Here at Tester & Jones Funeral Services, we support our families to create a funeral that truly represents their loved one and we achieve this in myriad ways – in addition to the actual service itself.
A fairly typical way might be through the flowers that are chosen for the coffin and, over 20 years, we have seen many different arrangements. These range from a traditional spray – but again, the florists we work with are sometimes given themes to work round, such a beloved flower or colour. We often see arrangements in somebody’s name or ‘Dad’ for instance and, a little while ago, we fixed a flower arrangement in the shape of a penguin to a coffin, as that person adored them.
We’ve organised funerals for families who have wanted to give something extra to those attending the service. Over the years, we’ve handed out little keepsakes including bulbs and seeds, handkerchiefs, charms or small stones, sweets and candles. The seeds or bulbs – often a favourite flower - will hopefully grow and offer some brightness in the months afterwards, while the sweets are typically ones that person enjoyed, perhaps mints or toffees. Recently, those present shared a shot of whisky together after a burial service, in what was a fitting way to remember that person.
The majority of funeral services we organise involve an order of service and we know that family and friends like to take these home to remember that person. Today, an order of service is so much more than a guide to proceedings, with families using it as an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one, with photographs from different times in their life. Again, we’ve helped families to create little keepsakes in the same style, such as bookmarks and cards.
We shared a blog recently about different types of vehicle being used to transport a coffin to the service – such a tractor for a farmer. And, this is another way to make a service that bit more personal.
In addition to supporting families to make the funeral service itself bespoke, we will – to the best of our ability – arrange for any special touches. For instance, we worked with one family to hold a smudging ceremony. This is a Native American practice that involves burning sacred herbs to cleanse and purify a space (object or person). It is often performed at funeral services, as well as when someone is born or during times of crisis.
If you’d like to talk to us about making a funeral service unique, call us on tel: 01892 611811.
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