The dictionary definition of the word funeral imparts words such as celebration, sanctity or respect in the context of a ritual that is designed so that mourners can remember the life of the deceased in a setting that they deem most appropriate. In modern Britain, individuals are increasingly choosing how their loved ones are going to be remembered, and this has meant a fusion of the traditional or religious with the more secular and personal. Such funerals tend to have a traditional burial in coffins or caskets, but the ceremony itself is a unique and personal occasion with the wishes of the dead at the forefront of planning and organisation. These funerals are referred to as hybrid or to use a less clinical term modern funerals and are characterised by the following elements:
Modern Funerals and Worship
A modern funeral still takes place in a church or equivalent site of worship, in this sense it is still primarily a religious ceremony. As such a minister or will almost certainly reserve the right to refuse requests that are considered inappropriate for a Christian church. It is, therefore, advisable to consider the wishes of the deceased as soon as possible with the minister and persons who are going to be carrying out the funeral rites. Most ministers will accommodate the needs of their parish members, but it is advisable to discuss as opposed to assuming. Any decent funeral director will provide advice on how to organise and plan a modern funeral and because each is likely to be different, it is possible to see the modern funeral as an opportunity to arrange a tailor-made occasion. To succeed, families and loved ones need to be clearly informed and respectful of the wishes of the deceased and arguably the best way to ensure this is for the deceased to set up a life box.
What is a life box?
A life box is at its simplest a casket or container that can only be opened upon the passing of the deceased or under the instructions of the person who is dying. It is an opportunity for a person to plan their funeral so that it can be conducted on their terms. These funeral wishes are accessed by a partner, close family member, loved on or executor of the estate. Aside from documenting the funeral wishes it should also contain a copy of the Will and any other details that are necessary to put the affairs of the deceased in order. A life box ensures that your loved ones do not have the stress of dealing with or organising a funeral celebration and avoids any unpleasantness as regards the wishes of the deceased.
Overall the whole point of the modern UK funeral is to move away from the traditional or proscriptive and embrace a ceremony that befits the wishes, achievements and passions of deceased during their lifetime.
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- Greater accessibility for mourners of different faiths and those of no faith such as humanists or atheists.
- A greater focus on the participation of family members and close friends when it comes to reading tributes or playing music.
- Readings and music itself tend to be a mix of the traditional and secular, and seeks to reflect the uniqueness and life of the deceased.
- Dress code does not have to be formal, and often coffins or caskets are equally unconventional.
Modern Funerals and Worship
A modern funeral still takes place in a church or equivalent site of worship, in this sense it is still primarily a religious ceremony. As such a minister or will almost certainly reserve the right to refuse requests that are considered inappropriate for a Christian church. It is, therefore, advisable to consider the wishes of the deceased as soon as possible with the minister and persons who are going to be carrying out the funeral rites. Most ministers will accommodate the needs of their parish members, but it is advisable to discuss as opposed to assuming. Any decent funeral director will provide advice on how to organise and plan a modern funeral and because each is likely to be different, it is possible to see the modern funeral as an opportunity to arrange a tailor-made occasion. To succeed, families and loved ones need to be clearly informed and respectful of the wishes of the deceased and arguably the best way to ensure this is for the deceased to set up a life box.
What is a life box?
A life box is at its simplest a casket or container that can only be opened upon the passing of the deceased or under the instructions of the person who is dying. It is an opportunity for a person to plan their funeral so that it can be conducted on their terms. These funeral wishes are accessed by a partner, close family member, loved on or executor of the estate. Aside from documenting the funeral wishes it should also contain a copy of the Will and any other details that are necessary to put the affairs of the deceased in order. A life box ensures that your loved ones do not have the stress of dealing with or organising a funeral celebration and avoids any unpleasantness as regards the wishes of the deceased.
Overall the whole point of the modern UK funeral is to move away from the traditional or proscriptive and embrace a ceremony that befits the wishes, achievements and passions of deceased during their lifetime.
http://www.jcwalwyn.co.uk/