Quality funeral directors Hertford: The Austin Family has served the community, as funeral directors, for over three centuries. Our commitment to bereaved families has established Austin’s as Hertfordshire’s leading, family-owned and operated, funeral director. Those working within our family business are proud to provide a standard of professionalism, dedication and depth of knowledge, recognised by both members of the public, professionals and other funeral directors. See more info at funeral directors harpenden.

Almost half of funerals are now planned as a celebration of life (49% – Sunlife research). Perhaps in tune with a celebratory theme, 18% of those organising funerals encourage something unusual or different to be involved with the funeral. This includes bright-coloured clothing, light-hearted speeches and unusual music, for example. The most played funeral song during 2022 was “Abide With Me” – although when asked what song they would like to be played at their funeral, the most popular song was “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum. Have you thought about what music you would like played at your funeral? It’s one of the easiest ways of adding a personal touch to your service. Let your loved ones know your choice of songs – and ask them about theirs. This is a more light-hearted way of starting a discussion about loved ones’ funeral wishes – or telling someone what you would like for your own funeral. It’s never too early to make plans, offering peace of mind to you and your loved ones. If you would like to discuss funeral arrangements and options, please talk to the friendly team at Austin’s family funeral directors.

Remember it’s ok to feel sad. Allow yourself to grieve and understand that it’s a natural part of the healing process. Modify celebrations – Be prepared to modify or skip certain celebrations if they are too overwhelming. Choose the activities that feel right for you and how you feel. If your usual festive traditions are too painful, consider creating new ones that feel more manageable. This can help shift the focus and make the season more bearable. Remember that everyone grieves differently, and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate the festive season while dealing with grief. Take the time you need, be gentle with yourself, and prioritise your well-being. ‘Do’ Christmas your way this year.

A funeral celebrant is someone who officiates at funeral services. Typically, they are professionally qualified and separate from religious beliefs. A funeral celebrant supports the bereaved family to celebrate the life of the person who has died. Their role is to help create, organise and conduct a personalised and meaningful ceremony that honours the life and legacy of the deceased person. Conducting the funeral or memorial service in a compassionate and respectful manner, providing comfort and support to the grieving family and friends.

A eulogy is an opportunity to remember the life of a person who has died and provide comfort to those who are mourning. It is read aloud during the funeral service. Whilst there is no strict structure involved with preparing a eulogy, the following details are usually included: Introduction: Start with a brief introduction, introducing yourself and your relationship with the person who has died. You can also include your thoughts about them as part of your introduction.

Research amongst funeral directors shows that new trends are emerging regarding funeral planning. Some became popular due to necessity – such as the increased use of video links during the pandemic. Safety measures limited the number of people who could attend a funeral. Video links enabled people who couldn’t attend in person to view the service online. This trend has remained although the restriction on numbers has been lifted. Find more information on https://austins.co.uk/.