In times of loss, it can be hugely challenging to face planning a funeral – yet amid the sadness there is often a desire to honour a lost loved one in unique, meaningful, and memorable ways. We at L.E. Brand & Sons understand that every life deserves to be celebrated in a way that is as unique as the individual themselves, which is why we can help you on the journey of personalising a funeral for your loved one. We focus on personalisation and collaborate with you and your family to truly understand who your loved one was and work together to create a funeral that truly honours them. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ways in which you can personalise a funeral, from vehicles to secure a fitting final journey to unique personal touches.
L.E Brand & Sons is a family-run independent funeral directors who have been providing first-class bespoke funeral services to the community since 1880. This means that we understand the importance and sensitivity of this necessary process. We have a dedicated team of professionals on hand 24 hours a day to look after your needs and care for you and your loved ones. We provide compassionate knowledge and support from the very first phone call, supporting you every step of the way. If you need guidance about funeral planning, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
How To Personalise a Funeral
At L.E Brand & Sons, we have years of experience in assisting families in the next stages when someone passes away. We understand the necessary importance of personalising a funeral to ensure that your loved one is remembered and honoured in a way that reflects who they truly were.
The Type of Service
Choosing the type of service you’d like for your loved one’s funeral is a highly personal decision. Whether religious or non-religious, it’s good practice to reflect the beliefs and values of the departed. Here are some types of personalised funeral services…
- Religious
A traditional funeral with a religious ceremony. Religious funerals may include prayers, hymns, and readings in line with the deceased’s beliefs. Religious funerals usually take place in a church or chapel and are led by a religious minister.
- Non-Religious
Non-religious funerals typically exclude religious aspects. They can take place in a crematorium, cemetery chapel, natural burial site or other venue. They may be led by a celebrant, friend or family member.
- Celebration of Life
A celebration of life funeral focuses on the person’s individuality, personality and life. Music and memories typically play a big part in celebrations of life. They can be a part of a non-religious funeral or as a separate memorial.
- Eco-Friendly Funeral
An eco-friendly funeral may be a woodland burial and typically uses biodegradable materials for the coffin and memorial. This type of service can be religious or non-religious and typically takes place outside.
- Direct Cremation
This simple and dignified direct cremation service is for those who don’t require the traditional elements of a funeral service such as a ceremony or procession that involves a hearse.
At L.E Brand & Sons, we can help you with choosing the funeral service that is right for you and your loved ones. We can help you commemorate your loved one in the way that best suits them.
The Form of Transport
The journey your loved one takes to their final resting place is a significant part of their funeral service, and the form of transport you choose can be personalised. You can tailor your funeral procession to your loved ones preferences. Here are some transportation options available…
- Horse-Drawn Carriages
We have a choice of horse-drawn carriages for a truly unique and memorable experience. Our carriages and horses are available in black or white with the option of either two horses or a team of four horses to pull the carriage. This stunning funeral transport establishes a prestigious element to the proceedings which will be truly unforgettable.
- Mercedes Hearses & Limousines
We have a variety of transport options in our superb and elegant fleet, including our Mercedes Hearses and Limousines. Our Mercedes Hearses and Limousines are a refined and elegant choice that will provide your loved one, family and friends with a modern and dignified final journey.
- Vintage Hearses
We have a variety of transport options in our superb and elegant fleet, including our vintage 1937 Austin Hearse. At L.E Brand & Sons, we have been operating for over 140 years, this means that our company is older than the 1937 Austin Hearse that we have in our care. Our Austin Hearse is a classic vehicle for a dignified and elegant final journey.
We have years of experience in providing bespoke funerals. This means that we can tailor your loved one’s funeral to their wishes, including how they arrive at their funeral.
Coffins, Caskets & Cremation Urns
The type of coffin, casket or cremation urn you choose will depend upon the committal of your loved one. As the requirements for cremation differ from those for burial, we offer a choice of cremation and burial coffins, caskets and cremation urns – all of which can be personalised to your loved one.
- Coffins & Caskets
There are a variety of coffins and caskets available to suit all manner of ages and sizes. Whether your loved one has pre-planned their funeral and selected their coffin, or you are deciding for them, we’re confident that we’ll have the coffin or casket you desire. Our range of coffins and caskets includes Featherstone Cremation Coffin, Scratton Cremation Coffin, Manor Cremation Coffin, Featherstone Burial Coffin, Scratton Burial Coffin, Manor Burial Coffin, Simple Coffin, White Coffin, Seagrass or Wicker Coffin and Colourful Coffins.
- Cremation Urns
We have beautifully crafted Cremation Urns to help you remember a loved one who has passed on. Our Cremation Urns are made from various materials to help you honour the memory of your loved one with a beautiful design. Our range of cremation urns includes Bantham Mottled Red, Bloom Red Rose, Casscade Blue, Daymer Red, Going Home Black, Going Home White, Hobby Fishing, Hobby Golf, Kaleidoscope White Pearl, Polzeath Matt Copper, Prussia Candy Red, Radiance Black & Brass, Sun Flower Blue, Sun Flower Pink, Sun Flower White and Towan Polished Pewter.
If you’re not sure which coffin, casket or cremation urn would be best for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are more than happy to offer advice and explain more about our range.
Personal Touches
Adding personal touches to a loved ones funeral can provide comfort and solace during this difficult time. In addition to photographs, personalised flowers and memorials, L.E. Brand & Sons offer several options for personalised touches that honour your lost loved one.
- Releasing a Dove
We can arrange for an experienced dove handler to meet you either at the graveside or crematorium. The Dove(s) can either be released by hand or from their carriers. Releasing a dove is considered a symbol of peace, hope, and freedom.
- Condolence Book
Our condolence books allow family and friends to leave respectful memories of a very special person. We are fully aware of the importance of keeping a loved one’s happy memories alive and our dedicated team are here to help in all aspects of the funeral arrangements.
We provide a unique set of additional personalised touches to tailor your loved one’s funeral to their preferences, as well as making the funeral memorable for family and friends.
Music, Eulogy, Readings & More
The importance and impact of music should never be underestimated or overlooked and music has the power to evoke unique memories of your loved one. Choosing a loved one’s favourite songs can make a service truly personal. Likewise, a eulogy – a speech, poem or passage about the life of the person who has passed – can be deeply meaningful and can capture the essence of the person who has passed away. Readings of poetry, literature, or religious texts can offer comfort and reflection, adding meaning and memory to the ceremony.
Memorial Displays
Memorial displays are one of the best ways of showcasing significant milestones and moments from the life of your loved one and can provide valuable connections. Photographs, awards, keepsakes, mementos, awards and more can highlight your loved ones passions and interests, creating a truly personalised ceremony that honours who the individual was as a person.
Flowers & Charitable Donations
Flowers are a wonderful way of personalising a funeral ceremony and family and friends can select flowers and memorials to commemorate their loved one. Charitable donations are also a popular way of personalising a funeral service. Charitable donations can be made in lieu of flowers in honour of your loved one. We recommend choosing a charity or organisation that was important to the individual, such as a cause they were passionate about, or a research foundation related to their illness.
Why personalise a funeral?
- Honouring Individuality & Uniqueness
Every life deserves to be celebrated in a way that is as unique as the individual themselves and personalising a funeral ceremony and service allows memorable reflections to be had. From choosing music to evoke emotion and a personalised burial or cremation to releasing a dove and making charitable donations, every aspect of your loved ones funeral should honour their individuality and uniqueness.
- Providing Comfort & Solace
During times of loss and grief, personalising a funeral to reflect a loved ones likes, passions, preferences and more can provide comfort and solace to family and friends. Personalised eulogies and readings, tailored memorial displays and a funeral procession in line with your loved ones preferences can go a long way in honouring and remembering your loved one during such a difficult time.
- Celebrating Life
As much as a funeral service is about saying goodbye to a loved one, it is also a celebration of their life. Everyone is unique and has passions, hobbies, likes, dislikes and preferences and above all, personalising a funeral allows family and friends to celebrate a life lived, in line with all the things that their loved one enjoyed. A personalised funeral can provide a space for healing, connection, reflection and celebration.
In Loving Memory – Personalising a Funeral
Personalising a funeral ceremony or service is a meaningful way to honour, celebrate and remember the life of your loved one. By including elements that reflect and showcase their personality, passions, and experiences, you can create a tribute that is as unique as they were. Whether it’s through tailored ceremonies, personalised memorials, unique music choices, personal touches or the form of transport, the possibilities for funeral personalisation are simply endless.
At L.E. Brand & Sons, we understand the importance of personalisation in creating a meaningful farewell for your loved one. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, helping you to plan a funeral that truly reflects the individuality of your loved one. Together, we can create a lasting tribute that honours their memory and brings comfort. When someone you love passes away, the essence of personalisation lies in the love and memories you share. By embracing and highlighting the unique qualities of your loved one and celebrating their life in a way that is meaningful to you and your family, you create a lasting legacy that will be cherished for years to come.
Taking Care of You Every Step of the Way
If you require our services you can contact us on 01375 672142 or use our contact form. You are also welcome to visit our branch where a compassionate team member will be available to offer advice. Our opening times are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. A dedicated team is always available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and can be contacted outside of office hours.
