Premium funeral directors services Welwyn: The Austin Family has served the community, as funeral directors, for over three centuries. Our commitment to bereaved families has established Austin’s as Hertfordshire’s leading, family-owned and operated, funeral director. Those working within our family business are proud to provide a standard of professionalism, dedication and depth of knowledge, recognised by both members of the public, professionals and other funeral directors. Read extra information at https://austins.co.uk/our-funeral-offices/funeral-directors-hitchin/.
Almost half of funerals are now planned as a celebration of life (49% – Sunlife research). Perhaps in tune with a celebratory theme, 18% of those organising funerals encourage something unusual or different to be involved with the funeral. This includes bright-coloured clothing, light-hearted speeches and unusual music, for example. The most played funeral song during 2022 was “Abide With Me” – although when asked what song they would like to be played at their funeral, the most popular song was “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum. Have you thought about what music you would like played at your funeral? It’s one of the easiest ways of adding a personal touch to your service. Let your loved ones know your choice of songs – and ask them about theirs. This is a more light-hearted way of starting a discussion about loved ones’ funeral wishes – or telling someone what you would like for your own funeral. It’s never too early to make plans, offering peace of mind to you and your loved ones. If you would like to discuss funeral arrangements and options, please talk to the friendly team at Austin’s family funeral directors.
Ask for support – Talk to friends, family, or a support group. Sharing your feelings with others who may be in a similar situation or seeking professional help can be crucial in managing your grief. Friends and family may be able to help you during challenging moments … plan how to handle them and ask for help. They could help with an exit strategy from an event, for example. Look after yourself – Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Get enough rest, eat well, and involve yourself in the hobbies and activities you enjoy. Manage your expectations and be realistic about what you can handle. It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly and to have moments of sadness.
Humanist celebrants are non-religious and focus on making the funeral service a positive reflection of the person who has died. Civil celebrants lead funerals with or without religious content, creating an occasion for mourning or a celebration of life according to the wishes of the deceased person (if known) and their loved ones. It’s important to choose a celebrant whom you feel comfortable talking with and who listens, understanding your questions and requirements. Ask for testimonials from previous clients, and look for mentions of listening, writing and presenting skills. How they managed the service and liaised with the family are also important. At Austin’s family funeral directors, we work with several funeral celebrants. If you would like their details, please let us know.
It’s essential to be relevant and honest … to speak from the heart. You can ask others for their input or any memorable stories they would like included in the eulogy. Before the funeral itself, practice reading the eulogy aloud. This helps you to feel more confident when reading it during the funeral service. Writing and reading the eulogy can be an emotional process and it’s acceptable to show your emotions during this time, from crying to laughing! The team at Austin’s is here to help with guidance about the timing involved with funeral services and eulogies. If you’re arranging a funeral and writing a eulogy, please contact us with any queries.
Research amongst funeral directors shows that new trends are emerging regarding funeral planning. Some became popular due to necessity – such as the increased use of video links during the pandemic. Safety measures limited the number of people who could attend a funeral. Video links enabled people who couldn’t attend in person to view the service online. This trend has remained although the restriction on numbers has been lifted. See even more info at austins.co.uk.