Locations

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There are now many ways - and places - you can say Goodbye to your loved-one.

​Once the decision of Cremation or Burial is made, you then have choices regarding the style and location of the 'Goodbye'. 

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Burial

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As cemeteries get more crowded and our desire for longer and more personal services increase, we are generally moving away from burials to cremations. However, for those who prefer it, perhaps those with a family plot or existing arrangement, burial is still a popular option, albeit with obvious limitations.

 

Weather is an important factor, and the lack of amplification for those speaking which can make it difficult to hear. For this reason, the majority of burials are preceeded by a short chapel service, either at the cemetery itself or an alternative location in the area. At such a service, you usually have the same choices as for Crematoria, as detailed below.

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In terms of cemetery and plot location, there are an increasing number of 'natural burial' options available, both within some cemeteries or, in more recent times, woodland or specially designated natural burial sites.

If a less formal setting appeals, ask your Funeral Director about natural or woodland burial sites near you.

 

There are now also specialist natural funeral directors around - if you search online for 'natural funeral sites [manchester]' you will likely find useful information.

 

Traditional [attended] Cremation

 

More and more of us are choosing cremation as an option, which has led to a more diverse range of service styles becoming available at crematoria. Usually, the service will be led at the Crematorium Chapel itself, for which service times tend to vary between 20 - 40 minutes, with the majority around half an hour. If you choose to have just the one main funeral service at the chapel, this time needs to accommodate everything you wish to do in your 'Goodbye'.

 

For some families, half an hour simply isn't enough time, especially if there are many wishing to speak or share readings or tributes, or if you have a number of pieces of music to include. Also, if you are expecting a large number of mourners / guests at the service, be aware it can take many minutes for them to be seated and then vacate the chapel after the service.

 

An option is to hold your main service at another local venue - often, community centres and even churches are happy to loan or rent the space to you - then transfer to the Crematorium just for a short and simple Committal service. It is common for just immediate family to attend this second service.

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Alternatively, some Crematoria offer selected longer service slots or the option of booking a 'double slot', extending the time available. There is usually a charge for such longer services - again, have a chat with your Funeral Director as each Crematorium offers different choices. 

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Direct [unattended] Cremation

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In recent times, partly in response to changing preferences and also to the increasing cost of living, the option of 'Direct Cremation' has arisen. Sometimes referred to as 'pure cremation', due to the success of the company of that name who offer and advertise widely their Direct Cremations services, this new option was widely discussed after the funeral of the British music artist David Bowie, who was 'secretly cremated' without ceremony and without any friends or family present. 

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In terms of location, if you choose the Direct option for your cremation, your loved-ones will probably not have the option of being present at the place and time of your committal - in some instances, they may not know when or where your cremation took place until after the event.

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Since Bowie's death in January 2016, the option to 'make a discreet exit' has gained popularity and new companies have emerged who specialise in this form of cremation service. However, Direct Cremation is not only offered by distinct companies - if simplicity and discretion are your desire, speak to your local Funeral Director, who can almost certainly offer a very similar service, with an individual, caring touch that isn't always possible when dealing with large corporations.

 

As with all the choices open to you, your Funeral Director or Arranger will be able to guide you through all your options and help you make the right choices for your service.

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