Funeral Planners Unveil 8 Extraordinary Final Send Off Ideas
Funeral planners at Pure Cremation reveal eight extraordinary final send-off ideas, ranging from unconventional songs and unique floral displays to creative funeral dress codes and extraordinary ways to handle ashes.
In a bid to cater to the diverse and personal preferences of individuals bidding farewell to their loved ones, funeral planning experts at Pure Cremation have unveiled eight inspirational ideas for the ultimate final send-off.
Ranging from unique musical choices and unconventional funeral vehicles to exotic funeral customs and extraordinary ways to handle ashes, these suggestions aim to ease the emotional burden for those planning their own last rites.
Top 8 Funeral Inspirations
- Unconventional Funeral Songs: While traditional favourites like “Angels” by Robbie Williams, “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, and the theme tune from “Last of the Summer Wine” remain in the top 10 favourite funeral songs, some individuals opt for more unusual tracks. Songs like “Firestarter” by The Prodigy and “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang have been noted as some of the more unconventional requests.
- Innovative Funeral Food: Though sausage rolls and cut sandwiches continue to be the UK’s favourites, those planning their funerals in advance could draw inspiration from the American Deep South, where a feast of fried chicken with Mac & Cheese takes centre stage.
- Unique Funeral Vehicles: Gone are the days when coffins arrive solely in hearses. Funeral vehicles now include fire engines, flat bed lorries, camper vans, double-decker buses, motorbikes, and elegant horse-drawn carriages, providing a memorable and personalised touch to the farewell procession.
- Heartfelt Poems and Readings: For those who find it difficult to deliver a personally penned message, a wide array of wonderful poems and readings are available. Among the top 10 poems shared at UK funerals is Henry Scott-Holland’s classic “Death is Nothing at All.”
- Extraordinary Floral Displays: While lilies, orchids, roses, and carnations are the most requested funeral flowers, some go the extra mile with truly unique displays. From McDonald’s golden arches to floral handbags, tractors, football shirts, and even knitting needles and a ball of wool, these unique arrangements add a touch of individuality to the ceremony. Some have even expressed a preference for plants and vegetables over traditional flowers.
- Cultural Inspirations: Funeral customs vary across the globe, and those in the UK could take inspiration from unique traditions in other countries. In Mongolia, “sky burials” involve leaving loved ones’ bodies on mountaintops, allowing the soul to depart freely back to the wild. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, funeral parties have become notorious for their exuberance, even featuring strippers. Families hire lorries donned in neon lights, with stages for the strippers to dance all the way to the burial site. In New Orleans, the congregation are seen dancing through the streets with a jazz band.
- Unusual Handling of Ashes: The manner in which ashes are handled can reflect an individual’s personality and passions, and there are some interesting stories that could help inspire a crazy last send off. Author Hunter S Thompson requested that his ashes be cannonballed from a tower on his property. Some have requested their ashes to be concealed in fireworks, while others opt for a remote-control airplane to drop their remains in a special place. More adventurous souls even requested their loved ones drop their ashes skydiving over a special place. Additionally, some choose to transform their ashes into jewellery, or even send a capsule containing them to the moon.
- Creative Funeral Dress Codes: Gone are the days of strictly formal, all black funeral attire. Many modern services choose to embrace individuality, with mourners encouraged to wear the favourite colour of the deceased, the colours of their beloved football team, or even embrace themes like Harry Potter or Star Wars, turning the event into a celebration of life rather than grieving.
In conclusion, every individual envisions their final send-off in a unique way, and these inspirations serve as compelling food for thought for those making these deeply personal arrangements. Funeral planning has evolved into a more creative and individualised process, providing solace and comfort to those left behind.
Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.