Can You Have a Funeral Somewhere Other Than a Crematorium?
Who says a funeral has to take place in a crematorium or church, with everyone sitting in rows listening to solemn music?
It really doesn’t.
More families are choosing to say goodbye in ways that reflect the personality and life of the person they’re remembering.
And sometimes that means holding a celebration somewhere completely different.
A celebration of life at the local golf club
An old school friend contacted me recently after his mum had died.
The family had chosen a direct cremation, followed by a celebration of life at their local golf club.
Around 100 family members and friends came together to share stories, memories and celebrate her life.
Her grandson spoke, and everyone agreed that the occasion really represented Sue and the life she’d lived.
There was no traditional crematorium service. Instead, the family created something that felt right for them.
A room full of theatre people
On another occasion, I conducted a celebration of life in Bolton for someone who had spent much of their life surrounded by theatre people.
The room was absolutely packed, and the atmosphere was incredible.
It was a completely different occasion from the gathering at the golf club, but both reflected the people we were there to remember.
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation takes place without an attended funeral ceremony at the crematorium.
Families can then choose to hold a memorial or celebration of life separately, at a time and place that suits them.
That might be:
- a pub
- golf club
- village hall
- garden
- or somewhere that holds special memories.
It can also give families more flexibility over the format and length of the celebration.
What could the ceremony include?
Almost anything that feels appropriate.
You might want:
- music that makes everyone smile
- funny stories
- family contributions
- photographs
- a shared song
- or a quiet moment of reflection.
Some families want an uplifting occasion. Others prefer something intimate and understated.
And there’s nothing wrong with a traditional crematorium funeral either, if that’s what feels right.
The important thing isn’t following a particular format.
It’s creating an occasion that reflects the person who’s died and gives the people who loved them an opportunity to come together.
As an independent funeral celebrant, I can help families plan and deliver personal funerals, memorials and celebrations.
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