Alternative Funeral Options

If a traditional funeral wouldn't fit your loved one's wishes, we're here for you. Bridgwater Funeral Services provides information on alternative funerals in Bridgwater, Somerset. We understand funerals should be customised to each individual. Our team is here to support you through this challenging time and help arrange the perfect non-traditional funeral. Below, we reflect on some of the most common non-traditional funeral ideas. We're always here to answer questions about our funeral services.

Direct cremation is rising as the most popular alternative to traditional funeral rites. Direct cremations offer a straightforward approach to funeral proceedings. Instead of a funeral service or attending mourners, the funeral home picks up the deceased individual, looks after them in its mortuary facilities, and performs the cremation at a crematorium. Following the cremation, the remains are handed back to the family, giving them the choice to organise a remembrance service. Many families take their time planning a memorial that reflects their deceased loved one's personality and wishes. It often gives family time to shift from mourning to honouring a deceased loved one in celebration through cherished memories.

A family-led funeral, also known as a small-scale attended cremation, is a commemoration event organised and directed by the deceased's family without the intervention of a professional celebrant or religious minister. The service can be customised with a heartfelt eulogy and suitable music that is tailored to mirror the character of the departed loved one. The aesthetics and proceedings of the service lie solely in the family's hands. These small-scale attended cremations or family-curated funerals offer a close-knit experience and are typically preferred by those who seek a sincere, uncomplicated send-off without a procession. The form of the service can be as conventional or unconstrained as the family wishes.

Humanists do not believe in an afterlife, so a Humanist funeral honours their beliefs in a non-religious way. Secular, non-religious, or Humanist funerals provide a poignant alternative to religious services, available as family-led funerals, traditional cremations, or direct cremations. These proceedings pay tribute to the deceased's life which is devoid of religious components, catering to varied beliefs and backgrounds. They can occur in settings such as a chapel, a crematorium or even a secular church. Many people choose a Humanist funeral because it's typically shorter, and its heart is the tribute section. The celebrant typically includes many tributes from loved ones without any religious readings.

A horse-drawn funeral is a memorable and exceptional choice, merging tradition and elegance into a profound reflection of timeless beauty. Our graceful carriages are paired with either black Friesian horses or purebred white Lipizzaner horses, adorned in vibrant or traditional black drapes and plumes. We customise our horse-drawn funeral services according to your needs and preferences. Many people choose a horse-drawn funeral as a way to symbolise beauty and reflection. We use beautiful Equus Carriages with a driver and groom dressed in traditional livery. You can choose a carriage with the choice of a black, white, or silver hearse.

A woodland burial allows the interment of a body or cremated remains in biodegradable caskets or urns with the earth without any religious obligations. An eco-burial is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to a traditional funeral service. Many people choose this burial to preserve the earth and lower their carbon footprint. The eco-friendly burial approach helps nurture nature and wildlife through your loved one's burial while creating a legacy. A vital part of woodland burials includes eco-friendly coffins that we source from suppliers like Musgrove Willows in Westonzoyland. The coffins are made from bamboo, wicker, and willow to decompose naturally. Westcombe Hill Nature Reserve in Somerton is an excellent choice for a woodland burial. This scene provides a serene location with trees and wildflowers that replace traditional gravestones.

Bridgwater Funeral Services provides complete funeral services for all your needs. We listen to your needs and goals for your loved one's funeral and make their wishes come true. Whether you want a traditional or alternative funeral service, we can do it for you. Our company offers religious and non-religious life celebrations. There is no right or wrong way to honour the death of your loved one. Let us help you find the best funeral type to fit your loved one's life and wishes. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to guide you through the challenging time of losing a loved one. Reach out to us to learn more about our alternative funeral services.