Alternative funerals

Alternative funerals are not traditional religious funerals.

As over 80 per cent of the population of the UK don’t regularly attend a place of worship other than for christenings, weddings and funerals, the move towards alternative funerals is understandably gaining ground.

If you don't have religious convictions, you may not want a religious funeral. Here are various alternative funeral ceremonies.

Burial at sea. Difficult to organise. An alternative is to sprinkle the ashes over the surface of the sea or lake; or to deposit the ashes into a slowly dissolving urn which gradually releases the ashes on the bottom of the sea, lake or river. These can follow a religious service or a secular ceremony.  

Civil funerals. A funeral observing the wishes, beliefs and values of the deceased and their families, not by the belief of the person conducting the funeral. Can contain a religious element, though mainly secular.

DIY funerals. The family decides to do as much of the funeral arrangements themselves as possible. Professional advice from the funeral director is advisable.

Green funerals. Where the environmental damage caused by the funeral is reduced as much as is possible or appropriate. Can be taken by a religious officiant.

Home funerals. Gaining popularity in the US, these are where the body is dressed and cared for at the family home rather than the funeral home. It can ease the grieving process. The funeral event can be religious or secular.

Humanist funerals. The ceremony is taken by a trained humanist officiant (or celebrant). There is no religious content. Family members and friends play a bigger role in reading eulogies and tributes. There is a period of quiet reflection.

Interfaith funerals. Funerals taken by trained interfaith minister who recognise that those present are likely to be from many faiths and of no faith.

Modern British funerals. A mixture of religious and secular, usually a church service but with increasing secular content such as secular music and readings. Known also as ’mix ’n’ match’ funerals.

Spiritualist funeral. A tribute to the life of someone who believed (or whose family believe) that they have gone to the ’Spirit World’, and a recognition that eventually they will be united with the deceased.

Woodland burials. Burials at designated Woodland burial sites. These are green funerals as the body, interred in a bio-degradable container, is usually marked by planting a tree.

Planning an alternative funeral

If you want an alternative funeral, you should plan it before you die, and ensure your loved ones know your funeral wishes.

We offer a secure Lifebox into which you can place your funeral wishes and other private messages.

Discuss your funeral wishes with your executor or next of kin, and select him or her to be the holder of the second key to your Lifebox, which will only open it when your death is confirmed or when you give permission.