Category: Threadgold

SEO keyword: changing trends in funerals

Title: Changing Trends In Funerals | Threadgold Funeral Directors

Meta description: With the shift towards being more environmentally friendly, there are changing trends in funerals and how the deceased are laid to rest.

Image alt tag: The changing trends in funerals – Threadgold Funeral Directors

Funerals have always been a way for people to say goodbye and celebrate the lives of those no longer with us. In recent years, there has been a clear shift away from traditional ceremonies towards more sustainable, personalised services and technology has also caused this change. In this blog we are going to explore the changing trends in funerals, focusing on how modern society is changing end-of-life ceremonies in a way that is more personal.

The Rise of Personalised Funerals

It is no longer the norm to follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all funeral service, and there is a growing need to have funeral services that reflect the life of the deceased. Traditional, sombre ceremonies are a thing of the past.

The main change is funerals becoming celebrations of the life of the deceased, rather than a sad occasion. They focus on remembering their achievements and passions, and how they shaped the people around them. Celebrations of life usually incorporate music and storytelling to showcase the journey the deceased took.

Even traditional venues are becoming a thing of the past, and we are seeing fewer funerals being carried out at churches and funeral homes. Gardens, beaches and community centres are considered suitable venues for funerals nowadays.

Eco-friendly Funerals

Sustainability and having an environmentally friendly send-off is at the forefront of lots of people’s minds. As we are all becoming more aware of our environmental impact, there is a big switch towards more eco-friendly and ‘green’ funerals.

Green burials are becoming more popular. This is where the body is placed in a biodegradable coffin and not embalmed with chemicals that can harm the environment. The burial site is often a natural setting, so the body can decompose and return to the earth.

Cremation has always been a popular choice, but as people are beginning to realise how much energy this uses and the greenhouse gases it produces, alternatives are being sought. Water cremation (the use of water, heat and alkaline chemicals to break down the body) is a much more eco-friendly alternative, increasing in popularity.

Technological Integration

Technology is changing so much of our everyday lives, and funerals are no exception. Covid-19 triggered the start of funeral services being live streamed, so everyone could say their goodbyes from afar. Virtual funerals have started to increase in popularity as it means participants can share memories and support each other without having to physically be in the same room.

Digital memories have also become a new way to honour the deceased. Social media has become a platform where people can post on the timelines of those no longer with us and keep their memories alive. Memorial websites are also increasing in popularity as loved ones can share memories and photos as regularly as they wish.

Digital keepsakes are also being created more these days, and span from digital photo frames to interactive memorials. They are a modern way to keep the memory of a loved one alive.

Alternative Commemoration

Traditional burials and cremation are no longer the only options for commemorating the deceased, a lot more practices have emerged including:

• Memorial jewellery: this is a lovely way to keep connected to the deceased daily. Ashes can be incorporated into pendants, rings or bracelets.
• Ash scattering: if the deceased had a strong connection to a particular place, their ashes can be scattered there rather than just in a crematorium.
• Memorial events: instead of, or in addition to a normal funeral, some families organise memorial events that reflect the life of the deceased. They provide an opportunity for family and friends to come together in a personal setting.

The changing trends in funerals are definitely causing a shift towards a more personalised service, as well as factoring in the environment. For more information on how here at Threadgold Funeral Directors we can provide a truly bespoke send-off for your loved one, contact our team today.

SEO keyword: helping a grieving friend

Title: Helping A Grieving Friend | Threadgold Funeral Directors

Meta description: Grief can affect people in many different ways, and it can be hard to know how to help a grieving friend. Read this blog for some advice.

Image alt tag: 5 ways to help a grieving friend – Threadgold Funeral Directors

Everyone grieves differently and knowing how to support a friend who is grieving is always incredibly difficult. It can be hard to know what to say or do, and how not to trigger their emotions. There are many ways you can help a grieving friend navigate this painful time, here are some of our suggestions.

1. Listen without judgment

When someone is grieving they need to be listened to. They will be experiencing such a mixture of emotions and talking can help them piece things together. Help to make them feel they can safely express how they feel with you, and simply be present. Don’t get distracted by your mobile phone while they are trying to talk as that will make them feel like a burden. Also try not to interrupt them or ‘fix’ how they are feeling, let them guide the conversation. There won’t always be a solution, so just reassure them and remind them that you are there for them whenever they need you.

Here are some tips for being present:

• Let them know you are available to talk or even just sit with them.
• Use open body language and make eye contact, showing them you are actively listening.
• Avoid clichés such as ‘they are in a better place’, as this comes across as very dismissive.

2. Offer practical help

Grief is an incredibly overwhelming emotion and can often leave people feeling like they can’t complete the simplest of tasks. Offering to help with some of the practical chores is a great way to show you are there for them. Whether they need help with the dishes or even a food shop, ask them how you can be of assistance. Rather than being vague with your offers of help, be specific as they may struggle to ask for help with chores that seem basic.

Here are a few ideas to help:

• Cook or order meals – prepare something that is easy to reheat and requires little effort.
• Help with household chores including mowing the lawn, cleaning or even the laundry.
• If they are open to it, ask if they need any help with funeral arrangements.

3. Respect their grieving process

Grief doesn’t have a timeline; some people will want to talk about their loss straight away, while others need time to themselves to process everything. It is really important to respect your friend’s grieving process and don’t pressure them into talking to you.

Their emotions will also fluctuate, and one day they may seem fine, another they may have a complete breakdown. Be sensitive to these changes and offer them support – reassure them that it is normal to feel the way they do. They will heal at their own rate, so just be there for them while they navigate this difficult time.

Here are a few tips to show respect for your grieving friend:

• Avoid setting expectations – don’t expect them to follow the exact order of the 5 stages of grief.
• Be patient and allow them to grieve at their own pace.
• Offer support but don’t demand their time either, it must be on their terms.

4. Encourage self-care

Grief is an emotion that can drain you both mentally and physically, and people struggling will often not have the energy to look after themselves properly. Encouraging self-care is a lovely way to support your friend, and it doesn’t have to be a fully paid-for spa day. Even encouraging them to go for a walk with you, eat a healthy meal, or simply take some time to rest can be forms of self-care.

Suggesting activities to take part in together can give your friend a small reprieve from the intensity of grief and remind them that there is still a world out there beyond their own four walls.

Here are some other ideas for self-care to help your grieving friend:

• Physical activity – a great way to reduce stress and escape their own busy mind.
• Relaxation – mindfulness activities such as yoga or meditation can really help.
• Pampering – if they are struggling to leave their house, why not suggest a home spa day with relaxing candles and a nice bubble bath?

5. Remember significant dates 

After the initial shock of the loss, and once the funeral has been and gone, support from family and friends often dwindles. Grief isn’t something that just goes away though, and there are lots of dates including birthdays and anniversaries that can trigger those strong feelings again. Remembering these important dates will really show your friend that you care and are there for them. If you aren’t sure how to speak to them on these days, even a simple message of ‘I am thinking of you’ can go a long way. They will then know that you are there for them if they feel like reaching out.

Here are a few ways to acknowledge important dates to help a grieving friend:

• Send a card or message to show that you remember and care.
• Offer to spend time with your friend so they are not alone during a tricky time.
• Create a tradition, a way of honouring their loved one on this important date each year.

Helping a grieving friend isn’t always about having the answers, sometimes it is just about sitting there quietly with them so they feel less alone during this difficult time. Remember grief is a journey, and having someone to go through it all with can make it feel a lot less daunting.

SEO keyword: personalising a funeral

Title: Personalising A Funeral – 4 Ways | Threadgold Funeral Directors

Meta description: Saying goodbye to a loved one is always incredibly hard, so personalising a funeral service is a lovely way to help remember their life.

Image alt tag: 4 ways to personalise a funeral – Threadgold Funeral Directors

Funerals are an incredibly personal way to honour the life of a loved one who has passed away. They provide an opportunity for friends and family to celebrate their life and share precious memories they have. Personalising a funeral can make this final goodbye even more meaningful, so let’s explore four thoughtful ways to ensure a funeral is a fitting tribute to the person being remembered.

Customising The Ceremony

One of the best ways to personalise a funeral is by customising the ceremony. Traditional funeral services tend to follow a certain format, but there is room to add your own touches to reflect the personality of the deceased. Here are a few ideas for personalising a funeral:

• Choose a unique location: the majority of funerals are held in churches or crematoriums, but this doesn’t always have to be the case. If your loved one had a favourite place such as a beach or park, you could hold the service there. Do check local regulations and obtain the necessary permissions when choosing an unconventional location though.

• Personalise the order of service: the order of service can be personalised in many different ways. You could include the deceased’s favourite hymns or poems, and if they had a hobby then you could incorporate themes related to that into the ceremony too. If they were passionate about a particular cause, you could include a donation collection in their memory.

• Involve family and friends: one of the best ways to personalise a funeral is to involve family and friends of the deceased. Encourage them to share memories or read poems, as this will create a much more meaningful experience, helping to bring everyone together.

Adding Personal Momentos

Personal items are a great way to remember the journey of the deceased, shining light on their achievements and the impact they had on others. Here are a few ways you can incorporate personal moments into the funeral service:

• Memory display: a memory table or display is a wonderful way to showcase items that were significant to the deceased. This could be photographs, personal belongings or items related to their hobbies or interests. A visual representation of their life can spark more happy memories for those attending the service.

• Tribute wall: a memory book or tribute wall is a place where family and friends can write down messages of condolence or personal stories about the deceased. This can help to provide comfort to those closest to the deceased, as well as remind them of the support available. Funeral services are often over so quickly that it is hard to remember everything people say, so a memory book or tribute wall can help with this.

• Personalised coffin or urn: these can be decorated with themes or colours that reflect the personality of the deceased. A coffin could be painted in their favourite colour, and urns can be engraved or customised with photographs.

Creative Use of Music

Music and multimedia are often used within funeral services to add a touch of personalisation, and can often lead to more memories being remembered. Here are a few ways to incorporate music or multimedia into a funeral:

• Creating a personal playlist: music can evoke both emotions and memories, so having a playlist running throughout the funeral is a lovely way to add that personal touch. The playlist can serve as a soundtrack to the life of the deceased, so allowing family and friends to contribute will make this even more special.

• Video slideshow: a photo slideshow or video of the deceased’s key moments will create a moving tribute to help celebrate their life. Make sure the equipment is all tested in advance though, it would be devastating if the slideshow didn’t work on the day of the funeral.

• Live streaming the service: some people may not be able to attend the funeral, particularly if the deceased has moved away from home. Live streaming is a great way to include distant family and friends, allowing everyone to feel part of the ceremony.

Commemorative Activities & Memorials

After the ceremony itself there are other ways to remember the life of the deceased moving forward:

• Planting a memorial tree: planting a tree or creating a memorial garden gives family and friends of the deceased somewhere to go and remember them. By providing a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance, this will help to feel close to their loved one.

• Memorial donations: if the deceased was passionate about supporting a particular charity or cause, ask people for donations when attending the funeral. Lots of people are moving away from the tradition of sending flowers, by putting that money to good use instead. Some families create a memorial fund to support a worthy cause.

• Releasing lanterns: a symbolic release such as lanterns or butterflies can give that sense of letting go following a funeral service. If you opt for this, consider environmentally friendly options such as biodegradable lanterns so no wildlife comes to harm as a result.

Personalising a funeral is a fitting way to honour the life of a loved one. Here at Threadgold Funeral Directors, we do everything we can to make the service that little bit more special. We have personalised funeral services in many ways, from hiring saxophonists to allowing dogs to lead the procession. We really are focused on making those last steps of a deceased’s journey special and memorable, so do get in touch with our team to see how we can help.