Personalising The Funeral

Choosing a coffin or casket is an opportunity to reflect the individuality of your loved one.
From traditional wood finishes to eco-friendly wicker or bamboo, and even custom-painted designs, there are countless options to suit personal tastes and beliefs.

Many families choose designs that reflect hobbies, careers, or favorite colors to create a fitting tribute.

Choosing a coffin or casket is likely to be one of the most significant choices you’ll make when arranging a funeral for your loved one, and we are here to help you make the decision that is right for you and the deceased.

The final journey can be as traditional or as unique as you wish. At Thomas Furber & Co., we have a fleet of funeral cars to transport your loved one to their final resting place, as well as family and friends on the day of the funeral.

Other options include horse-drawn carriages, motorbike hearses, and beloved vintage vehicles. These choices allow you to make a poignant statement and reflect on the life and personality of the deceased.

Choosing the route the funeral procession takes is also something you may wish to consider, as it will allow you to pass locations and landmarks that had a special meaning to your loved one.

Most funerals are held in places of worship or crematorium chapels, and we have excellent relationships with these venues.

But suppose you wanted to host the service locally at a less formal venue, such as a hotel, community room, or other venue, to create a really unique and personal funeral service. In that case, we are happy to liaise with the venue on your behalf to see if this is possible.

Selecting the right person to lead the service can make all the difference. Whether it’s a religious leader, a professional celebrant, or a close friend or family member, the choice should reflect the values and relationships of your loved one.

We have excellent relationships with local ministers and celebrants. We are happy to recommend people who we believe will be the best fit for you and your family to represent your loved one on the day of the funeral.

Flowers are a timeless way to express love and remembrance. Personalised floral arrangements can incorporate favourite blooms, colours, or symbolic designs such as hearts, crosses, or even bespoke shapes representing hobbies or interests.

We have a number of florists that we use locally that we can recommend.

Instead of traditional flowers, some families prefer to collect donations for a charity close to their loved one’s heart. This thoughtful gesture not only honours their memory but also contributes to a cause they cared about.

If you wish, we can arrange for there to be a collection of donations to a charity or charities of your choice.

The order of service can be both practical and personal. As well as listing the running order of the service, it can include photos, poems, or personal messages, which can turn the order of service into a heartfelt tribute.

We can help you create an order of service that is personal and something that family and friends will treasure as a memory of the person who has died.

We can also help you with other stationery items, such as pew cards, message cards, and condolence books, further enhancing the day’s theme.

Music and readings provide a deeply personal touch. From favourite songs and hymns to meaningful poetry or scripture, these elements can capture the essence of your loved one. Whilst you may have an idea of a favourite song or poem that you would like to include in the funeral service, we can suggest others too that we think you may like.

Audio-visual presentations, such as photo slideshows or video tributes, can be a beautiful way to share memories. We can create these on your behalf, or you can create your own, to play on screen in the crematorium.

On the day, we will ensure that all these audio-visual elements run smoothly, just as you want them to.

We understand that not everyone can attend the funeral service in person. At some venues, it is possible to arrange for the service to be live-streamed online so everyone who wishes to pay their respects can do so, no matter where they are.

If this interests you, we can advise on the local venues where this is possible.

A wake provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather and celebrate your loved one’s life in a more informal setting.

Whether it’s a traditional reception with catering or a themed event reflecting their hobbies or interests, the wake can be tailored to suit the family’s wishes.

After the cremation or burial, and when the time is right, you might wish to create a lasting memorial to your loved one.

Memorials offer a lasting way to honour your loved one’s memory. Options include personalised headstones, benches, or planting a tree in their name. Other ideas, such as ashes jewellery and ornaments, memory boxes or online memorial pages, provide a space to cherish and share memories with future generations.

Or if your loved one was buried or you choose to inter ashes, you may wish to create a headstone or gravemarker.