Pandemic Restrictions
- FUNERAL SERVICE COULDN'T GO AHEAD
For a large part of the pandemic, it was only immediate family who were allowed to attend the funeral service. In some cases, the immediate family were shielding meaning there wasn't a funeral service that took place at all.
- RESTRICTED NUMBERS FOR CONGREGATIONS
We know the limited number of family and friends allowed in to chapels was a huge cause of anxiety and stress to chief mourners. The decision making process on who to invite and who to ask not to come has left many families with family sensitivities and feuds which a memorial service can help overcome.
- PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS PREVENTED A WAKE
We know that wakes are an outpouring of love, support and what many see is the true celebration of a loved ones life. Families coming together to share some laughter through their tears is such a positive outlet for so much grief. Even if a family were able to have their funeral service, many have still not had the opportunity for a wake.
A loved one chose a funeral plan that didn't include a funeral service.
This has become a very popular choice in recent years. Pre-paid funeral plans exist so that arrangements are already in place for when a person dies. It is comforting for some, to know their families will not have the stress and financial pressure of the funeral arrangement when their time comes. A Direct Cremation is a much lower cost option that does not include a funeral service.
Many families don't know this has been the plan their loved one chose until after they have passed away. We are able to offer families a service which will help bring them comfort whilst still honouring their loved ones wishes.
Family Sensitivities.
The death of a loved one can raise very complex family issues and may create a divide but, like with all elements of life, things change. We can help families create an opportunity for reconciliation and to put the past behind them to come together in memory of their loved one.
A loved one died abroad and many people weren't able to attend.
Again, this is extremely common. People emigrate, they start a new life in other countries but unfortunately for family members, if they pass away, it poses a number of issues. If their loved one can't be brought back to the UK for many reasons or many mourners can't travel to pay their last respects we can arrange a memorial service here.
Financial reasons made it impossible to have a funeral service or wake.
There's no denying that funeral services are expensive. If a person dies without a pre-paid funeral plan in place and their family cant afford to pay, a direct cremation or burial will be chosen by local authority.
A memorial service gives the opportunity for you to still pay your respects but at a time that suits you.
Children were too young to attend the original funeral but still need closure.
Paying your last respects to your loved one is an important part of the grieving process but there is no doubt that seeing a coffin could pose a risk of trauma for a child. For children who may not have had the choice or option to attend a loved ones funeral, they may still feel they haven't been able to say goodbye in a way that brings them comfort, acceptance or closure. Hosting a memorial service can be the opportunity for family members to come together once more and for the children of the family to partake and contribute in saying goodbye.
A chief mourner was so bereft during the process of the original funeral.
It is completely understandable that when planning a funeral service there could be mistakes made. There is so much to do and think about during a time that your brain is trying to keep you safe from the trauma of your loss. Some families feel they would like the opportunity to rectify some mistakes they felt had been made such as music choices, favourite poems read out at the service etc.
It is your loved ones wishes to not have a funeral service
Direct cremations are on the increase. Many people are now opting to not have a funeral service and instead have a direct cremation. A memorial service is then an opportunity for friends and family to come together to celebrate their loved ones life whilst still honouring their loved ones wishes.
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