Independent funerals
You do not have to use a funeral director to hold a funeral. Although most people use a funeral director, some people prefer to organise funerals themselves.
A funeral director will typically organise the funeral by
- collecting and moving the body
- arranging embalming and viewing of the deceased
- providing a coffin, hearses and so on
Carrying out these services relieves the bereaved from doing what they may feel are unpleasant and difficult tasks. However, funeral directors operate commercially and charge for their services, which can be expensive.
Some people do not wish to use a funeral director
Some people do not wish to use a funeral director because they:
- feel that passing the body of a loved one over to strangers is wrong
- feel that personally organising a funeral is their final tribute to the deceased person
- may wish to save money by doing everything themselves
- may have used a funeral director on a previous occasion and found the experience unsatisfactory.
- may feel that funerals arranged with a funeral director are routine and processed
- are looking for an innovative and different approach
It is your right to make this decision.
Funerals can be handled by the bereaved family
The bereaved family can arrange the entire funeral. This is an independent funeral.
These funerals will be different because you may not be able to include some traditional funeral elements.
Currently, many funeral directors will only sell coffins or offer a hearse for use as part of an entire funeral package.
Independent funeral arrangers will need to use their own vehicles or hire vans instead of a hearse. They may also make their own coffin or use a biodegradable type.
You can find useful help and advice on funerals on the Funerals Guide website.
