Do-It-Yourself Funerals? Are You Serious?

Yes, we are! Here’s how you can take control of funeral arrangements, ensuring a truly personal experience…

DIY Funerals

Traditional funerals are typically organized and conducted by funeral homes, which means most of your needs can be taken care of in one place. But, due to the standardized nature of traditional funeral arrangements, it may be challenging to incorporate personal touches that accurately represent the unique attributes and experiences of the deceased, meaning a funeral becomes a little cookie-cutter. You might not have control over the type of music that’s played, and readings and eulogies might be limited to a predetermined selection moderated by the funeral home.

Despite these challenges, it is important to note that funeral homes play a crucial role in supporting grieving families during their time of loss. Their expertise, guidance, and support alleviate many logistical burdens, allowing families to focus on the emotional aspects of the grieving process. Funeral homes also offer a sense of professionalism and experience, ensuring that essential administrative and practical tasks are handled efficiently.

But, if you’re not run-of-the-mill, a mainstream funeral might not be your thing. Maybe you need to control the narrative here and plan for something a little left of center. Maybe you don’t need anything right out there, but you’d like a little control. This is where a DIY funeral can help. Doing it yourself or having a DIY funeral allows you to have more control over the entire process, meaning you can do things according to your values, beliefs, and the wishes of the deceased.

Here are a few reasons some individuals choose to have a DIY funeral:

Personalization:
Personalization is a fundamental aspect of honoring and celebrating a person's life. It allows family and friends to pay tribute in a manner that truly resonates with their loved one's personality, interests, and values. DIY funerals provide an opportunity to create a unique and personalized experience that reflects the life and personality of the deceased. You have the freedom to choose the location, format, and specific rituals or ceremonies that resonate with you and your loved ones.

Cost-effectiveness:
It can be expensive to organise a funeral through a funeral home, and the costs can add up quickly. By opting for a DIY funeral, you have the potential to save a significant amount of money. You can allocate the funds to other meaningful aspects, such as a memorial service or charitable donations in honor of the deceased.

Emotional healing:
By taking charge of the funeral arrangements, you can also involve family members and close friends in a more profound and meaningful way. Collaboration in planning and executing the funeral can provide a shared sense of purpose and help strengthen the bonds within the grieving community. This collective effort often leads to the discovery and inclusion of personal anecdotes, stories, and memories that might not have been shared otherwise. By incorporating these intimate and heartfelt elements, the funeral service becomes a rich tapestry of remembrance, celebrating the life lived and the profound impact left behind.

Flexibility and timing:
When you’re taking care of all the funeral arrangements, you have more flexibility in terms of timing. Funeral homes often have limited availability, which may not align with your desired timeline. With a DIY funeral, you can choose a time and date that works best for you and your family.

Environmental considerations:
Some individuals choose DIY funerals to align with their environmental values. They may opt for natural burial practices, such as green or woodland burials, which have a minimal impact on the environment. DIY funerals allow for greater control over these choices and enable you to select eco-friendly options.

It's worthwhile to note that organizing a DIY funeral requires careful planning, research, and compliance with local regulations. Obtaining permits, arranging transportation, and handling the deceased's remains properly are all part of the process. Consider reaching out to resources such as home funeral guides, local support groups, or online communities for guidance and assistance in planning a meaningful and respectful DIY funeral.