The Funeral Service  

Choose the right structure, readings, music, ceremony and style to suit the person, and the natural setting will add the final touch...

Traditional and dignified, or unconventional, informal and celebratory - remember that this is an opportunity to celebrate a person's life.

A natural burial will often be the final part of a traditional funeral after a service at church or chapel with a select group of family and close friends coming to the commital service at the natural burial ground.

However, it is not necessary to stick to tradition if you would prefer something different. Conduct the service at the burial ground; celebrate with an open-air picnic; wear bright colours or a favourite team's strip; decorate the coffin yourselves; include colour and photos in the order of service; take favourite things (the dog?); release doves, be imaginative, creative and individual. Remember, your funeral director is there to help you arrange what you want.

Ministers and humanist celebrants can help a great deal and give a comforting framework to the proceedings.

Remember to tell those attending the burial that the ground conditions might be uneven and muddy underfoot so stout footwear and often wellies will be necessary.

A structure or framework for the event will help put people at ease and will provide an opportunity to plan what is said, who will speak, to choose music, and for children to be included.

Arrange a venue for a gathering before and after the burial and think about the catering.

Take some single flowers, lavender or petals to scatter into the grave afterwards.  A tied bunch of garden flowers or a simple posy of favourites is more poignant and fitting to the surroundings than an elaborate arrangement. Please plan how you will dispose of any floral arrangements after the burial or they can be left for us to remove.

If you have reliable and efficient friends (who will be longing to be asked to help) then go ahead and delegate.

Return and visit as often you wish. Some people find it helps with grieving to mark anniversaries of events and holidays with a visit to the burial site. S- Spend time reflecting in a peaceful setting; come again with family and friends and enjoy the natural surroundings.