Beliefs, identity and values

Faith and cultural practice can affect how soon the funeral should take place, how the person is cared for, who may wash or dress them, the coffin or shroud, prayers and readings, the place of worship, the ceremony leader and what happens at burial or cremation.

It helps to tell us early about:

• any time-sensitive requirement
• who should be involved in caring for the person
• the preferred place of worship, cemetery, burial ground or crematorium;
• the role of a minister, faith leader, family elder or community representative;
• requirements for the coffin, shroud, orientation, prayers, music, food or mourning period.

A non-religious funeral can focus on the person’s life, relationships and values without religious worship. It may be led by a humanist life celebrant, a family member or friend, and can include music, readings, silence, stories and personal tributes.

The ceremony does not have to follow a fixed script. The person leading the service can help shape a clear structure and make sure the important parts of the person’s story are represented accurately.

We will use the person’s correct name, title and pronouns and respect the relationships and chosen family that mattered to them. Tell us privately if there are family dynamics, disclosure concerns or safety considerations that need careful handling.

The ceremony, clothing, photographs, music and tributes can reflect the person as they lived. Information shared with us will be handled with discretion and only used to arrange the funeral as agreed.

A greener funeral is not one fixed package. The environmental effect can be influenced by the type and location of the funeral, travel, the coffin and materials, flowers, printed items, memorial choices and what happens to ashes.

Depending on the funeral and local requirements, you may wish to consider:

• a local venue, cemetery, crematorium or burial ground that reduces travel;
• a coffin or shroud made from materials accepted by the chosen venue;
• seasonal flowers, living plants, charitable donations or fewer floral tributes;
• digital communication or a smaller print run for orders of service;
• shared transport or a simpler procession
• a natural burial ground or lower-impact memorial choice, where available and appropriate.

We will check that any product or option is permitted by the chosen crematorium, cemetery or burial ground before it is confirmed.