'Independent', rather
than the possibly offensive term 'DIY' funeral. These funerals will
be different because traditional funeral elements may be
unobtainable. Currently, many funeral directors will not sell
coffins separately; neither will they offer a hearse for use,
unless the entire funeral package is purchased.
Consequently, personalised funeral arrangers use their own vehicles
or hire vans in lieu of a hearse. They may also make their own
coffin or use a biodegradable type.
Responsible Officer Contact Information
Cemeteries Services tel: 01376 557772 Email:
customerservices@braintree.gov.uk