PUTTING TO REST SOME OF THE MOST COMMON FUNERAL MYTHS
When arranging a funeral, it is important to be aware of the common myths and misconceptions to avoid unnecessary costs. By doing so, the burden of laying a loved one to rest would be made easier, given that you would not be making any costly mistakes along the way.
Below are just a few examples.
1. The Coffin Must Be Transported in a Hearse
This means you can transport a coffin in any large vehicle, as long as it appropriately fits. This could include a van, 4x4, or even a large estate car. You just need to ensure that the coffin is securely fastened in the vehicle, so it does not shift during transport.
A traditional funeral procession typically consists of a hearse carrying the coffin, followed by one or more limousines for close family. However, this is not required. If you are looking to save money on your funeral expenses, you may want to ask the funeral director if there is an alternative to a hearse. You may be able to save money by driving your own car to the funeral venue.
2. The Coffins Are Recycled
Coffins are not reused or recycled after a cremation. The coffin, along with the body, is placed in the cremator and cremated until only bones remain. These bones are then cooled and placed in a machine that reduces them to ashes. The ashes are then put into a container that is labelled with the person's name and other details. People sometimes think that more than one body is cremated at a time, but this is not true. Each cremator can only handle one at a time.
3. You Need to Have a Funeral Service
A funeral without a service is also known as direct cremation or direct burial. This means that the body is cremated or buried without a funeral service beforehand. The deceased's body is usually collected from the place of death by the funeral director and taken to the crematorium or cemetery. A funeral service can be held afterwards if the family wish, but it is not a requirement.
4. You Need to Hire a Funeral Director to Arrange a Funeral
You can save money by arranging a funeral without using a Funeral Director, although it will likely be more work for you. You will need to take care of all the details yourself, including contacting the cemetery or crematorium, obtaining the death certificate, and arranging transportation for the body. You will also need to purchase a coffin or urn. If you choose to have a funeral service, you will need to find a venue and hire officiants.
5. Your Loved One Needs to Be Embalmed
There is no legal requirement to embalm a body in the UK, with the exception of when the body needs to be repatriated after dying overseas. Embalming is a process that is used to preserve a body. This is done by delaying the natural breakdown of cells which begins when a person dies. Some religious faiths, such as Judaism and Islam, do not allow for embalmings.
Conclusion
There are many funeral myths out there, and it can be hard to know what to believe. However, it's important to do your research and get the facts before making any decisions. You can make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones with the right information and save a lot of money in the process.
If you are looking to hire well-trusted funeral directors in Camberley, look no further than our services here at Holmes Funerals. As a funeral service and cemetery that is family-owned and run, we also regularly carry out funerals in many other areas, such as Fleet, Sandhurst, Farnborough, and Aldershot, among others. Call us today for more information about our funeral services and our price list.
