What to Write on a Headstone
A guide on how to choose an inscription for a loved one “It’s not set in stone.” We say it lightly, often half-jokingly because it’s true for most occasions and situations in life. Yet, one day we might just face the task of having to decide what message we want to have carved into stone, […]
Understanding Hindu Funerals: Traditions & Etiquette
Hinduism is not only the third largest religion in the world but also the third-largest religious group in Britain. In 2011, more than 800,000 Hindus of the estimated one billion followers worldwide lived in the UK. They practice their religion in over 160 Hindu temples across the country. Just like Buddhists, Hindus believe in karma […]
12 Weird, Wonderful and Unique Funeral Requests and Last Wishes
Father Christmas attending a funeral, Drag Queens lightening the mood with a cabaret show, dress-codes ranging from colourful hats to wellies, from clown and Gladiator costumes to beach attire, pagan rituals instead of a traditional service or scattering the cremation ashes with fireworks – funerals are becoming more personal and celebratory. The SunLife Cost of […]
Understanding Buddhist Funerals: Traditions & Etiquette
Buddhism is practiced by over 500 million people worldwide (~ 240.000 Brits identify as Buddhists) and therefore considered one of the world’s main religions. However, many consider it more of a philosophy or spiritual practice as contrary to other religions there’s no deities or creator God that’s being worshipped. Buddhism originated in India roughly 2500 […]
The Power of Mourning Rituals and How They Can Help us Cope With Grief
One could argue that we, as human race, should have learned a thing or two about grieving and mourning over the thousands of years we’ve inhabited this planet. There is no life without death. It’s a simple truth and we do know it – yet, we have somehow become strangely estranged from death and dying. […]
Understanding the Grieving Process: How to cope with the death of a loved one
Grief is a multifaceted and complex response to loss. It is universal. Our experience of grief, however, is utterly unique. There is no “right” way to grieve, therefore there’s also no “wrong” way to do it either. It usually takes more time and work, though, than people expect or anticipate. This blog post will explain […]
Jewish Funerals: Traditions & Etiquette – A Guide to Understanding Jewish Funerals
Jewish funerals are rich in rituals, customs and traditions. There are three main churches within Judaism: orthodox, conservative and reform. Depending on the beliefs of the family of the person who died and how they live their faith the funeral laws they abide by and how they mourn will differ. If you – as a […]
How to Write a Great Obituary – with Examples
An obituary ideally evokes the feeling of a whole life, even though in its essence it is a notice of death. How to capture the uniqueness of a person, how they impacted those around them and their achievements in just a few hundred lines, though? And of course, it should also contain key information like […]
Comparing Prepaid Funeral Plans & Funeral Insurance
Prepaid funeral plan vs funeral insurance – which one is better for me? What option is safer? And do I really need one? In 2020, the average cost of a funeral was £4,184 in the UK – and that didn’t include professional fees or send-off costs. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly £9,263 in funeral expenses, […]
Dedicating a Funeral Tribute Video to Your Loved One
Creating a funeral video is a wonderful and very special way to pay tribute to a loved one who died. It allows you to show the attending family members, friends and acquaintances different facets of their life and can help with the grieving process. In this guide on how to make a funeral tribute video, […]