Traditions

The Co-Operative Study

The Co-Operative recently done a study on the traditions of a UK funeral and they shared some interesting findings which I have listed below.  The study which is called "The ways we say goodbye", suggests that people are now returning to old Victorian traditions and that this can be attributed to celebrity funerals such as Princess Diana and Jade Goody.

They claim that:-

Half of today's funerals are a celebration of life and one in ten includes no religion at all.

One in three funerals include a favourite pop song, football theme or hobby.

Personalised funeral flowers such as MUM and DAD are increasingly popular with specialist tributes also being a favourite.  These include pints of guiness, cricket bats etc etc.

In 60% of funerals the deceased is dressed in something that reflects their hobby, life or job.

One in 20 coffins are made bespoke, for example a lancaster bomber shaped coffin.

Top Ten Songs in 2010

My Way - Frank Sinatra/Shirley Bassey

Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler/Celine Dion

Time To Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman/Andrea Bocelli

Angels - Robbie Williams

Over The Rainbow - Eva Cassidy

You Raise Me Up  - Westlife/Boyzone/Josh Grobin

My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston

You’ll Never Walk Alone  - Gerry and the Pacemakers

Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

Order of Service

Often families will go to a printer to get an order of service printed for the funeral service.  This is proving to be a very sentimental piece of writing, as often there is a paragraph or two about the deceased and their way of life, what they have achieved and how they will be missed.  Mourners are happy when they have something to remember the deceased by, especially the photograph.

Wake

After the funeral service and burial/cremation, people continue to celebrate the life of the deceased by inviting mourners to join them in a local club.  Food is often served and a drink will follow to celebrate the person's life, it is here where funny stories are exchanged about the deceased.

Flower Traditions

The main flowers

The main flowers for the top of the coffin and the sides are usually chosen by the next of kin and close family and close friends.  These designs would include;-

For the top of the coffin

Coffin Spray (double ended)

Cross

Hearts

For the side of the coffin

Letters such as MUM, DAD, BROTHER, SISTER etc

Hearts, Double Hearts, Open Hearts,

Pillows / Cushions

Other flowers

Other flowers from friends, neighbours and work colleagues could include.

Sprays in Foam (single ended)

Wreaths

Sheaths (in cellophane)

This page will be updated with further traditions as time goes on...