Information on D.I.Y funerals
Ever wondered how a D.I.Y or Family led funeral works? This is a brief overview of one that I’ve done.
The key, if possible, is preplanning. The only part I really needed the services of a funeral director for was the collection and storage of the deceased. Not all funeral directors will be on board with your ideas – speak to as many as you can about your plans – there will be someone out there that is keen to help. In my area (Kent) it was Alex from Sullivan and Sons in Dover 01303 201322.
I made a coffin from 12mm plywood. (Do not use marine ply, apparently it has glues in it that the crematoriums don’t like.) If you want to know which material is suitable, just contact your local crematorium, they will advise. Also if you’re going for a cremation you will need to line the coffin with ‘crem liner’. Turns out this a continuous, unbroken piece of plastic. I used a piece of damp proof plastic.
I made an appointment with the crematorium of choice – in this case it was Thanet, Kent. I took the death certificate and completed the Green form myself. This was not difficult, and the registrar was on hand if I needed help. The slot for the private funeral was then given. Irrespective of whether you attend the service or not, you are allocated a 20 minute slot. Within this you can have choice of music. You can sit and reflect or simply walk away. The crematorium staff were helpful and offered me use of the hydraulic trolley for the day. It’s worth a mention that this particular crematorium offers an early morning slot which is approx. £200 cheaper than main daytime slots.
Prior to the day of the funeral, I delivered the coffin to the undertakers ready for him to place the body on the day of cremation. I collected the coffin and the undertaker helped us place it in the back of my van (and kindly took off the metal handles I’d put on – not allowed by crematorium – plastic only!!!)
When we arrived at the crematorium, the hydraulic trolley was waiting ready for us.
A few weeks later, friends and family gathered in a favourite place and we scattered the ashes to the wind. Overall this was a very personal and informal type of process.
This is a brief overview of what I did for a ‘private’ (or as the crematorium call it – a family led funeral).
If you would like to know more, please contact me – I’ll be happy to pass what I got from this experience on.
Useful links
- The Money Advice Service - Arranging a funeral yourself (without a funeral director)
Sue Grogan is “A Pretty Handywoman”
She offers handywoman services for home repairs, improvements & maintenance in Whitstable, Herne Bay, Kent area. From a wide range of small odd jobs to larger projects around your home.
